Can Harry Potter sing? That's something we'll find out come December, when Daniel Radcliffe heads a reading of the musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Again, it's just a reading, not an actual production of the 1961 show, but this could determine whether or not it's a good idea to progress further with a new revival.
Radcliffe previously came to Broadway for the non-musical "Equus," infamous for having the former child actor appear completely nude on stage. If he's back in front of an audience for "Business," there won't be as many "scandalous" headlines, but there would still likely be plenty of "Harry Potter" fans in the audience. Read more...
As most magic-loving Muggles know, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" -- the final installment in J.K. Rowling's seven book series -- will be split into two pieces for its upcoming movie adaptation. There have long been suggestions and assumptions about where that split might lie. Last we heard, director David Yates had "three or four different ideas" about where the break should be.
Now we have what looks to be confirmation, though it's important to remember the old adage that "looks can be deceiving" in this particular case. Joshua Herdman, who plays Slytherin crony Goyle in the films, broke the news in a Q&A held in the UK several weeks ago. "Potter" fansite MuggleNet is quick to point out that "the director and producers have made it clear that they could very well change" the split point, so take all of this for what it's worth. Be warned, there's also a moderate spoiler, unrelated to the split point, in Herdman's comments. Read more...
Muggles and wizards alike both know the evil Lord Voldemort as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” Judging by the latest controversy to rock the "Harry Potter" universe however, it is okay to scribble Voldemort’s name in black Sharpie.
The lines between fantasy and reality have been further blurred in recent days as the series' latest film, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” continues to set records at the box-office. Now, with Daniel Radcliffe being menaced on the big screen by the former Hogwart’s student-turned-dark-overlord, fans all over the world have begun defacing “Stop” signs with a message to Harry’s nemesis. Read more...
Just as everyone has an opinion, a favorite meal and a nose — albeit a fake one at times — so too does everyone have a birthday. Even celebrities. Here at Birthday Bash, it’s my mission to salute the fine actors, filmmakers and other Hollywood heroes that are celebrating their special day this week. After all, it’s cheaper than mailing a cake.
This week, Birthday Bashers will catch the train leaving Platform 9 3/4 heading for the Cave of Wonders, battling blood-sucking vampires along the way. Or maybe we're just celebrating some actors who've done that dirty work for us. Either way, let's get to the party! Read more...
Rumor alert! You've been warned; continue reading at your own risk. The rumblings around the Internets indicate that fans who have been patiently waiting for word from Guillermo del Toro on "The Hobbit" will get their wish next week at San Diego Comic-Con. We already learned from the director during a recent interview that he is "very close" to announcing his pint-sized lead. Next week would certainly fall into the bounds of "very close."
The Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex blog mentions that David Tennant, James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe are all rumored to be up for the role. To me, Radcliffe seems like a longshot at best. While I'm sure the legions of "Harry Potter" fans out there would like to see The Boy Who Lived wear the One Ring, my guess is that the still-young actor may want to break away from the fantasy mold once J.K. Rowling's series is complete. Then again, there are those many millions of basically assured "Hobbit" dollars to consider.... Read more...
FROM MTV.COM: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is one of the darkest of the Potter books, so it's no surprise that the movie version is the darkest of the films to date. What is surprising — and I say this as someone who loves the books and has loved the movies up to this point — is how sluggish the new picture is. It gets underway with a limp scene set in a train-station café — a trivial flirtation between Harry, now 16, and an admiring waitress — and proceeds in surges and sags for the next two and a half hours. There are some marvelous scenes, beautiful images, wonderful moments — it isn't a "bad" movie by any reckoning. But it isn't up to the sweeping dynamic level of some of the pictures that preceded it.
Every fan knows the story: Darkness is descending on Hogwarts and all of the wizarding world. Voldemort's Death Eaters are on the attack, and have even crossed over into the unsuspecting Muggle domain. The Dark Lord has tasked Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton, newly prominent) with an especially evil mission. Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is in mortal danger, as, of course, is Harry (Daniel Radcliffe). And the deliciously creepy Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) appears to be up to even more in the way of no-good than usual. As if that weren't enough, there's suddenly a Horcrux crisis, too. (Need it be said that this isn't the place for first-timers to attempt to enter the Potter universe?)
Continue reading 'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince': Snogwarts, By Kurt Loder
In the wizarding world of "Harry Potter," you can accomplish almost anything with the flick of a wand, a correctly spoken incantation and the rightly brewed potion: grant good luck, make people fall in love, clean up a messy room. Of course, you've got to be a talented witch or wizard to pull off one of these spells. No Muggle has a chance with such feats.
That hasn't stopped the cast of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" from wishing they could, like their characters, sometimes make the impossible possible.
Read more...
All this week, MTV Movies Blog writer Brian Warmoth will be breaking down the past, present and future of the five principal Hogwarts students — and the actors who portray them — in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” on MTV.com. So far this week we've looked at Draco Malfoy/Tom Felton, Ginny Weasley/Bonnie Wright, Ron Weasley/Rupert Grint and Hermione Granger/Emma Watson. Today's subject is the star of the show, the Boy Who Lived, the kid with the lightning shaped scar on his head. You know him, you love him, you read books with his name in the title... it's Harry Potter! And his real-life counterpart Daniel Radcliffe of course.
FROM MTV.COM: Harry Potter's entire life leading up to "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" has been plagued by dark magic and loss. His sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry marks a turning point as he begins to fall in love with Ginny Weasley. Numerous obstacles, including his own destiny, stand in the way: Lord Voldemort ignites the Second Wizarding War, and Harry's status as the "Chosen One" becomes more evident.
Continue reading Harry Potter Faces Love And War In 'Half-Blood Prince'
You regular readers may be getting tired of these daily reminders, but bear with us. It's not often we get face time with the collected Hogwarts superstars -- Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright and Tom Felton -- and their stalwart director, David Yates. MTV Movies Editor Josh Horowitz will have that opportunity this weekend though, and he wants to give you fans a shot at having your voices heard.
It's simple: plant yourself in front of a webcam and record yourself putting a question to one of the gathered "Potter" players. Upload the video to Your MTV and tag it with "Harry Potter." We'll handle the rest. Then you can look for video from the junket next week, when the "Harry Potter" hype train hits full speed in preparation for the July 14 release of "Half-Blood Prince."
Hey "Harry Potter" fans! I'm pretty excited for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," I have to say. I hesitate to call it my favorite of the books, but it's definitely the tightest, most action-packed of the stories. Between the killer set pieces and shockingly downbeat conclusion, "Half-Blood Prince" is to the "Harry Potter" universe what "The Empire Strikes Back" is to "Star Wars." Anyone who's aware of my fanboy allegiances knows that there's no higher compliment I can offer.
SO! Next weekend, MTV's Josh Horowitz will be sitting down with members of the "Half-Blood" cast and crew. Namely director David Yates and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton and Bonnie Wright. That's Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley, for you Muggles out there. While all of us -- myself included -- are forced to sit jealously on the sidelines while Josh does his interviews, MTV wants to give you all an opportunity to participate.
It's simple. Head over to Your MTV and upload a video of yourself posing a single question to any of the gathered players. We'll cull the best of your queries and pass them along to the Potter-folk, then share their answers here the week of "Half-Blood"'s release!
