Rupert Grint confirmed to attend World Premiere of 'Into the White' in Oslo

Today, Rupert Grint confirmed his attendance for the world premiere of his new film Into the White, which is scheduled to occur in Oslo, Norway at the end of the film festival in the People's Theatre on March 4th. Joining Rupert will be actors Stig Henrik Hoff, Florian Lukas, Davis Kross and Lachlan Nieboer.

The film Into the White is about the events that take place during World War II when English and German pilots shoot each other down and later find themselves at the same cabin. In order to survive the tough winter in the Norwegian wilderness, they have to stand together. Its the start of a long and unlikely friendship.

The film is scheduled to be released on March 9th, 2012.

If you are attending this premiere and are willing to do a write-up from the event, please email me directly at keith@staff.mugglenet.com.

MuggleNet Throwback: Thousands queue for auditions of Cho Chang and Viktor Krum - 2004

During the first week of February of 2004, a couple of major casting calls were held for the roles of Cho Chang and Viktor Krum in which thousands of hopefuls queued in lengthy lines waiting their turn to audition.

In London, thousands of girls arrived for the role of Harry Potter's first love interest, Cho Chang. MuggleNet posted a report describing the day's events from one of the hopeful candidates, Shuo Zhang. The role, as we know, eventually went to Katie Leung.

Meanwhile, in Sofia, Bulgaria, hundreds of young men showed up for the auditions for the role of Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian seeker and love interest of Hermione Granger. Eventually, Stanislav Ianevski was cast for the role.

We all know that Evanna Lynch really brought the role of Luna Lovegood to life, but how do you feel that Katie and Stanislav did in their respective roles? Let us know in the comments below.

'Harry Potter' Composer John Williams turns 80 years old today

John Williams, the composer of some of the most iconic cinematic themes, turns 80 years old today.

A conductor and pianist, John has composed music to many of the most notable movies including: Star Wars, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Superman, Indiana Jones, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and of course, the Harry Potter theme.

With just a few notes, most people can recognize the intro to Star Wars, Jaws or the Harry Potter theme song. His musical genius has been used in commercials and other forms of media as well.

John Williams currently holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for a living person with 47 and is second in most nominations in history behind only Walt Disney with 59. John has won an impressive five Academy Awards, four Golden Globes and an amazing twenty Grammy awards.

Thank you John for your contribution to our beloved boy wizard, and on behalf of the fans, we wish you a very Happy 80th Birthday.

UK Government announces reading contest for British children; 'Potter' recommended

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom government announced its plan to get more children reading by aiming the contest, which is set to begin in September, for young boys aged 8-12 years old.

The contest will reward the young readers who devour the most books with the clear intention "to give a competitive spur to reluctant readers," according to schools minister Nick Gibb.

Both boys and girls are eligible for contest, but as boys make up the majority of "reluctant readers" the hope would be to inspire them "by a bit of healthy competition." One in ten British boys are now leaving the primary school at a seven-year-old reading level.

If the children want to get a head start on the competition, then there is a handy list of recommended books, including, of course, the entire Harry Potter series, which has an addictive quality and will cause the children to want to devour all seven books in a row giving them a huge head start on the cometition.

Dan Radcliffe receives high praise from director of 'The Woman in Black'

In a new interview with FemaleFirst, James Watkins - the director of the motion picture thriller The Woman in Black - gives high praise to actor Dan Radcliffe for his role in the film as Arthur Kipps.

"I am really proud of what he has done because I think that he has shown a different side of himself as an actor. I think he is in a different register compared to other things that he has done.

I think he holds the film really well, there is a twenty five minute section in the middle of the film where it is just Dan in the house; there is no dialogue and he has to carry it all with his expressions and how he responds through the house.

That is such a huge challenge as an actor and he doesn't have the other actors to bounce off, which always makes it easier. He is only twenty-three and he has a long career ahead of him - hopefully this is one step on that career."

As we reported yesterday, Dan Radcliffe and James Watkins will be attending two screenings of The Woman in Black and will introduce the film to the audiences on Friday as the film is released in the UK.

If you are lucky enough to attend one of these screenings, please send us a report of the experience.

John Hurt receives Alexander Walker Special Award; Bonnie Wright and Oliver Phelps attend for 'Deathly Hallows - Part 2' award

Veteran actor John Hurt - who portrayed wand maker Ollivander in the Harry Potter film series - was honored with the Alexander Walker Special Award for his contribution to cinema at last night's Evening Standard British Film Awards ceremony.

John is scheduled to collect the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTAs this Sunday.

Additionally, actress Bonnie Wright [Ginny Weasley] and Oliver Phelps [George Weasley] also attended the event to represent Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, which took home the Blockbuster of the Year and People's Choice Award trophies.

As for moving on from the Harry Potter series to make a name for herself, Bonnie Wright stated, "I was worried at first that it was going to be impossible to shake off the 'Harry Potter' associations, but it has just happened, really naturally." Bonnie directed her first short film, as we reported earlier, and will appear soon in a period film called In Want of a Wife.

Congratulations to John Hurt for this incredible honor!