Latest news with #WorldBookDay
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter fans brand Emma Watson replacement 'perfect' after clip resurfaces
Arabella Stanton will take over from Emma Watson in the TV adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books, with a resurfaced clip showing her in action Harry Potter enthusiasts are all echoing the same sentiment after a video of the young actress set to play the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Arabella Stanton is stepping into Emma Watson's shoes in the television adaptation of JK Rowling's series, alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Joining them will be John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu and Janet McTeer, who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, respectively. Meanwhile, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell, Nick Frost will embody Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse will portray Squib caretaker Argus Filch. While some viewers have already threatened to shun the new series due to Rowling's anti-trans views, others are eagerly awaiting further details. Most recently, the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were unveiled, and Arabella's impressive acting career has been thrust into the spotlight. The star portrayed Matilda in the West End musical production, and fans have unearthed a clip from her performance of When I Grow Up, which was broadcast on The One Show in March 2024 to commemorate World Book Day. The clip shows her taking centre stage in a blue pin-striped dress, walking towards the stage down the audience aisle, before her fellow young cast members burst into song on stage. Fans are in a frenzy over Arabella's casting in a new role. A clip of her performance has gone viral, currently boasting over 33,000 views. Admirers are unanimous in their praise, calling her portrayal of Hermione "perfect". One remarked, "From this alone, I can tell she's going to be an amazing Hermione. " Another enthused: "So everyone ran here after learning she's playing Hermione, right? Sorry, not sorry, but I think they're perfect." "I can actually see her as Hermione!! Nice casting," chimed in another fan. A fourth contributed: "Well done, Ms. Granger. 10 points for Gryffindor." "SHE WAS PERFECTLY CAST AS HERMIONE," declared another supporter. One person added: "Cryingggg I'm so happy everyone is accepting her as Hermione. She's perfect." The up-and-coming actress also made waves starring in the 2024 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, where she played Control. Last year, Arabella paid homage to her performance as Matilda on an Instagram account run by her parents, recalling: "I started auditioning for Matilda the Musical the week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final)." Expressing her gratitude, she added: "Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible .. dreams really can come true!" The Harry Potter TV series will land on HBO in 2026.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter fans say same thing about casting as clip of new Hermione actress resurfaces
Harry Potter fans have all been left saying the same thing after a clip of Arabella Stanton playing the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Harry Potter enthusiasts are all echoing the same sentiment after a video of the young actress set to portray the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Arabella Stanton is stepping into Emma Watson's shoes in the television adaptation of JK Rowling's series, alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The trio will join an impressive cast that includes John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Janet McTeer, who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Minerva McGonagall, respectively. In addition, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell, Nick Frost will embody Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse will play Squib caretaker Argus Filch. While some viewers have already threatened to boycott the new series due to Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues, others are eagerly awaiting further details. Most recently, the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were unveiled, and Arabella's remarkable acting career has come into focus. The star previously portrayed Matilda in the West End musical production, and fans have unearthed a clip from her performance of When I Grow Up, which was broadcast on The One Show in March 2024 to commemorate World Book Day. The clip shows her taking centre stage in a blue pin-striped dress, walking towards the stage through the audience aisle, before her fellow young cast members burst into song on stage. After the performance went viral with over 33,000 views on YouTube, fans unanimously praised Arabella's casting as "perfect". "From this alone, I can tell she's going to be an amazing Hermione," one admirer remarked. "So everyone ran here after learning she's playing Hermione, right? Sorry, not sorry, but I think they're perfect," another fan expressed. "I can actually see her as Hermione!! Nice casting," commented a third viewer. A fourth enthusiast shared: "Well done, Ms. Granger. 10 points for Gryffindor." "SHE WAS PERFECTLY CAST AS HERMIONE," another person exclaimed. "Cryingggg, I'm so happy everyone is accepting her as Hermione. She's perfect," another person added. Arabella also took to the stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skating musical Starlight Express in 2024, portraying the character Control. Last year, she reflected on her role as Matilda on an Instagram account managed by her parents, posting: "I started auditioning for Matilda the Musical the week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final). "Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible .. dreams really can come true!" The Harry Potter TV series will land on HBO in 2026.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
New Harry Potter star's little-known TV past and where you've seen them before
HBO has announced the next trio to take on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for the upcoming TV series as one already has an acting past Harry Potter fans have been introduced to the next trio taking over the iconic roles for the TV remake - and one actor has been on screens before. After months of waiting, HBO have confirmed who will be taking on Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The three young actors are Dominic McLaughlin, who will be playing Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will be starring as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively. Harry Potter's executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said in a statement that they are "delighted" to reveal new stars after an "extraordinary search", which began back in September last year. Based on JK Rowling's hit novels, the TV series will be a faithful adaptation of the books, according to HBO. While the trio have been dubbed as newcomers, many fans have been stunned to find out they have seen Hermione's actress before. Following in the footsteps of Emma Watson, who landed the mega role when she was 11-years-old, Arabella has already had a taste of the small screen. She has featured on both television and in theatre after studying at some of the country's most well respected acting schools. Arabella, who also goes by Bella, began her career at Aldance, a studio in Bracknell that offers dancing classes for children from 18 months to adulthood. She then moved onto the prestigious British Theatre Academy and the Guildford School of Acting. In 2013, Bella landed her first role when she was cast as the star character Matilda in the West End production, Matilda The Musical. The actress was the production's youngest cast member as she took on the six-month acting period in September 2023. She even featured on BBC's The One Show for World Book Day as Matilda. Bella impressed on the stage and helped to land her the part of Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2024 London revival of Starlight Express. Acting isn't Bella's only enjoyment as she plays hockey for her local club and spends time skiing and horse riding. The young star also competes in swimming galas and triathlons and can even play the clarinet. Fans have also noticed Bella has a striking resemblance to Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega. The American actress was a child star in Jane The Virgin and shot to stardom thanks to her Netflix role as Wednesday Addams. Many fans pointed out their similar looks as one said: "Arabella Stanton looks like young Jenna Ortega or is it only me??? Hermoine in HBO's #HarryPotter series." Another added: "Arabella Stanton looks like a young Jenna Ortega." Someone else commented: "Arabella who? That's clearly a young Jenna Ortega." When announcing the trio, Harry Potter's executive producers said: "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.'
The Star
21-05-2025
- General
- The Star
University in Brunei marks World Book Day
Students at the World Book Day event. - Photo: UNISSA BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: In support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) declaration of April 23 as World Book Day, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) held a celebration marking the occasion. Deputy Rector of UNISSA Dr Arman Asmad, the guest of honour, launched the event held from May 14 to 15 at a ceremony at the Faculty of Agriculture in Kampong Sinaut, Tutong District. The annual event was jointly organised by the Library, Research and Publication Centre and the Knowledge and Language Advancement Centre, featuring activities to enliven this year's World Book Day celebration. The launching ceremony featured a book discussion on Managing Stress Factors with Islamic Spiritual Methods, presented by the book's author Dr Nur Annisa Sarbini, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Finance, UNISSA. This year, Assistant Lecturer from the Faculty of Law Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Rajali Aji, and Assistant Lecturer from the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Nor Surilawana Sulaiman, were awarded as the Best Academician Patrons. The Best Student Patron awards were presented to Norhafizah Abdullah Hapidshah, a student from the Faculty of Law Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, and Siti Hadhirah Mohamed Azlan, a student from the Faculty of Agriculture. The event also saw the launch of the Mureeh Reading Corner. Derived from the Arabic word mureeh, meaning comfortable, calm and relaxing, the initiative aims to support mental health by providing a dedicated space in the library for students to unwind, reduce stress and boost productivity through light activities such as reading leisure materials and engaging in therapeutic games. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Young bookworm devours 1,378 titles to bag award
Children's category winner Alif Zachary (second left) with fellow winner (from left) Nur Jamilatussyukriyyah Abdullah, 18 (teenagers' category), Mastura and adult category winner Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39 (right). — Photos: ARIQ HIDAYAT/The Star Klang food delivery rider's son developed reading passion after library visit at six Winner of Selangor's Avid Reader award in the children's category who borrowed 1,378 books in 2024, shared that his passion for reading began at the age of six. Alif Zachary Mohd Arif , 13, son of a food delivery rider, believes that those who do not read are missing out. 'My friend invited me to visit a library when I was six and the sight of countless books instantly caught my interest. 'Since then, I always join book events at school and visit the Sungai Udang public library in Klang, regularly. 'This is my first time receiving the Avid Reader award,' the student from SMK Telok Gadong in Klang told StarMetro at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda's 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' programme in Shah Alam. The initiative by the state government was coordinated by Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS). Those with the most number of books borrowed at public libraries, based on PPAS' database, were identified for the award. Attendees reading during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit' programme at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam. Held to mark World Book Day and World Copyright Day, the event aimed to build a reading culture within the community. PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the event was also aimed at encouraging the public to gain skills and knowledge through reading. 'In previous years, the programme was held for a day. 'This year, we held it over four days, from April 19,' she said. 'This marks our 11th year of organising the programme which was carried out not only in all 14 state public libraries but also in all schools in Selangor. A leadership forum was also held as part of the event, with motivational speaker and opthalmologist Datuk Dr Muhaya Mohamad, Shariah-compliant stock investment mentor Datuk Mohd Asri Ahmad and celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaakob as panellists. Attendee Nur Hidayah Nasarudin said the event was a good opportunity for her to hear from so many renowned individuals in one place. 'Having the opportunity to hear about the importance of reading from my idols made me even more enthusiastic about seeking knowledge. 'It reminded me that learning isn't confined, knowledge is limitless,' she said.
