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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
First pics from set of Harry Potter TV series see cast descend on London Zoo for iconic Dudley Dursley birthday scene
The first snaps from the set of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series see the cast descend on London Zoo for the iconic Dudley Dursley birthday scene from the first book and movie. The highly-anticipated series, which is based on J.K. Rowling 's novels of the same name, was first announced in 2023, and finally confirmed in April this year. And after a long wait, the three lead child stars were announced back in May and now fans will be ecstatic to know that filming has begun. The first ever pictures from the show - set to hit our screens in 2027 on HBO - have been released. They show the scenes just before Harry sneaks off from his cousin Dudley's birthday party at London Zoo, from the 2001 movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The youngster finds out that he's got magical powers after helping a Burmese Python escape from the enclosure that it is living in. They show the scenes just before Harry sneaks off from his cousin Dudley's birthday party at London Zoo, from the 2001 movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone In the new snaps, filmed at London Zoo in Regent's Park, Harry - played by Dominic McLaughlin - can be seen rocking a blue hoodie and his iconic circular glasses. He was joined by a grimacing Dudley (Amos Kitson) and his aunt Petunia (Bel Powley) and grumpy Vernon (Daniel Rigby) in the scenes filmed by the penguin enclosure. The cast also zoomed around in green golf buggies, while members of the public were shocked as they realised who they were. Earlier this week filming of Harry Potter 's TV series continued as bosses released a first look of Nick Frost in the role as Rubeus Hagrid. Dominic McLaughlin has bagged the role of Harry Potter, with a snap on Monday showing the young actor completely transformed into the wizard. Holding a clapper board on set, Dominic was seen beaming as he looked strikingly like a young Daniel Radcliffe when he first stepped into the role all the way back in 2001. Now, comedian and actor Nick Frost looks unrecognisable as posed in full costume as beloved character Hagrid. And after a long wait, the three lead child stars were announced back in May and now fans will be ecstatic to know that filming has begun Sporting a thick long beard and locks, the 53-year-old looked just like the grounds keeper from the original movie franchise. Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022 at the age of 72, played the character in all eight of the original movies. Nick was forced to switch off his Instagram comments when news of his casting was announced after he was trolled by trans activists. Distancing himself from Rowling's trans views, Nick told the Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine. They just don't align in any way, shape of form.' Playing Harry's best friends are Arabella Stanton as Hermoine Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Filming has started in the UK, at Warner Bros studios in Leavesden, with the highly-anticipated series set to land on HBO in 2027. Meanwhile, additional cast members have also been revealed, with Rory Wilmot set to play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser - best known for his role as Qyburn in Game Of Thrones - as Garrick Ollivander. It comes as Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby were announced the Mr and Mrs Dursley earlier this summer. The TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book series was first confirmed in April by the show's producers as they unveiled the new lead stars They now revealed additional cast as Rory Wilmot is set to play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander The series is a reboot of J.K. Rowling 's seven-book series and is a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films BAFTA-winning actor Daniel Rigby, 42, will play her husband Vernon Dursley, previously played by the late Richard Griffiths English actress Bel Powel has reportedly signed up to play Petunia Dursley in the TV adaption after shooting to fame in 2015 Johnny Flynn, 42, will play Draco Malfoy's dad Lucius - who was played by Jason Isaacs in the movie Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer (left) will take over from the late Maggie Smith (right) as Professor McGonagall in the highly-anticipated HBO adaptation John Lithgow (left) was been picked to play the new Professor Albus Dumbledore, a role originally played by Michael Gambon in the last six of eight Harry Potter films British actor-comedian Nick Frost will play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, originally embodied by the late Robbie Coltrane Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman. Actor and comedian Nick Frost will play legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper Hagrid in the adaption. Johnny Flynn, 42, will play Draco Malfoy's dad Lucius - who was played by Jason Isaacs in the movie. Emmy winner John Lithgow has also signed on the dotted line to play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. It was also revealed that Katherine Parkinson, 47, will be playing Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny's mum Molly Weasley. The HBO TV show is said to be costing £75million per episode - and the three child actors taking the lead roles have been tipped to land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod previously praised the 'wonderful' talent of the three young stars who will lead the series. Rowling released the first Harry Potter novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997, followed by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets the following year. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in 1999, followed by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2000. Three years later Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix was published and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2005. The final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released in 2007. J.K. Rowling's involvement in the series as executive producer has attracted controversy from fans over her views on transgender issues. The author, 59, who created the fantasy novels on which the show is based, previously took to X to rave about the first two episodes after confirming that while she did not pen them herself, she did work closely with the writers. She said: 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!'. Meanwhile, HBO previously defended Rowling's involvement in a statement, saying: 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
First look at young Harry Potter filming TV show as star, 11, spotted in pivotal scenes with the Dursleys
HARRY Potter stars have been spotted filming the exciting new series at London Zoo for the first time. This week, the new Harry Potter was unveiled with a first look at the eponymous character of the TV spin-off of the famous film and book franchise. 15 15 15 15 The first look photo shows actor Dominic McLaughin as Harry Potter, complete in his Hogwarts wizarding robes, iconic round eye glasses and infamous forehead scar. From HBO, the upcoming series will adapt JK Rowling 's novels for a new generation. And now, the iconic Dursley family have been spotted alongside Harry for the first time, re-creating the well-known zoo scene from the books, where Harry talks to the snake. They, too, have filmed at London Zoo, like in the first movie, which is set on the edge of Regent's Park. The new Dursley family consists of Daniel Rigby in the role of blustering Uncle Vernon. Bel Powley transforms into Aunt Petunia, with Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley. The family were seen filming at the zoo in an exciting first-look, and all huddled around to watch the penguin show, amongst a group of onlookers. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were seen in wigs and glasses, and Dudley wore a tracksuit top and bottoms. New Harry Potter star Dominic McLaughin, 11, is in attendance at the filming, seen in the iconic glasses with a large blue hoodie on. The family filmed as the crew busied around them, touching up makeup and taking photos, while getting everyone into position. Harry Potter legend breaks his silence as replacement cast in HBO TV series They were picture zipping between different areas of the zoo in golf buggies, reportedly shocking members of the the public in the process. Showrunners have guaranteed the new series will be a "faithful adaptation" of the books penned by controversial author, J.K Rowling, who is also serving as an executive producer. Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton will take on the role of Hermione Granger acting alongside him to round out the wizarding trio. The three new young stars join a talented cast including John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore and a number of other famous faces and Bafta winners. 15 15 15 15 15 15 The latest cast announced includes, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Johnny Flynn will play the villainous Lucius Malfoy, replacing Jason Isaacs in his iconic movie role. Series regulars will include Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as groundskeeper Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape. Rounding out that announcement were Luke Thallon as Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Filch. They will also have big shoes to fill - succeeding the late Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman. The Sun revealed how HBO's adaptation will be filmed in a £billion mini town - including a school and medical centre. It will include new roads, multi-storey car parks and vast hangars to house the sets. A TV insider said: 'Warner Bros are making a huge commitment to the new TV show, looking at making multiple, lengthy series over the next decade. 'So they see pumping a huge amount of cash in upfront to construct this infrastructure as a worthwhile investment which they'll eventually get a return on. 'What they'll have is a small metropolis which will not only provide the backdrop for the show but all the facilities the huge cast and crew need, too.' 15 15 15 15
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Adorable penguin chicks take first dip in London Zoo's main pool during heatwave
Penguin chicks at London Zoo have cooled off in the heatwave with their first dip in the main pool. Temperatures reached 31C at the zoo in Regent's Park on Friday, according to the Met Office, and seven of the 18 Humboldt penguin chicks which hatched this summer took their first dip in the big pool. The chicks spent the first few weeks of their life at the zoo's nursery pool and have now joined the main penguin enclosure, called Penguin Beach, to have a dip in the 450,000 litre pool and join the 63-strong colony. The 11 youngest chicks are still practising their dive and penguin paddle before they can 'graduate' to the bigger pool, London Zoo said. READ MORE: Jess Fryer, section manager for penguins and flying birds at London Zoo, said: 'The 18 new Humboldt penguins here at London Zoo mark a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect these charismatic coastal birds, whose wild populations have been shrinking due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. 'Having 18 new arrivals on Penguin Beach is so much fun, and has certainly kept us busy. 'Our special nursery pool is the perfect place for the chicks to get used to the water and learn to swim, before they head out into the main pool with the colony.' She added: 'We couldn't wait to name the new chicks, and among those graduating to the big pool this week are Dua Flipa, Toogie, Beau, Dragon, Ray and Robin. 'We feel a bit like a teacher doing the morning register when we reel off all their names.'
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Penguin chicks cool off during heatwave with dip in zoo's pool
Penguin chicks at London Zoo have cooled off in the heatwave with their first dip in the main pool. Temperatures reached 31C at the zoo in Regent's Park on Friday, according to the Met Office, and seven of the 18 Humboldt penguin chicks which hatched this summer took their first dip in the big pool. The chicks spent the first few weeks of their life at the zoo's nursery pool and have now joined the main penguin enclosure, called Penguin Beach, to have a dip in the 450,000 litre pool and join the 63-strong colony. The 11 youngest chicks are still practising their dive and penguin paddle before they can 'graduate' to the bigger pool, London Zoo said. Jess Fryer, section manager for penguins and flying birds at London Zoo, said: 'The 18 new Humboldt penguins here at London Zoo mark a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect these charismatic coastal birds, whose wild populations have been shrinking due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. 'Having 18 new arrivals on Penguin Beach is so much fun, and has certainly kept us busy. 'Our special nursery pool is the perfect place for the chicks to get used to the water and learn to swim, before they head out into the main pool with the colony.' She added: 'We couldn't wait to name the new chicks, and among those graduating to the big pool this week are Dua Flipa, Toogie, Beau, Dragon, Ray and Robin. 'We feel a bit like a teacher doing the morning register when we reel off all their names.'
Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Noughts & Crosses review — star-crossed lovers shine amid the gloom
School parties may well be out in force, taking notes in the restful surroundings of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, but I'm not sure many adults will enjoy this heavy-handed version of Malorie Blackman's dystopian novel about a Britain where downtrodden white people are kept in their place by a contemptuous black elite. Dominic Cooke's adaptation — first staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company two decades ago — constantly strikes a moralising note, while Tinuke Craig's lacklustre production rushes through scene after scene, leaving us to try to make sense of a collection of remorselessly one-dimensional characters. The white underdogs suffer their fate like grim-faced extras from EastEnders; the black rulers resemble the smug, feckless cast of a Jilly Cooper novel. Corinna Brown and Noah Valentine at least bring youthful vitality to the roles of the star-crossed lovers Sephy and Callum, and you can have a certain amount of fun spotting the occasional parallels with Romeo and Juliet. But there's an awful lot of shouting of pedestrian dialogue as the duo try to pursue their romantic dreams and an IRA-style bombing campaign nudges the Establishment into taking brutal counter-measures. When a shopping centre is blown up by members of the Liberation Militia, the government resorts to the hangman. The hectoring mood is depressingly reminiscent of Regent's Park's attempt in 2022 to turn Antigone into a sloganeering 21st-century parable about populism and Islamic extremists. A bleak storyline is complemented by unalluring visuals. The designer, Colin Richmond, has created a grim backdrop of rusting steel corridors, columns and ladders; his costume palette is dominated by muted greys and blues. Scenes of violence add routine touches of slow-motion choreography. Actors hover, chorus-like, in the gallery, silently looking on as the lovers confront their fate. As for the racial hierarchy, it's depicted in unabashedly simplistic terms, evoking a world somewhere between Jim Crow America and Apartheid South Africa. Habib Nasib Nader makes the most of the underwritten role of Sephy's father, who just happens to be the deputy prime minister.
