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Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter-obsessed teen given magical surprise of her life at Warner Bros
Saffron Crickley from Blackpool was whisked on a magical trip to London for her first ever holiday A Harry Potter-obsessed teenager who lives with a rare genetic condition got the surprise of her life when she was whisked to the Warner Bros Studios in Watford to see how her beloved films were made. Saffron Crickley, who was born with the incredibly rare chromosomal disorder Mosaic Turner Syndrome, lives with hearing and vision loss, scoliosis and ADHD. Despite her challenges, the 14-year-old from Blackpool remains upbeat and full of life, says mum Lianne. 'She's a miracle baby,' says Lianne. 'Everything she goes through she faces with a smile. She just wants to be part of the world, to belong, to laugh, to experience everything.' Saffron was taken on a once-in-a-lifetime trip by charity Dreams Come True, which organised for her to travel with her family to London for a three-day holiday - the first time Saffron had ever left her home town. She and her family - brothers Kyron, 15, and Greyson, 11; dad Lee, grandma Gail, 18-month-old foster brother Noah and mum Lianne - were treated to a slap-up meal at Frankie & Benny's, where they feasted on Saffron's favourite: burgers, without the bun! The next morning they were taken to the world-famous toy store Hamley's in central London, which pulled out all the stops with entertainers, high tea and a private tour of the seven floors of toys, games and fun. And that wasn't the only surprise in store for the youngster, who has loved Harry Potter since watching the very first film when she was four. Saffron found herself standing outside The Making of Harry Potter, home to hundreds of thousands of props, sets and costumes that were all used during the filming of every Potter film. And just to top it all off, two of her heroes - David Ricardo-Pearce and Thomas Aldridge, who are currently playing Harry and Ron Weasley in the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - had recorded a special video message just for her. 'She's absolutely Harry Potter obsessed, this is something she's talked about for years,' says Lianne. 'To finally go to London, and not only visit The Making of Harry Potter but also to receive a personalised message from the stars of the stage, Harry and Ron themselves, is beyond anything we could have imagined. It's truly magical.' Her favourite film is The Chamber of Secrets, and her favourite character is Harry's best friend Hermione, 'because she's brave and bossy - just like me with my brothers,' laughs Saffron. Her mum agrees. 'Hermione keeps the boys in line and under her thumb, and so does Saffron,' smiles Lianne. One of her highlights of the trip was trying Butterbeer, which in JK Rowling's magical universe is a slightly alcoholic butterscotch-tasting drink. In Muggle land, however, it's not boozy at all. 'I had it all over my face,' Saffron laughs. 'It was like a moustache!' But the ultimate highlight was walking into the room containing the 50-foot model of Hogwarts Castle, which was painstakingly built and painted by the art department for the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. 'It took Saffron's breath away,' says Lianne. 'She couldn't believe her eyes. It was the real Hogwarts, right in front of us.' The one scary moment came when Saffron found herself face-to-face with a roaring dragon, which in the Harry Potter series lives deep underground the wizarding bank Gringotts - until it is freed by Harry, Ron and Hermione. 'It was so loud I had to turn off my hearing aids,' says Saffron. But she left happily in possession of Hermione's very own wand, all the better for keeping her brothers in line. It comes as research finds more than half of families with children who have disabilities live beneath the poverty line. Dreams Come True is a wish-granting charity focused exclusively on children living in the highest areas of deprivation with serious medical needs or disabilities, and chief exec Lisa King OBE says: 'This is what it's all about: creating unforgettable experiences for children who deserve the world. For Saffron and her family, this is more than a holiday. It's hope, joy, and magic brought to life.'
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
At Rs 35,000 crore, Harry Potter Reboot is set to become the world's most expensive TV show; details here
Harry Potter reboot world's most expensive TV show: When you think of high-budget shows, Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power might come to mind. But now, a new series is grabbing global attention for its jaw-dropping cost. The upcoming reboot of the Harry Potter series has been crowned the world's most expensive TV show, with a reported budget of over Rs 35,000 crore—yes, you read that right! Harry Potter Series Becomes the World's Most Expensive TV Show The reboot of the Harry Potter series is not just another remake—it's breaking records before it even airs. According to the website the series is set to cost more than £ 3.15 billion or $4.2 billion (approx. Rs 35,000 crore) in total, making it the world's most expensive TV show to date. This new version is expected to explore JK Rowling's books in far more detail than the original movies. Each Episode Costs More Than an Average Movie The numbers are simply unbelievable. The Harry Potter TV show is expected to have seven seasons, with six episodes in each season. That's a total of 42 episodes. Each episode is said to cost around £75 million (over $100 million or Rs 856 crore), more than many Hollywood blockbusters. In comparison, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power had a budget of $62 million per episode and a total cost of just over $1 billion. Clearly, Harry Potter's reboot is playing in a league of its own. Potterville: A Mini City Built Just for the Show One major reason for the sky-high budget is the construction of a full-fledged city, nicknamed Potterville, which will serve as the main filming location. Built by Warner Bros Studios, this mini city has cost about £1 billion (over $1.3 billion or Rs 11,000 crore). This magical set will include detailed recreations of iconic places like: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry King's Cross Station Privet Drive Such a massive set ensures authenticity and long-term use, as the producers plan to use it for multiple seasons and possibly other spin-offs. A Star-Studded Cast Brings Magic to Life Again The upcoming Harry Potter series will feature a brand-new cast lineup that fans are already excited about. Big names have been brought on board to reimagine these iconic characters: John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch With such talented actors, the makers aim to deliver deeper, more emotional performances compared to the original films. More Faithful to the Books Than the Movies While the eight original Harry Potter films were loved across the world, many fans felt that key moments from the books were skipped or rushed. This reboot of the Harry Potter series promises to be more faithful and in-depth, giving each book a full season to explore characters and storylines in detail. From sky-high episode costs to building a custom-made wizarding world, this reboot of the Harry Potter series is set to change the way we look at television production. With a total cost estimated to be over $4.2 billion, it has comfortably overtaken all previous contenders for the title of the world's most expensive TV show. Whether you're a longtime Potterhead or a newcomer, this grand retelling is bound to make history in the world of entertainment. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Metro
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
First look at the £1billion mini city being built for Harry Potter TV show
A £1billion 'mini city' is reportedly being built for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter adaptation – and it comes complete with its own school (not that one) and medical centre. With work on the multi-series television adaptation underway, Warner Bros are massively expanding their studio complex at Leavesden, on the outskirts of Watford, Hertfordshire – not far from the local Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The vast studio extension reportedly includes a (real) school for its young actors, who will continue their education as they juggle shooting responsibilities with their studies. This will also include roads, multi-storey car parks and hangars to store the show's sets and bigger props. Meanwhile, fantastic beats (including horses, rodents, rats, snakes and all manner of familiar) can be found in a special facility – although Warner Bros Studios have stressed that they won't be kept there overnight. Not far away, a patch of wasteland will be transformed into the new-and-improved Privet Drive, where a young Harry Potter spent much of his upbringing with the terrible Dursley family. An insider told The Sun: '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.' Earlier this month, it was reported that the show had already found its future Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley – all reportedly 11 years old, and British. While its future superstars have yet to be named, they will join existing cast members John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as potions master Severus Snape. The series is described as a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's series of novels, and is planned to run for seven seasons, with a projected premiere date of 2027. The show has been plagued with a host of controversies thanks to the continued involvement of creator Rowling, who will serve as executive producer. More Trending Rowling remains a controversial figure due to her outspoken views on trans issues, which the LGBTQ+ community and multiple civil rights groups have criticised. This has led to calls for a boycott from concerned parties, including former fans of the once universally beloved franchise. HBO's chief content officer has responded to debate with reassurances that the show 'will not secretly be infused' with her divisive views. View More » 'And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter,' the executive added. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Boardwalk Empire actor arrested for 'attack with a cement block and sexual assault' MORE: JK Rowling explains why she won't 'sack' Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter TV show MORE: Two new movies are set to break a 14-year-old Hollywood trend this weekend
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Harry Potter bosses launch search for men with certain feature to play wizards in big-money TV spin off series
MEN with huge beards are getting a magical chance to star in the new Harry Potter TV series. The creators of the spin-off shows are seeking blokes with facial hair that stretches 'up to or beyond their waist', with the lucky few expected to play wizards. 2 They promise anyone fitting the bill will enjoy 'good rates of pay' in return for being in the series, which starts filming this summer in London. A TV insider said: 'The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity. 'All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren't that many people around who fit the bill. 'That's why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.' The series, which will be made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, near Watford, already boasts stars in its line-up. A new Harry has not yet been found, but a staggering 32,000 youngsters have auditioned for the role — meaning casting chiefs have to view between 500 and 1,000 audition tapes a day. That does not include other main child roles Ron and Hermione. The show will be made by US telly giant HBO and is expected to release in 2026, but it is not certain which UK network will air it. 2
