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News18
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
6 Harry Potter Secrets That Even Die-Hard Fans Might Have Missed
From hidden meaning behind the names to certain connections to the real-life scenarios, JK Rowling cleverly hid many clues in the books. Beyond the spells and dark magic which has been showcased in the Harry Potter film series, there are certain small details that the author of the books, JK Rowling, cleverly hid. The details are such that even fans who have read the book series could have missed them. Now, as the magical world of Harry Potter is set to return to the screen more than one and a half decades after the film series concluded in 2011, let's have a look at some lesser-known facts. Rowling did not just choose the names randomly. Many names have hidden meanings. For example, Voldemort, which is scary on its own, but in French, vol de mort means flight of death. In Chambers of Secret, it is shown that the name 'I am Lord Voldemort" is made from rearranging the letters of 'Tom Malvoro Riddle." Once, the author also revealed that the 't' in the antagonist's name is silent. Meanwhile, the meaning of 'Malfoy or mal foi' in Draco Malfoy's name means bad faith in French, which suits his complex personality. Lupin's Curse Has A Connection To The Real World Remus Lupin's transformation into a werewolf during a full moon was more than just a fantasy. According to Reader's Digest, Rowling said, 'Remus Lupin's affliction was a conscious reference to blood-borne diseases such as the HIV infection." Even the Wolfsbane Potion that he drinks is like a magical version of the medicines used for the disease. And if you rewatch Prisoners of Azkaban, you would notice that Lupin looked pale and tired, symptoms similar to those of the disease. Snape's First Words Were A Hidden Message While the very first line that Snape tells Harry Potter in Sorcerer's Stone might seem cold at first, it had a hidden meaning. The wizard asked the latter about 'powdered root of asphodel and an infusion of wormwood." Asphodel is a kind of lily, and when the words are put together, it means 'I bitterly regret your death," as per Victorian floriography. It seemed like a message to Harry's mother, Lily, whom Snape secretly loved. On the other hand, every potion that Snape mentions in the films exists in the real world. When Ginny Almost Didn't Take The Horcrux In the Chamber of Secrets, the Weasleys nearly left their home for Hogwarts without taking Ginny's diary with them. According to Reader's Digest, they had to turn the car to get it. No one actually knew that the diary was one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. That small moment led to the Chamber of Secrets being opened again. Two Horcruxes Were Hidden In Plain Sight In Order of the Phoenix, when the group cleans 12 Grimmauld Place, they casually toss a heavy locket that no one could open, not knowing it was one of the Horcruxes. Later, Harry also hides a dusty tiara in the Room of Requirement without realising it was another piece of Voldemort's dark soul. A Prank That Gave Draco Malfoy The Key In Order of the Phoenix, after Fred and George Weasley shoved a student named Montague into a broken vanishing cabinet as a prank, the latter then told Draco Malfoy about the cabinets. That silly moment gave him the tool to sneak in Death Eaters into Hogwarts in Half-Blood Prince. view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 11:41 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scotsman
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Harry Potter TV series: 4 key changes show has already made
Filming has begun for Harry Potter TV show - and you can spot a few changes already 👀 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Filming has begun for the Harry Potter TV series. The first season is set to adapt the Philosopher's Stone. A few differences from the films have already been spotted. It might feel like only yesterday that the Harry Potter films were released in cinema, but a reboot is already on the way. After the big casting announcements, production has begun on HBO's adaptation of the beloved children's books. Filming has started and pictures from the set have begun to emerge. Hungry fans looking for any details might have spotted some of the changes - including a shift in time period. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But what other differences to the films have been noticed so far? Here's all you need to know: Harry Potter TV show looks to be a period piece HBO main cast for Harry Potter TV show - (L-R) Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout | HBO The books were set between 1991 and 1998, however the films did not particularly channel the 90s aesthetic. Released between 2001 and 2011, the scenes set outside Hogwarts look more like the 2000s than the previous decade - Harry wearing a hoody in 2007's Order of the Phoenix for example. Early set pictures from the upcoming TV show seem to be channelling the 1990s much more. Period appropriate cars have been spotted as well, while the costumes snapped so far definitely feel more 90s appropriate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dursleys have had a redesign The first official set photos included Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter as well as Nick Frost dressed as Rubius Hagrid. Both character designs looked extremely similar to their movie counterparts - give or take. However, the Dursleys on the other hand seem to have had a dramatic redesign for the show. Given it appears to be set in the 1990s, early set pictures show the new actors in costumes inspired by the fashion of the era. In the original films, the Dursleys had a more classic 'Middle England' look to them. But now Dudley is dressed in a shell suit, while Pertunia has a Princess Di-esque blonde hair-do. Cut characters have been added for season one The original film is a mostly faithful adaptation of the book, but some minor characters were missing back in 2001. For example Dudley's friend Piers Polkiss - who has been added back in for the new TV series. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mickey McAnulty plays the minor role and he has also been pictured on the set of the show in July 2025. Hogwarts outfit has been tweaked Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter. | Aidan Monaghan/HBO The costume for Harry Potter does look mostly on a par with the character's original cinematic outing. But there are some subtle changes, at least in the first image of Dominic McLaughlin released by HBO. In the photo, Harry's griffindor tie has been slightly tweaked and has a subtler hue of yellow compared to the original films which was more evenly split between red and yellow. The jumper is also a darker colour in the initial set picture, compared with the grey used for the movies. Obviously the show is still in production so the costuming could change between now and when it begins in 2027. Are you planning to watch the Harry Potter TV series? Let me know by email: . If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FTSE annual reports now longer than The Da Vinci Code as red tape goes mad
The average FTSE 100 annual report is now longer than The Da Vinci Code as a blizzard of red tape forces companies to churn out epics that almost nobody fully reads. The word count of FTSE 100 company reports has increased by 27pc since 2019, according to research by the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), rising to 152,000 on average – around 13,000 words longer than Dan Brown's 2003 mystery novel. Some companies produce updates more than double that length. Devoted readers of HSBC's annual report may have to set aside a week or two to get through the 341,880 words over 446 pages that detail the goings on at the London-listed bank. That is almost 100,000 words more than Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Corporate updates have ballooned in size thanks to a growing list of regulatory requirements and greater scrutiny of issues such as pay, gender and ethnic balance within companies, and the environmental impact of a business. In its latest report HSBC devoted more than 90 pages to corporate governance, while its environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related disclosures ran on for more than 40 pages, as it discussed financed emissions and how the bank manages climate risk. Remuneration reports for companies listed on the main market of the London stock exchange have grown in length by 40pc since 2019, now averaging 10,000 words. ESG-related disclosures were found to be around 11,000 words on average, an increase of 236pc since 2019. While such candour may sound worthy to some, James Ashton, the chief executive of the QCA, said the sheer length of most reports was doing more to obscure information than reveal it. He said: 'Annual reports can be vital tools for shareholder communication, but as chapter after chapter is added to them every year, it's time to call a halt. 'We need to focus on what's really important to engender investor trust and confidence and discard the waffle that distracts from delivering growth.' Across all segments of the London Stock Exchange, the length of the average annual report has now ballooned to 98,000 words, which is longer than J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Even reports on London's junior AIM market, which is meant to be more light-touch, clock in at 42,000 words on average, longer than CS Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mr Ashton called on the Government to rethink the UK's corporate reporting regime and work to simplify and standardise reporting requirements for quoted companies. The QCA wants the requirements for environmental disclosures to be cut down and more simplified rules around reporting on pay. The Department for Business and Trade is expected to hold a consultation later this year on changes to the UK's non-financial reporting framework. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sign in to access your portfolio
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Harry Potter Day 2025: Honoring the Battle of Hogwarts and the wizarding world's triumph
Every year on May 2, fans across the globe celebrate International Harry Potter Day, a date that honors the magical legacy of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world and the pivotal moment that changed the course of its story—the Battle of Hogwarts. This significant day marks the anniversary of the climactic battle that took place on May 2, 1998, inside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The final showdown saw Harry Potter and his allies, including the Order of the Phoenix, triumph over Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, ending the Second Wizarding War. The victory not only restored peace to the magical world but also cemented May 2 as a date of celebration and remembrance for fans. In 2012, British Prime Minister David Cameron formally recognized May 2 as International Harry Potter Day, paying tribute to J.K. Rowling's literary contributions and the cultural impact of the Harry Potter series. Since then, the day has been embraced by Potterheads worldwide through fan gatherings, themed events, book rereads, and movie marathons. To further honor the day, fans often reflect on some of the most inspirational quotes from the series, which continue to resonate with readers of all ages. These quotes, drawn from beloved characters like Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter himself, serve as reminders of courage, love, and friendship. Whether you're revisiting your favorite books or casting a few spells of your own, Harry Potter Day 2025 is a celebration of magic, bravery, and the power of storytelling.
Buzz Feed
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
18 Actors Who Committed So Hard To Their Character's Accent, They Immediately Became Way More Iconic Than The Movie Itself
Often when I'm watching TV shows and movies, I don't think too much about characters' accents. It's just the way they speak, ya know? Most of the time, there's not much to write home about. But occasionally, an actor will perform an accent so unique that it instantly becomes memorable — for better, or for worse. Today, we're gonna honour some of those accents! I've compiled my picks, but make sure you leave yours in the comments below. 1. I know everyone is still reeling over The White Lotus, so let me just say what we're all thinking: Parker Posey's Southern accent as Victoria Ratliff was so over-the-top, it quickly became a huge source of comedy while watching the show — and the rest of the cast seems to agree on that. 2. Speaking of funny accents, I'm not gonna let you forget about Catherine O'Hara's accent in Schitt's Creek. The voice perfectly captured Moira Rose's snobbiness, and it's just so hilariously distinct. CBC / Everett Collection 3. I seriously imitate Professor Snape's voice from Harry Potter on the daily. No exaggeration. Alan Rickman brought the character to life in the best way possible: by capturing Snape's creepy yet condescending essence. And in doing so, he took an already-iconic character and made him even more memorable. 4. And while we're talking about Harry Potter, how can I forget about Imelda Staunton in Order of the Phoenix, AKA *the* Dolores Umbridge? There are many reasons I consider Umbridge the greatest villain ever, and her sickly-sweet voice is one of them. 5. More recently, Austin Butler's authentic accent in the Elvis biopic caused a huge stir — not just because it was a scarily good accent, but also because it, like, permanently changed Austin's voice. You might call it cringy, but I call it COMMITMENT. 6. On the subject of biopics, I'm not letting anyone forget about Rami Malek's Freddie Mercury impression in the Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. As a Queen fan myself, I was FLOORED — he not only looked and acted like Freddie, but he also sounded just like him. 7. I could dedicate a whole section of this list to Andrew Garfield — specifically, his American accent in Spider-Man, The Social pretty much every single other movie he's been in. I constantly forget he's British, and that's a testament to how INCREDIBLE of an actor he is. As if we weren't all in love with him already, there's another reason for ya. In 2024, he revealed that the film We Live in Time was the first time he used his real British accent on-screen. 8. On the more controversial side, everyone's got an opinion on Dick Van Dyke's accent in in Mary Poppins. His British cockney imitation is frequently mocked for being, well, not super on-point. He himself said "it was the worst cockney accent ever done." That's infamy if I've ever seen it. 9. Bridget Jones wouldn't be Bridget Jones without her authentic British accent — but I bet a large portion of people don't realize that's not Renée Zellweger's real accent. She's actually, like, totally American. Renée's posh British accent set the bar suuuuuper high for other actors (and, you know, everyday folks who enjoy doing a British accent). It's also worth mentioning that she kept the accent going over the course of several movies. And decades. 10. Benoit Blanc in Knives Out, played by Daniel Craig, had such a captivating voice that got us all talking (and smiling). It's a classic southern accent, with a one-of-a-kind twist. It's funny to think Daniel was "terrified" to perform it after working for months on the accent, because he ended up totally knocking it out of the park. Yes, you heard me right — he worked on it for MONTHS. Again, commitment! 11. I think society kinda glosses over the Austin Powers movies — but guys, they're extremely iconic. And Mike Myers' exaggerated British accent as Austin is a massive part of that. His voice truly MADE the character, and I'm convinced the movies wouldn't be nearly as funny without that classic voice. Low-key, I always forget Mike Myers played both Austin Powers AND Shrek. TALENT. 12. Heath Ledger's country accent in Brokeback Mountain was so believable, it definitely made us all forget he's Australian for a second. And I also can't forget about his Joker accent in The Dark Knight, which changed lives (yes, including mine). 13. Speaking of Australians, Margot Robbie's Brooklyn accent in The Wolf of Wall Street brought me straight to the streets of New York City. This is another one that totally made me forget she's actually Australian! Never mind her in girl's got RANGE. This might be the annoying North American in me talking, but I truly have no idea how these non-American actors do it. 14. I'm a big Keanu Reeves fan, but I had to mention his role as Jonathan Harker in Bram Stoker's Dracula — his British accent in this movie has become infamous for being "awful" (sorry, Keanu!!!). But TBH, regardless, it stirs up a lot of discussion. Luckily, he's got a chance to redeem himself in the new Dracula movie that comes out this year. But this time, he's actually playing Dracula himself. 15. Get Out is one of my favourite movies of all time, but I gotta confess something: until this very moment, I didn't know that Daniel Kaluuya, who plays Chris in the movie, was British. His New York accent is just SOOOO convincing. It's kinda mind-boggling hearing his regular voice after watching Get Out. 16. Don Cheadle's accent in Ocean's Eleven is more infamous than anything — because we all agree it's definitely, uh, not cockney like it was intended. This one has so much lore that he tried to cover it up with a funny backstory: "Now I can say 'he was an American doing a British accent — you guys missed that?'" Over time, this one has just become hilarious to fans. So it's all good. 17. Steve Carell's voice as Gru in Despicable Me is genuinely marvelous and truly unparalleled. That voice lives in my heart forever. I know we're all massive fans of Michael Scott, but brace yourself for this unpopular opinion: Gru is Steve's magnum opus, and that's because of the voice. The video of him saying Michael Scott quotes in the Gru voice lives in my head rent-free, and I wouldn't want it any other way. 18. And within the kids' movie universe, every single person loves Sacha Baron Cohen as King Julien in Madagascar — largely because his accent is so hilariously over-the-top. Fun fact: the character turned out to be a much bigger role than was initially intended. Why? Because Sacha was just SO. FREAKIN'. FUNNY. All hail Sacha Baron Cohen...I mean King Julien.
