Latest news with #Potterhead
Metro
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears
I used to be your typical Potterhead – during my youth, I had Harry Potter posters pinned up in my room, followed countless fan accounts online and attended the opening day screenings for all the later films. Still now in the corner of my childhood bedroom a discarded Gryffindor scarf, Fleur Delacour's wand, and battered copies of the original book series sit collecting dust. When I saw the news of an open casting call (where anyone can audition, regardless of experience) for leads in the new HBO series I felt worry bloom in the pit of my stomach. And now our three newcomers have been cast with Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley – that concern has only increased. And that's for two reasons – firstly, because I've left the 'Potterverse' firmly in the past after JK Rowling's offensive comments on transgender people and think the entire franchise needs to be forgotten about. But also because I'm truly concerned about what will happen to the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione, plucked from childhood and obscurity and flung into stardom. Not only will this trio of unknown actors star in what will surely become one of the most heavily scrutinised TV shows this decade, but all under the creative jurisdiction of someone who has, in my view, opposed the rights of a marginalised community. We have already seen the dangers this level of fame can create, even before the author of the series descended into Twitter troll status. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video During the height of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson's stint as the golden trio, Emma almost called it quits due to the pressure and Daniel struggled with drinking heavily (and has since been almost 15 years sober). Years later, I'm seriously impressed with all three actors. Not only for their stability in life, considering the extraordinary pressure they were under from such a young age, but for remaining firm allies of the transgender community as it remains under attack from JK Rowling. So I worry for the young soon-to-be stars stepping into their shoes for a rebooted series that no-one was really asking for. If anything, the new series almost feels like watching a car crash in slow motion. Morbid but difficult to look away from. It's already a PR nightmare with a controversial author behind the source material and constant speculation about the ultimate fate of the company behind the reboot, Warner Brother Discovery, which has seen its stock price plummet and desperately needs this show to be a success. There are all the elements for disaster waiting to happen – and while, for me, schadenfreude is tempting given Rowling's behaviour – I'm worried that these innocent children will be the collateral damage. There are so many reasons for fans and non-fans alike to oppose this new series. Chiefly, of course, is mine and many former fans' moral object to lining Rowling's pocket as she continues to make comments about trans women and others that shock and disgust many people. We need only look at her recent commentary about Olympic boxer Imane Khalif to see how far down this rabbit hole she has gone. Not only can the Harry Potter set, in my view, never be a safe environment for trans and non-binary actors, but given the increasingly foul taste Rowling is leaving in her critics' mouths, the whole project appears to be growing more taboo by the day. Unlike the blockbuster film franchise, which saw iconic British stars such as Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Julie Walters pass through its doors, for me the relaunched big-budget TV show will act as a litmus test for the morals of established actors. How many will want to risk potentially losing the respect of their fanbase for an unnecessary remake of a fantasy series? All this leads me to say that, clearly, Harry Potter is a cultural relic in more ways than one. The films only left cinemas just over a decade ago, which hardly warrants enough time passed to re-imagine them. Meanwhile, spin-off content like the Fantastic Beasts franchise has clearly lost all momentum. That series has been plagued with its own scandal by featuring controversial actors Ezra Miller and Johnny Depp, which, coupled with a lack of popularity, the original five-film plan has seemingly been put on an indefinite hiatus. More Trending Much like the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, the whole series is starting to seem cursed. Instead of re-creating a series that already has a widely-beloved on screen adaptation and a controversial author, why not invest in new fantasy adaptations that are truly forward-looking? In 2025, there are better options for us to be investing our time and money in so that we can finally leave Harry Potter where it belongs – in the past. View More » This article was first published on September 12, 2024. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Pillion review – I experienced one of the filthiest films I've ever seen at Cannes MORE: Iconic Netflix show will have even more 'horror' when season 2 finally drops MORE: A stranger questioned my gender – but I'm a biological woman
Mint
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Harry Potter Cast HBO: Author JK Rowling approves Hogwarts' new trio, says ‘Couldn't be happier'
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, approved the new Harry Potter cast for the HBO television series and said the young trio who'll now play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley are 'wonderful'. HBO officially announced that Dominic McLaughlin will play the iconic role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will play the clever and brave Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend. Responding to a Potterhead, a Harry Potter fan, Rowling said, 'All three are wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' JK Rowling on Harry Potter HBO's casting Notably, things went south between Rowling and the original Harry Potter stars – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, after the author's transphobic comments went viral. Her views on the trans community were met with criticism from the actors who began their careers as child stars in the Harry Potter films. Most fans were thrilled to see the new Harry Potter cast. However, a few were disappointed by the casting of Hermione Granger and Snape. 'Please tell Dominic, Arabella and Alistair that they are already loved by the fandom and we can't wait to see the show! We wish them all the best and that they have a magic time,' a fan said. Another added: 'Not bad at all. Good luck all of them and that have fun making this for a new generation of Potterheads.' 'Looks great, looking forward for it, I am sure they are gonna be great,' said another fan. A fan highlighted that Arabella, the young girl who'll play Hermione in the HBO series, matches the description of the character in the books. 'Dude, that is not bad. I like that casting. They look right. Even the girl has the teeth Emma Watson did not have, but Hermione is supposed to have.' 'After miscasting Snape, I have no faith at them redeeming themselves,' a disappointed fan said. 'They don't deserve all the hate they will probably get cuz of the awful Snape casting... It's gonna flop idk how people don't get it,' a fan added. However, some fans were unhappy with the remake overall and said, 'A lot of Potter fans will not be watching, I'm one of them.' 'This show will blow, the movies are superior,' added a fan. Filming for the HBO Original Series is set to begin this summer. The show is planned as a faithful adaptation of the books, with each season covering one novel in the series. • Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter • Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger • Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley • John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore • Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape • Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall • Luke Thallon as Quirrell • Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I relate to Hermione Granger the most in Harry Potter films: Aarohi
Aarohi Patel, a Potterhead Ask Aarohi if she is still a Potterhead and she quips, "Always" (like Professor Severus Snape). On International Harry Potter Day , the Udan Chhoo actor tells us why she loves Harry Potter films , how she is trying to turn her husband (actor Tatsat Munshi) into a Potterhead and more. 'I saw the first Harry Potter film in 2008 and the rest is history' Aarohi turned into a Potterhead in 2008, thanks to her younger sister Sanjanaa. She says, 'Sanjanaa is a big Potterhead, and she insisted that I must watch the movies. In 2008, I saw the first film and the rest is history. Usually, I prefer reading a book before watching a film based on it. However, I watched the Harry Potter movies first and read the books later. I love everything about it, but I still feel reading the books before watching the movies would have been better, as it would have allowed me to build my own Hogwarts or looks of the characters.' Aarohi's favourite book and movie is Deathly Hallows She adds, 'Every year, my sister and I have a Harry Potter marathon during winter, with cups of hot chocolate. It is like a tradition for us.' 'Hermione Granger is my favourite character' While she loves all the characters, Aarohi relates to Hermione Granger the most. She says, 'She is my favourite character because I relate to her completely. In school, I was a first bencher too, who memorised all the answers and raised my hand all the time to answer questions (laughs). Also, I like Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger).' Aarohi believes every character in the series has their own amazing journey. She says, 'I feel the books and the films are brilliant. We enjoyed them as children and continue doing so even today. Every character from the first part to the last one has its own journey, and each of them stays with us.' She adds, "I don't have high expectations from the reboot series, reports say it will follow the books closely, so I have my fingers crossed. But nothing will ever match the charm of the original movies." 'I told Tatsat he has to watch Harry Potter films, it's non-negotiable' Aarohi, who married Tatsat Munshi last year, says not knowing anything about the Harry Potter world was 'not acceptable to me.' She laughs, 'I told Tatsat that to be 'happily married' to me, he has to watch the films, it is non-negotiable. I am glad he is watching them and enjoying it too. We are going to London in June for my sister's convocation and we will visit the Harry Potter World ( Harry Potter Studio Tour ) and places like Elephant House café in Edinburgh, where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book. I am preparing him for that too (smiles). I really want to try Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans , apart from Butterbeer, pumpkin pasties and treacle tarts' Accio Rapid Fire Round! · Favourite book/movie? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows · Favourite spell? Alohomora (spell to unlock doors and open locks) · The Hogwarts House you belong to? Gryffindor, in every manner · Which D-Town actors will play these characters best? - Harry Potter: Pratik Gandhi - Hermione Granger: Obviously, me! - Ron Weasley: Mallhar or Mitra Gadhvi - Albus Dumbledore: Siddharth Randeria - Professor Snape: Abhinay Banker or Jayesh More - Professor McGonagall: Gopi Desai - Hagrid: Deven Bhojani
Time Out Abu Dhabi
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
There's a super fun Harry Potter-themed brunch coming to Abu Dhabi
Wands at the ready, Abu Dhabi – a spellbinding brunch is swooping into town and it's every Potterhead's dream. On Saturday May 3, Urban Kitchen at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is transforming into a Hogwarts-inspired haven for one magical afternoon. Think floating candles (well, close enough), house banners, and a feast worthy of the Great Hall itself. This one-off brunch is an escape into the world of witchcraft and wizardry, complete with themed food stations that channel the flavours of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Credit: Supplied Whether you're brave enough to try dragon-braised short ribs with fire BBQ sauce or are feeling more like Hagrid's hearty shepherd's pie, there's something spellbinding for every palate. There will be fresh seafood, towering roasts, live cooking stations, and desserts so tasty they deserve their own chapter – we're talking devil's snare chocolate cake and Flamel's brûlée. Yum. Of course, no magical feast is complete without butterbeer, and Urban Kitchen has got its own frothy twist on the beloved beverage. There's also a whimsical mixed drink list that includes a glittering Felix Felicis bubbly potion, a fiery fizz, and a dreamy love potion No. 9¾ (no amortentia required). Mocktails are magical too, with tropical golden snitch sips and colour-changing elixirs of enlightenment made with lavender lemonade and butterfly pea tea. The fun doesn't stop at the buffet – guests are encouraged to show up in their finest robes and wizard gear for a best-dressed contest, with prizes for the most enchanting looks across four categories: best-dressed male, female, boy, and girl. So whether you're repping Slytherin sass or Gryffindor glory, dress to impress. But just like the room of requirement, space is limited – and trust us, this one's going to vanish fast. Dhs265 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs695 (premium bubbly), Dhs90 (kids aged 7-12), free (kids under 6). Saturday May 3, 12.30pm-5pm. Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. (02 698 8137). More going on in Abu Dhabi UAE residents can now save big time on flights thanks to a new Skyscanner feature No complaints here The 43 best Abu Dhabi ladies' nights you need to know about Enjoy a night out for less at these brilliant bars and restaurants Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
