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The first story of the new year is a fitting one - a look at several big movies coming in 2009 from Entertainment Weekly! Half-Blood Prince was one of the films included. With the piece, they have a new shot of Harry and Ginny going in for a kiss that we once saw in a behind the scenes video.
Imagine making out with your sister. Now imagine something less taboo, and you'll know what it was like for Daniel Radcliffe to mack on Bonnie Wright, who plays Harry Potter's future wife Ginny Weasley in the sixth installment of the magical series. ''Harry's got a real thing for her, and that is slightly odd, because when we met, I was 11 and she was 9, and she was only ever Ron's little sister,'' says Radcliffe, now 19. ''But that all changed, and here we are snogging.''
EW goes on to quote Dan Radcliffe as saying one of the hardest scenes to film was Dumbledore's funeral. But, seeing as that scene was cut from the movie, we figure Dan's referring to WB's alternate scene that pays tribute to the wise old man.
Posted by on 01-01-2009 at 1:09 PM
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Posted by on 01-01-2009 at 4:37 PM
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Emma Thompson, who played Professor Sybil Trelawney in Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix, has spoken again about her decision not to return for the final film. The sequel to Thompson's Nanny McPhee movie was due to be shot at the same time as Deathly Hallows.
"I wasn't being rude at all," says Thompson, who adds that she loves Sybil. "It's so typical, where they take something very, very small and turn it into a big deal. I was never going to be in the next 'Harry Potter.' I sort of put that to bed."
Thanks to those who emailed!
Posted by on 01-03-2009 at 06:57 AM
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MuggleNet's Harry Potter top site list is working and ready for action. We, um, got a bit ahead of ourselves and all the bugs have (we're pretty sure) been fixed.
So if you're a webmaster, add your site and let us send you free traffic! Note to fans: it might take some time for the best sites to rise to the top, as it has just been re-released.
Posted by on 01-03-2009 at 4:05 PM
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Back in October we told you about a new feature that our awesome MuggleNet Fan Fiction team debuted: AudioFictions! Basically, they're audiobook versions of Harry Potter fan fiction stories.
Now, their first full AudioFiction is now available for your listening pleasure - it's an extended episode to include several stories. You can download and listen just like you would an episode of MuggleCast; by direct download or by subscribing in iTunes.
They sound great, and we highly recommend 'em for those days you've had enough of the MuggleCast nonsense (as if).
Posted by on 01-03-2009 at 11:55 PM
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Broadway.com recently conducted a very insightful interview with the Equus star, where he answers lots of questions posed to him by fans.
Of particular interest, Dan said he would definitely not be interested in doing a musical (unlike what some sites recently suggested). He also confirmed that filming for Deathly Hallows will start on February 15th, as earlier reports revealed.
You can check out the entire video interview right here. Thanks to Sierra for the tip!
Posted by on 01-04-2009 at 00:14 AM
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Posted by on 01-04-2009 at 11:57 AM
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Back in August, with your help, MuggleCast raised roughly $1,600 for Teddy Bears for Hope, a non-profit organization that provides brand new teddy bears to children around the world whose lives have been ravaged by tragedy.
Today, we wanted to share with you some photos that were passed along to us from the Covenant House in New Orleans, who received more than 40 teddy bears: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Additionally, 30 bears were sent on an Emergency Response Vehicle with the Syracuse Chapter of the American Red Cross. These will be distributed to children who lose their homes in fires. The pediatric ward of La Vega Hospital in the Dominican Republic received 30 bears and the Hudson County Child Advocacy Center in New Jersey received 50 bears.
Thanks again to everybody who helped make such a difference!
Posted by Micah on 01-05-2009 at 2:16 PM
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Here's a really cool find: MuggleNet reader Cami sent us a link to the website of Adam Brockbank, a conceptual artist for many films including the Potter series. Within his site you can find lots of concept art for Chamber of Secrets through Order of the Phoenix - everything from mopping house elves to beautiful views of Hogwarts.
To check it all out, visit his site right here, then click on Concept Art. From there, you can select any of the films he has worked on. Also be sure to visit the Storyboards area, where you can see some work from Sorcerer's Stone.
Thanks again to Cami for the tip!
Posted by on 01-06-2009 at 01:11 AM
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Posted by Micah on 01-06-2009 at 1:45 PM
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UPDATE: The MPAA's official site has been updated with the rating. You can see it by clicking here and searching for Harry Potter. Thanks to Steven for the tip!
Rope Of Silicon and Ain't It Cool News are both reporting that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has received a PG rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. Surprising, given that Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix both received PG-13 ratings.
The MPAA rated it PG for "scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality." We're currently checking this with Warner Brothers to make sure it's legit.
Thanks to Chris, Scott, Geoffrey, and Nizar for the tip!
Posted by on 01-07-2009 at 4:12 PM
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Thanks to MuggleNet reader Brandon for letting us know that our Harry Potter podcast has been nominated in the Best Podcast category at the 2008 Weblog Awards. We're up against some stiff competition from such popular podcasts as This American Life and This Week in Tech, so be sure to vote for us right here!
Voting is allowed once every 24 hours until January 12th. We're currently not the even close to taking the lead, but we know the MuggleNet army can help us out. Again, go here to easily place your vote. Thanks for the help!
In related news, MuggleCast will be streaming LIVE on Ustream late next week to usher in the new year, discuss the PG Half-Blood Prince rating, and much more. Full details on that coming soon!
Posted by on 01-08-2009 at 5:14 PM
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Jo Rowling has updated her official website to wish Severus Snape a happy birthday for January 9th. Loathe or love him - he deserves a happy birthday wish for being such a captivating character!
Posted by on 01-09-2009 at 06:50 AM
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The Telegraph is reporting today that Toby Jones will return to voice Dobby the House-Elf in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The article notes that "he'll soon be back in the recording studio for the next Harry Potter."
This is great news considering we last saw Dobby all the way back in Chamber of Secrets. Filming for the final installment in the series begins this February.
Thanks to Sarah for passing this along!
Posted by Micah on 01-09-2009 at 11:36 AM
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The LA Times has conducted a new interview with Jim Broadbent, the actor who portrays Horace Slughorn in Half-Blood Prince. Jim discusses what it's like to come into this franchise after five out of seven films are already complete:
"In the first one, I'm sure there was a bit of nervousness about whether it would all work, but now it's a unique position to be in, to be making a blockbuster without a lot of nervousness. It's hugely beneficial for the creativity to have a great deal of certainty about the process and the success."
Jim also describes the character of Slughorn, calling him "a good man, a decent man, but a weak man". Check the full interview out right here.
Posted by on 01-09-2009 at 8:37 PM
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The official website of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park has updated with a new poll question: "Which would be your favorite place to shop in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?"
The options are Honeydukes, Ollivanders, or Zonko's Joke Shop. Unfortunately, you can't choose more than one (I'd pick all three!). Thanks to Lyana for the tip!
Posted by on 01-10-2009 at 01:18 AM
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The sixth Harry Potter film made the number one spot on AOL's list of the most anticipated films for 2009:
'Potter' heads were none too pleased when 'Prince' was pushed from fall '08 to summer '09 -- and 'Twilight' attempted to fill the void. So this installment -- which finds Harry taking one giant step closer to his showdown with Voldemort -- probably ranks as the most highly anticipated 'Potter' yet.
Thanks to those who wrote in.
Posted by on 01-10-2009 at 07:50 AM
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The Harry Potter actor has given a new interview to The Herald Sun. In it, he speaks about how the fans have grown with the franchise and what to expect in Half-Blood Prince:
"I think the thing we certainly tried to do in this one was strike a balance between the darkness,'' Radcliffe says.
"I mean, the one thing when I read the script I could always yearn for was more darkness and more of that real intense stuff, because I enjoy doing that more, but hopefully this time we have struck a balance between that darkness and a certain comedy in this film."
Read the rest of the interview right here!
Posted by on 01-10-2009 at 3:15 PM
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Have you ever wanted to volunteer for the most visited Harry Potter fansite online? We've just updated our Job Openings page with four new areas that we're looking to fill: Content Editors, News Editors, Graphic Designers, and Programmers.
Content Editors and News Editors will be hired as part of an internship program for a trial period. In that time, you will do different tasks around the site to show us why you'd be an excellent long-term MuggleNet staff member. Once the trial period is over, we will review who the most dedicated interns are and make them official MuggleNet staff members (remember: these are all volunteer positions).
If you're on the fence about volunteering for us, we encourage you to check out this new site feature: The Top 7 Reasons to Volunteer for MuggleNet. Please visit the Job Openings page for full details on applying for each position. We hope to see you on the team soon!
Posted by on 01-10-2009 at 5:24 PM
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What better way to begin a new year of podcasting than to discuss the latest Harry Potter news stories LIVE on Ustream? Join Andrew, Laura, Eric, Penny and myself this Thursday (January 15th) starting at 8 PM EST!
The episode will focus on what Harry Potter fans can expect in 2009, your live calls, and a lot more. And for the first time in our 'LIVE' history, we'll be streaming video as well. It may just be Andrew's sweet studio setup, but he promises it will be well done.
The stream will begin at 7:30 PM EST at this link with some music and live video of Andrew setting up. Then at 8:00 PM EST, the show will begin. We hope to see you there!
And just a reminder that there are only a few hours left to vote for MuggleCast in the Best Podcast category at the 2008 Weblog Awards. We currently trail EconTalk and need your help to pull out the upset!
Posted by Micah on 01-12-2009 at 9:29 PM
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TeenVogue.com is showcasing some of Hollywood's "bold and beautiful" hitting the red carpet wearing British brand Burberry. Among the young stars is Emma Watson who was spotted wearing this Burberry outfit.
Posted by on 01-13-2009 at 06:24 AM
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Our friends at Fan Trips.Travel are looking for some interns for their upcoming summer tours this July.
If you have always wanted to experience an award-winning HP Fan Trip, this is your opportunity to do a little work in exchange for an amazing adventure!
For more details, click here.
Posted by on 01-13-2009 at 2:37 PM
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Following rumors about the possibility of a Harry Potter musical, JK Rowling's agent has said that "there are no plans for a Harry Potter musical, full stop."
Dan Radcliffe also commented on the rumors, saying that a Potter muscial "wouldn't have [his] blessing."
Thanks to those who emailed!
Posted by on 01-15-2009 at 06:28 AM
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This July 17, MuggleCast and PotterCast will be joining forces once more for, seriously, the nuttiest thing we've ever done: A live LeakyMug at 3 a.m.
Why would we do this? Because we'll all be just returning from a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and what better time to talk about it than when we're delirious (for better or worse) about it? So, put this on your calendar:
July 17, 2009
Where: Azkatraz 2009, San Francisco, CA
Parc 55 Hotel, 55 Cyril Magnin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Only registered guests of the conference can get into this show; you can register here!
When: Right after a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Why (as in WHY would you EVER podcast before dawn? Because we're Harry Potter fans, guys, duh!
See you there!
(Note: headline has nothing to do with the successful series by Stephenie Meyer)
Posted by on 01-15-2009 at 2:57 PM
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Don't forget, tonight we'll be LIVE on Ustream for an episode of MuggleCast to usher in the new year! The hosts will be discussing what's to come in 2009, the latest Potter news stories (mainly that weird PG rating), and also taking your live calls!
This live show will be extra fun as it will feature video of myself and Matt in the MuggleCast studio and visuals related to things we're discussing.
The stream will go live at 7:30 PM EST with music, and then the live show will start at 8 PM EST. The link to the stream is right here. See you then!
Posted by on 01-15-2009 at 3:11 PM
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New videos of JK Rowling at The Tales of Beedle the Bard release in Edinburgh has been posted on the Bloomsbury website. At the tea party which housed roughly 200 students, she signs copies of Beedle, answers a few questions, and reads an except from the book.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard was released on December 4, 2008. Thanks HarryLatino.com!
Posted by on 01-15-2009 at 7:03 PM
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Recorded earlier tonight with close to 900 people listening live (amid our technical problems - sorry about that! We know why it happened.. we'll be sure there's no problem next time), the latest episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now available!
- Eric, having already seen the film, tells us if HBP's PG rating is justified.
- Nick points out that the HBP trailers in the UK are rated 12A.
- What does this mean for the film's UK rating?
- Main discussion: What to expect for 2009?
- Will we see Jo's encyclopedia or at least get news on it?
- Are COS and POA anniversary editions coming this year?
- Live calls!
Special thanks to Ustream and Lucas, Jeremy, Terrance, and Stephanie for modding the chat room.
To download for free, we recommend subscribing through Apple iTunes. Just CLICK HERE and then press "Subscribe" to the right of our album art. (Already subscribed? Refresh your feed!) No iPod or MP3 player needed! You can also visit the MuggleCast website to listen right within your browser, or to download the MP3 file to your desktop. Enjoy!
Posted by on 01-16-2009 at 00:12 AM
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Posted by on 01-18-2009 at 1:26 PM
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In a new interview with The Telegraph, Rupert Grint looks ahead to his upcoming kiss scene with Emma Watson in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:
"As I've known Emma for so long, I reckon it will be 10 times worse," says the 20-year-old actor, who plays Ron Weasley.
"I really love the seventh book, but there is no way it will be tame with the Hermione stuff."
The kiss, which is due to be filmed next month, should have been a walk in the park for Grint after his graphic performance opposite Kimberley Nixon, a 23-year-old Welsh actress, in the forthcoming film Cherrybomb.
You can read the full interview right here! Thanks to Sam, Evan, and Emily for the tip.
Posted by on 01-18-2009 at 9:51 PM
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The official website of Emma Watson has been updated with a new message from the Hermione Granger actress. In it, she talks about an upcoming SAT test for American universities and notes that she'll be doing test shoots for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows this Monday:
On Monday I go in for test shoots for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1). I am quite excited to be back actually. I don't think I have seen Dan since the summer since he left for NY and Rupert since Autumn. I think I have a couple of costume fittings and a hair appointment to make my hair a bit browner. Not sure whether we have a couple rehearsals as well.
Excited to see if they have cast anyone yet...
Read her full diary entry right here. This is the first we've heard of the test shoots, and we'll let you know if we hear anything else! Thanks to Tasha for the tip.
Posted by on 01-20-2009 at 5:25 PM
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Warner Brothers Italy has announced that the Italian release date for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is set for July 15th, 2009.
You can read the press release right here on ThePortkey.it.
Thanks to Snitch Seeker and Sam W. for the tip!
Posted by on 01-21-2009 at 9:05 PM
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Earlier this week we told you about a new Japanese Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer and rumors that a new trailer was slated for release with Inkheart tomorrow.
At this point, we're going to place our bets on the trailer with Inkheart NOT being a new one. We've heard from two movie theater employees that have helped us figure this out.
One, a manager at a large theater chain, tells us that Warner Brothers has attached the trailer that premiered with Twilight a couple of months ago. The other theater employee tells us that the trailer is attached to the Inkheart reel itself - which may suggest it's new. However, no official word from WB leaves us doubtful.
In related news, six more images have surfaced online from the Japanese Half-Blood Prince trailer. You can see those right here on Oclumencia. Thanks to Sam, Kime, and Rob for the tips!
Posted by on 01-22-2009 at 6:00 PM
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The Half-Blood Prince trailer that we told you about on Sunday has made its way online in video form (finally!) via YouTube. You can check it out at the "read more" link below!
The video still has the Japanese narration, so don't expect the wonderful quality of the officially released trailers. You can view it right here. Thanks to Chris and Penny for the tip!
TRANSLATION: Are you fluent in the Japanese language? We're looking for a translation of the voice over in the trailer. If you can write one for us, send it in to tips at staff dot mugglenet dot com. Thanks!
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who sent in a translation! Overall most of you had similar translations, so here is the culmination of what you've sent in. Thanks to Sana, Cassia, Shona, Kristi, and Yukina!
Posted by on 01-23-2009 at 09:30 AM
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The Japanese Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer made its way online this morning, and MuggleCast was LIVE on Ustream with over 500 listeners to discuss our thoughts.
- We attempt to hit 10,000 members on MuggleSpace while on the air.
- Have Michael Gambon and Emma Watson changed their tune for this film?
- Live callers tell us what their favorite parts of the trailer are.
- We give the MPAA a call to see why it was rated PG.
- Hagrid calls in to ask Laura a serious question.
- When will the next trailer be out? Ben has a vision.
Special thanks to Ustream and Lucas, Jeremy, Sam, and Milan for modding the chat room.
To download for free, we recommend subscribing through Apple iTunes. Just CLICK HERE and then press "Subscribe" to the right of our album art. (Already subscribed? Refresh your feed!) No iPod or MP3 player needed! You can also visit the MuggleCast website to listen right within your browser, or to download the MP3 file to your desktop. Enjoy!
Posted by on 01-23-2009 at 8:58 PM
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We're very pleased to announce that MuggleSpace, our Harry Potter social network, has reached the 10,000 member mark in just one month!
Released on December 24th, MuggleSpace has provided Harry Potter fans with a social network to connect with fellow Potter diehards. We're so happy to see that fans are making new friends, and we hope it continues to provides an excellent friendship-making outlet!
Thanks, MuggleSpace members, for making the community what it has become!
Posted by on 01-24-2009 at 01:36 AM
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A couple quick site updates: first, we have chosen the eight interns for our Content Editor program. Congratulations to Noah, Melissa, Nick, Arielle, Rosie, Jen, Kyle and Versha for making the cut! We've also chosen Mercedez and Andrea for graphic designer and news editor positions respectively. Congrats to them as well! A couple more graphic designer and news editors may be chosen, so keep an eye out if you applied.
Thanks to everyone who applied. It was honestly very hard to narrow it down to a select group of people out of hundreds of great applications.
Additionally, our Fan of the Week section is now back up and running thanks to MuggleNet staff member Kat! You can read profiles on the biggest Potter fans we can find, and submit your own if you think you're worthy. Enjoy!
Posted by on 01-24-2009 at 1:55 PM
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Back in August 2007, rumors surfaced claiming that a Harry Potter musical was under development. Just last week, it was denied by JKR's representatives.
Now, an article from The Telegraph reveals that the opportunity to secure rights for the musical were missed by only a few weeks. National Theatre Boss Sir Trevor Nunn says:
"Many many years ago I proposed it and they said: 'Oh if only you had come to us a few weeks ago. We have just sold the movie rights'," he harrumphs. "It will be a long time now before anyone is allowed to stage Harry Potter."
Fans reacted harshly when we reported the possibility in Summer 2007. Our news report received over 700 comments in just a few days - most of them very angry at the idea.
Posted by on 01-25-2009 at 5:22 PM
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Back in November we showed you a photo of Minerva McGonagall. A larger version of the photo is now available right here thanks to ScarPotter.
It looks like this photo is from sometime after Dumbledore's funeral, judging by how disheartened Minerva looks.
Posted by on 01-26-2009 at 4:12 PM
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Just days after we reported that the Italian release date for Half-Blood Prince had been set, Warner Bros. has moved yet another release date for the sixth Potter installment. Denmark will also be able to see the movie two days earlier than the rest of the world with the movie hitting Danish theaters on July 15, 2009. There has been no news as to why this date has changed, but we will keep you updated. You can read the translated news here at Portkey.it.
Thanks again to Sam and everyone who sent this in.
UPDATE: Now Azkaban.dk is reporting that the new release date has been changed back to July 17th. We will confirm or deny this as soon as possible. Thanks Webmestern for the info.
Posted by on 01-26-2009 at 11:31 PM
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Oclumencia has online two more outtakes from a recent Entertainment Weekly article. The two photos are of Professor Slughorn, and you can see them here and here.
Thanks to Sarah for the tip!
Posted by on 01-27-2009 at 6:46 PM
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Long-time Potter fans may remember that Nicholson's Cafe in Edinburgh was where JK Rowling spent time writing some parts of Philosopher's Stone while baby Jessica slept beside her. A few years ago it was turned into a Chinese Restaurant, but as of recently, it is now up for sale again. The Scotsman reports:
He has already offered the building to Merchiston-based Ms Rowling for £1 million – an offer which was politely declined.
Mr Ng said: "I saw an article about a house where Bruce Lee lived in Hong Kong that was donated to the local council to turn into a museum. That sparked an idea to turn this place into a museum.
"We were thinking of selling to JK Rowling first because we think something should be done to mark the fact she wrote the book here."
Read the full story right here.
Posted by on 01-27-2009 at 7:07 PM
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The Press Association is reporting this evening that a stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe was injured while on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:
The 25 year old was performing an aerial sequence when he fell to the ground following an explosion which was part of the stunt, the Daily Mirror reported.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed a man in his 20s had been injured on set.
He said: "Paramedics were called to Leavesden Studios after a man in his 20s sustained a significant back injury. He was stabilised at the scene and taken to Watford General Hospital."
The Mirror has a bit more information, adding that the stuntman said he could not feel his legs after falling. A rep from Leavesden Studios, where the Potter films are shot, also confirms the accident.
Our thoughts are with the stuntman and his family and we hope he makes a full recovery. We'll update you when we hear more.
Posted by on 01-28-2009 at 8:28 PM
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Emma Watson has reportedly accepted a place to study English at Trinity College, Cambridge University. The report was made by The Varsity, an independently-run Cambridge student newspaper, which added that the actress chose Cambridge over American universities so as to not be too far from her Oxford home.
As this has not been confirmed by Emma yet, please consider it a rumor until we update you with more.
Thanks to Emily for the tip!
Posted by on 01-30-2009 at 1:16 PM
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Last month, we ran a fan photo contest in conjunction with Magical Tours. MuggleNet visitors had the chance to submit a photo that best represents what it is to be a Harry Potter fan. These photos were taken at Harry Potter events far and wide and each represents a unique angle on the fandom! We received many great entries and narrowed it down to 12 semi-finalists. The winners were voted on by MuggleNet visitors. You can view the winning entries here! Congratulations to Stephanie Gallo, Clair Schaub, Katie Aiani, and Amanda Melhuish for winning the Ultimate Fan Photo Contest!
If you are also an ultimate Harry Potter fan, now is your chance to join other fans on the trip of a lifetime! Magical Tours is currently registering for their summer 2009 tours but they are filling up fast! This is your chance to join other MuggleNet visitors on a once in a lifetime trip to see the filming locations of the movies! To read more about the filming locations visit FindHogwarts.com and then learn about the tours at Magicaltours.org
Congratulations again to the winners!
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