Byline: Sophie Reid

Fandom / News

“Forbes” on how “Harry Potter” fans are changing Hollywood

“Harry Potter” fans already know that fandom can be used in a powerful way. It is clear from the success of the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) and the collective influence of “Harry Potter” fans that much can be achieved through the power of fandom. “Forbes” has published an article titled “How Harry Potter Fans Are Changing the World – and Hollywood,” which explores the collective power of “Harry Potter” fans, the HPA, and Nerdfighters. The article also considers the achievements of the HPA and asks why fandom is changing the world.

Cormoran Strike Series / J.K. Rowling / News

“The Silkworm” release celebrated by independent booksellers

“The Silkworm”, J.K. Rowling’s second novel as crime writer Robert Galbraith was released yesterday across the UK and as a soft release in the US. Even before this, the novel was highly rated, and Rowling fans across the world (including us here at MuggleNet) made sure that they got their hands on a copy as soon as it came out. In the weeks leading up to the book’s release, news emerged that the book would be affected by the current Hachette – Amazon debate in the US.

News / Theme Park

Diagon Alley preview picture and video roundup!

As I’m sure you’ll be aware, over the last few days some MuggleNet staff members were lucky enough to be at the preview event for Diagon Alley! Last night saw the preview of Diagon Alley itself take place, and we were able to get lots of pictures and videos as the event happened. If you missed out on seeing the pictures as they were posted, check them all out below in our handy roundup, and look out for a full report coming soon!

Academia / News

Study “Harry Potter” and International Relations this summer!

The Policy Studies Organization, which is based in Washington, DC, has announced that they are running a brand new course this summer together with the American Public University. The course, titled International Politics in this World and Beyond: Wizards, Fiction and Political Fact in a Global Age, will look at “Harry Potter”, alongside the works of Tolkien and the world of “Star Wars”.

Cormoran Strike Series / News

LISTEN: Audible UK releases two chapters from “The Silkworm”!

There’s just over a week to go until the next Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling) book, “The Silkworm”, is released, and things are heating up in anticipation. Only last week, the first chapter from the novel was released online, as well as an excerpt from the audiobook. Now, Audible UK has released the complete first two chapters of the novel online for you to listen to!

Charity / News

Evanna Lynch visits Tacloban with UNICEF Ireland

As an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) paid a visit last week to Tacloban, a city hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan in November. With UNICEF, Evanna was able to see firsthand the destruction that was caused and meet some of the children affected.