Latest news with #adaptation
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter fans just realising what Aunt Petunia is doing in kitchen scene
Harry Potter fans are only just realising a hidden detail from the first movie involving Aunt Petunia, which only people who have read the book might understand It has been almost 24 years since the first film in the Harry Potter franchise was released, and fans are loving them just as much now as they did then, with many patiently awaiting the upcoming TV adaptation. The films were based on JK Rowling's book series of the same name, and follow 11-year-old orphan Harry Potter as he finds out he's a wizard and starts attending the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The film series features a swathe of famous British and Irish actors - including Fiona Shaw playing Harry's not-so-nice aunt Petunia Dursley, whom he lives with alongside his uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley, played by Richard Griffiths and Harry Melling respectively. Of course, Daniel Radcliffe plays the titular role. While the Dursleys only make brief appearances in some of the films, they're a crucial part of the storyline as Harry has lived with them since the day his parents died when he was just one year old. But as with any book-to-film adaptation, it'd be impossible to include all the important details from the books that shows the true relationship between Harry and the Dursleys. Today (July 31) is Harry Potter's birthday, according to the book and films - and fans discussing the franchise have only just spotted a detail in the first movie that only people who've read the book will understand. In the beginning of the film - when Harry receives his first acceptance letter from Hogwarts - he carries the letter into the kitchen where Petunia can be seen standing in the background, wearing an apron as she stirs something in a large pot on the stove. Taking to Reddit, one user pointed out this small detail and said that it shows something that's only every mentioned in the book. "In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, Aunt Petunia is visible in the background of this scene dyeing Dudley's old clothes grey for Harry's uniform. This is only ever mentioned in the book," the Reddit user wrote as the shared a photo from the film scene. In the book, it is explained that all of Harry's clothes are hand-me-downs from his cousin Dudley. And as Harry is due to start a muggle school at the start of the new school year, Petunia dyes some of Dudley's old school uniform items. Meanwhile, Dudley was preparing to start his new independent school, Smeltings Academy, which his father also attended. He is seen wearing the maroon uniform in the same scene as he sits at the kitchen table with Vernon. Several people were amazed at learning this fact, as they took to the comments to share their bafflement that they hadn't noticed this before. "i saw this as a kid and thought she was making soup out of leather," one person admitted. "The amount of times I have seen this movie is crazy, and I've read the book once, absolutely loved it, and yet I didn't even notice this. That's actually really cool!! Just wish they kept Peeves in the film!" a second person wrote. However, a third person said: "In a deleted scene/a different cut of the film Harry asks her about the clothes." Another person asked why Petunia would do this, to which another person explained: "Because the Dursleys are pieces of shit to Harry and they'd rather send him to muggle high school with old dyed clothes instead of just buying him a uniform."
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Niche Businesses Use Innovation To Outmaneuver Industry Giants
For niche businesses, this moment presents a historic opportunity to disrupt and outmaneuver larger, ... More slower-moving incumbents. In the past, it was the biggest companies that consistently won. Today, it is the most adaptive. For niche businesses, this moment presents a historic opportunity to disrupt and outmaneuver larger, slower-moving incumbents. Armed with emerging technologies, nimble structures and intimate knowledge of underserved markets, smaller players are increasingly seizing competitive ground once thought untouchable. This shift is not theoretical. It is playing out in real-time. Across sectors, startups and niche players are punching far above their weight. But how, exactly, are they doing it? Innovation Advantage Of The Underdog Smaller firms enjoy one powerful strategic advantage: freedom from the constraints of scale. Without the bureaucratic drag of larger organizations, niche businesses can experiment faster, adopt emerging technologies earlier and pivot in real time to meet evolving market needs. Dr. Squatch, the men's personal care brand, is an example. Launched by Jack Haldrup in his apartment, it tapped into a previously ignored space: natural soap for men, with branding that was raw, humorous and authentic. Through clever digital storytelling and agile product development, Dr. Squatch grew from a niche product to a $100M+ brand, while legacy players like Unilever and P&G scrambled to reposition. As serial entrepreneur Kasim Aslam writes, 'Niching down solves so many of the hardest problems in business. It helps you understand exactly who your customers are, it allows you to define your offering specifically, it streamlines your operations and (most of all) it allows you to focus and ruthlessly eliminate distractions. Niching also enables hyper-focused targeting in your marketing, less (or no) competition, a much higher quality offering, far greater margins, faster positioning as a market leader, easier talent acquisition, and much clearer ascension opportunities.' Build Emotional Connections Another area where niche businesses are often outmaneuvering industry giants is through their ability to build emotional connections with their customers. Whether they are finding ways to deliver customized experiences or emphasizing in-person communication, these efforts to build emotional connections are a powerful method for attracting and retaining customers. Research published in the Harvard Business Review found that when brands were able to focus on 'high-impact' emotional motivators in their messaging, their customers became more fully connected to the brand, more satisfied with its products and better able to differentiate between brands — even in highly competitive categories like household cleaners. Because niche businesses are often able to deliver a more personal focus than larger brands, they can better fine-tune messaging and the customer experience based on key emotional desires like wanting a sense of well-being, confidence in the future or a sense of belonging. Many are using AI and other tools to connect with customers on a one-on-one basis to personalize every aspect of their brand interactions. Niche businesses' ability to deliver more personalized experiences is also helping them win over customers who have grown disillusioned by seemingly impersonal industry giants. This is especially important when 71% of customers now expect personalized interactions, and 76% say they've been frustrated when these did not happen. Emerging Tech Levels The Playing Field Until recently, access to advanced technology was a barrier reserved for enterprise budgets. Not anymore. Cloud computing, no-code platforms, AI and open APIs are transforming what small teams can accomplish. AI copilots and LLMs (large language models) are supercharging small teams, enabling even solo founders to operate at a scale once reserved for full departments. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper and Perplexity help with everything from product development to customer service scripting. Low-code/no-code platforms like Bubble, Webflow and Retool make it possible to build robust apps and platforms without a traditional dev team. These tools allow niche businesses to iterate quickly, respond to customer feedback and launch new offerings at a fraction of the time and cost. Micro-manufacturing and 3D printing are revolutionizing physical product businesses. Companies like Printful and Shapeways are enabling creators to prototype and fulfill niche physical goods without warehouses or upfront capital. Even blockchain and decentralized infrastructure are beginning to empower smaller players. For instance, artists and designers using NFTs for authentication and community-building are bypassing traditional distribution channels and gatekeepers. Looking Ahead The near future offers even greater potential for niche innovation if smaller players stay strategically focused. In the coming years, we will see: Niche firms that invest in these technologies early and closely align them with their customers' needs will gain an insurmountable edge. Action Steps: How To Outmaneuver For Individuals and Founders: For Teams: For Organizations: Today's Innovators Are Tomorrow's Giants It can be tempting to think of today's industry giants as organizations that are set in their ways and resistant to change. But in reality, today's giants are yesterday's innovators. Often, they are the ones who broke the mold and tried something new that eventually became the norm. As today's niche businesses continue to innovate and gain traction, the existing giants will either need to innovate alongside them or prepare to step aside and make way for future giants.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Blake Lively's Rs 2595000000 net worth: From hit films to lucrative brand deals and multi-crore estates with Ryan Reynolds
From A Simple Favor to Gossip Girl: A look at Blake Lively's acting career Celebrity Net Worth, ossip Girl A simple Favor, It Ends with Us Box Office Mojo What is Blake Lively's net worth? Celebrity Net Worth A look at Blake Lively's business ventures and estate Betty Buzz. Estate: New York Post. FAQs Q. What are some of Blake Lively's notable film roles? Blake Lively has starred in several films, including: The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005) The Town (2010) Savages (2012) The Age of Adaline (2015) A Simple Favor (2018) It Ends with Us (2024) Q. Who is Blake Lively married to, and how many children do they have? Blake Lively is making headlines again! Travis Kelce may be living a high-profile fairytale with Taylor Swift, but behind the scenes, tensions are growing within her inner circle. According to reports, Kelce had deliberately distanced himself from long-time Swift confidants Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, citing a fundamental clash in values and lifestyle. The rift reportedly deepened amid Lively's legal trial with director Justin Baldoni over the It Ends With Us film adaptation—drama that allegedly left Swift feeling betrayed, reports TOI. As the Hollywood fallout unfolds, attention has also turned to Lively's financial standing. With an estimated net worth of $30 million (approximately Rs 250 crore), built through hit roles like Gossip Girl, brand endorsements, and more, her net worth may be higher than this; let's find has appeared in numerous film and television roles throughout her decades-long career. According tothe 37-year-old actress starred in the hit CW show Gfrom 2007 to 2012, where she reportedly earned $60,000 (Rs 49.98 lakh) per episode by the end of this, the actress starred in 2015's romance/fantasy film 'The Age of Adaline', where she earned between Rs 86.50 and Rs 86.51, as per FandomWire. Later, she reportedly earned $800,000 (Rs 6.92 crore) for the black comedywhich made nearly $98 million (Rs 847.7 crore).The actress then starred in a film called '', earning Rs 25.95 crore. This was the movie that Lively co-starred in with the movie's director, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment during the film's production. She also claims that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign aimed at damaging her to, the film 'It Ends with Us' earned about $351 million globally (Rs 306 crore).According to a report by, the American actress and model has a staggering net worth of $30 million (Rs 250 crore).When factoring in the shared assets with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively's net worth increases significantly. The couple, married since 2012, both enjoy considerable success as actors and the years, Lively has done hefty brand endorsements and deals. She has also been the brand ambassador for top brands like L'Oreal and in 2021, Lively launched a nonalcoholic drink mixer brand calledIn 2024, the actress introduced her Blake Brown hair care brand, which reportedly earned $16 million (Rs 138.92 crore) in sales during its debut week, according to 2012, Lively and Reynolds purchased a nearly 9,000-square-foot home situated on 11.65 acres in Westchester County, New York, for $6 million (Rs 52.12 crore).Lively and Reynolds also have a loft in New York City's Tribeca area. Although the exact price of their unit is not public, previous sales in the building have ranged between $6 million (Rs 52.12 crore) and $49 million (Rs 425.66 crore), according to theOn September 9, 2012, Blake Lively wed actor Ryan Reynolds. James (born December 2014), Inez (born September 2016), Betty (born October 2019), and Olin (born February 2023) are the couple's four children. Pound Ridge, New York, is where they call home.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Return plan takes off: First convoy of Syrian refugees returns from Lebanon
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Seventy-seven Syrian refugees departed Lebanon through the Masnaa border crossing on Tuesday, marking the first phase of a government-led plan for their organized return to Syria. The initiative, launched on July 1, 2025, is being implemented by Lebanon's General Security Directorate in coordination with Syrian authorities, and with the presence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Though modest in number, the departure of two buses signaled a long-awaited political decision and the practical beginning of a pilot phase that the Lebanese government sees as critical in tackling one of its most pressing and complex challenges. Each refugee was allowed one suitcase weighing up to 30 kilograms inside the buses, while each family was allotted four cubic meters in an accompanying truck for larger belongings such as furniture and household items, according to information obtained by LBCI. Lebanon currently hosts nearly two million Syrian refugees, of whom around 1.45 million are registered with the UNHCR. The rest either entered the country legally but did not renew their residency permits or crossed the border irregularly. General Security has so far removed more than 120,000 names from UNHCR lists after confirming that those individuals had already returned to Syria. Meanwhile, registration for voluntary return remains ongoing. Over 20,000 refugees, primarily those registered with the UNHCR, have signed up so far. The plan also includes Syrians residing in Lebanon without valid permits who wish to return home. As the first buses slowly made their way toward the Syrian border, they carried not only passengers but years of displacement, political deadlock, and humanitarian uncertainty. While hopes are high for the success of this initiative, a lingering question remains: will the return be sustainable?
Elle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Emma Corrin Transforms into Elizabeth Bennet for Netflix's 'Pride and Prejudice' Series
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Jane Austen fans are thriving. Not only is a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility in the works, but Pride and Prejudice is also getting the remake treatment. Written by bestselling author Dolly Alderton (Good Material) and directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper), the classic novel is officially coming to Netflix. Here's everything we know about the six-part limited series. Pride and Prejudice will be based on the 1813 novel by Jane Austen. The story, previously adapted for the screen in the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, follows the complex romance between a young woman named Elizabeth Bennet and a wealthy man, Mr. Darcy. The new Netflix series assures a 'faithful' adaptation of Austen's book. Emma Corrin (Nosferatu, The Crown) will play Elizabeth Bennet. Corrin will also serve as an executive producer for the series. Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) will portray Mr. Darcy, and Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) will star as Elizabeth's mother, Mrs. Bennet. 'Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' Corrin told Netflix's Tudum. 'To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly's phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honor. I can't wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.' Other cast members include Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat) as Mr. Bennet, Freya Mavor (Industry) as Jane Bennet, Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper) as Lydia Bennet, Louis Partridge (Disclaimer) as Mr. Wickham, Jamie Demetriou (Fleabag) as Mr. Collins, Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) as Mr. Bingley, Siena Kelly (Black Mirror) as Caroline Bingley, Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve) as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and newcomers Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery as Mary and Kitty Bennet, respectively. Anjana Vasan, Sebastian Armesto, Rosie Cavaliero, Saffron Coomber, James Dryden, Justin Edwards, James Northcote, Eloise Webb, and Isabella Sermon round out the cast. Production is currently underway in the U.K., and a release date for the six-part limited series hasn't been revealed yet. On July 29, Netflix unveiled a first-look image of the main cast: This story will be updated.
