Thanks to the Harry Potter TV show’s trailers, fans are feeling all the nostalgia due to having grown up with the Daniel Radcliffe-led movies. However, along with the great Hogwarts memories comes a long-standing debate about Severus Snape. While he’s been a fan favorite among many, Potter fans are still not on the same page when it comes to Snape's relationship with Lily Potter, (Harry's mother). That assumption is based on a recent social media situation.

In an Reddit post, which has since been removed by moderators, someone sternly argued that Snape’s love for Lily Potter was actually creepy and unrequited. This insinuated that Snape only protected Harry because he felt bad about his mother and that his fixation/crush on her was unhealthy. Said comments sparked a debate among fans, with many defending Severus and others agreeing that his feelings were creepy. Check out some of the mixed reactions:

• No_Initiative_1337: He wasn't creeping on Lily or believing he had some kind of entitlement to her love. The problem is not with the story. It's with your inability to see nuance.
• MintberryCrunch_: When the books came out I don’t remember any of this 'obsession' talk, it seems a more modern train of thought to me, it was simply a fact Snape loved Lily and it drove his later actions in his life.
• Neither-Main-9569: As bad as a person Snape was, he never came off as obsessed to me. Madly in love, perhaps lustful, yes. But not obsessive.
• Louisdanby: It’s not meant to be romantic, it’s meant to be tragic.
• Dangerous_Bed2566: To paraphrase Frasier - he was not in love WITH her, he was in love AT her.
• Mello1182: Bro was totally fine with the idea of selling out her husband and kid to a mass murderer and get her as a prize, as if she was an object to possess and whose happiness didn't matter.
• Whole_perspective609: I think the correct answer is that it’s both. He genuinely loved Lily and his love for her did a lot for the war. The ways he expressed this love was increasingly selfish but it was him loving her in his own way regardless.

Despite those mixed feelings toward the character, many have loved Snape (played in the films by the late, great Alan Rickman) since 2001's The Sorcerer’s Stone. Not only that, but the character arguably has some of the best moments in the HP movies. In the films, the character's arc comes full circle in Deathly Hallows – Part 2, in which Harry sees into his professor’s memories and discovers his past friendship with Lily. Harry also learns of Snape's romantic feelings for his mother.

Furthermore, through the Pensieve, Harry also sees Snape protecting him without his knowledge, being bullied by his father, James Potter and the moment he grieves Lily’s death. Interestingly enough, J.K. Rowling told Rickman about his character's twist years before it played out on screen. It's a major set of developments and, ultimately, Rickman’s character is a complicated, albeit morally gray, anti-hero because of it.

That characterization essentially launched the Lily debate. Some loved the twist and saw it as a reveal that Snape was in fact one of the good guys. This argument points out that Snape genuinely loves Lily and that when the friendship ended, he left her alone. We never hear this discussed from the perspective of either of these characters, but Harry is simply of the thinking that Snape loved Lily, grieved her, and did what he could to keep him safe. And he even names one of his eventual children after Snape to honor him.

However, the other side of the argument contends that these memories prove Snape is not worthy of praise. This argument states that the Potions Master held onto his feelings for way too long and used them to justify his arguably bullying behavior of Harry. Both sides do have points to varying extents but, if anything, the debate simply proves just how complex Snape is.

It’s expected that if the new show runs the course of the seven books, it'll eventually provide a more exhaustive look at Snape and Lily’s friendship. According to the fans, the trailer is already filling in what was missing in the movies, which bodes well for what's to come. I'm eager to see what Paapa Essiedu brings to the role of Snape on the show and whether fans might look at the character in a different light, given more context.

Whether you think Snape is a saint or a scoundrel, grab an HBO Max subscription, and re-watch the movie series before the new Harry Potter show hits the 2026 TV schedule on December 25.

The Wizarding World has entertained fans for generations, thanks to J.K. Rowling's book as well as the Harry Potter movies, video games, stage plays, and theme parks. The franchise will expand again thanks to the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, which has been teased to be a more faithful book to screen adaptation. And the show's executive producer spoke about one thing that was missing from the films that's going to be included in the show.

The Potter films (which are streaming with a HBO Max subscription) had to cut out plenty of content from the books in order to be short enough to be the length of a movie. While appearing on the official Harry Potter podcast's YouTube, David Heyman (who produced all of the movies) spoke about one character he's glad will make into live-action for the show. In his words:

Do you hear that? It's hardcore Potter fans cheering for joy like they just won a Quidditch match. For years fans wondered why Peeves wasn't in the Harry Potter movies, despite regularly appearing in the source material. And director Chris Columbus has lamented about the Hogwarts ghost ultimately being cut from the original 2001 movie... as well as its sequels. But that'll change with the TV version, which has far more time to include additional content and characters from Rowling's beloved books.

As Heyman mentioned, Peeve was originally going to be in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, with late actor Rik Mayall (Drop Dead Fred) cast to bring him to life. He went on to speak about why the beloved ghost was ultimately dropped, offering:

What a bummer. It sounds like we got close to seeing Peeves in live-action, but he simply wasn't working for the theatrical cut of the first Harry Potter movie. There was a ton of pressure for Chris Columbus and company to stick the landing if the studio was going to get the chance to adapt the following six movies. As we all know, that's exactly what ended up happening.

On the podcast, David Heyman spoke more about how different it's been going from movies to TV for the upcoming Harry Potter series. In his words:

The pressure is once again on ahead of the Harry Potter show's premiere this coming December. There's been some backlash surrounding the series, with some fans questioning how necessary it was and other boycotting thanks to J.K. Rowling's controversial comments about transgender people. We'll just have to wait and see how the show is ultimately received when its released.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is currently set to arrive on HBO on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule. One thing is clear: Peeves will be along for the party this time around.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint may have cast their last spell in the Harry Potter movies 15 years ago, but the fantasy franchise is far from over. HBO Max announced that a TV series adaptation would be making its way to your 2026 TV schedule. But as the new Harry Potter TV series aims to be a more accurate adaptation of the books, how much did the team look back on the films while making the show? The film franchise’s producer and executive producer of the TV series, David Heyman, has the answer.

What we know so far about the Harry Potter TV show is that each season will cover one book from the J.K. Rowling series. But after its executive producer, David Heyman, was asked on Harry Potter: The Official Podcast if the movies played a factor in the upcoming streaming series, here was his straightforward answer:

David Heyman makes a great point. Sure, there were a lot of differences in the movies when you compare them to the books, like the exclusion of the character Peeves. But keep in mind that for the most part, the movies were over two hours long. So, there was only so much from J.K. Rowling’s magical world that could be included in the films.

But based on the latest trailer series from the HBO series, it looks like the new series is already straying away not only from the movies but the books as well. We saw Ron receive his Hogwarts acceptance letter and Hermione trying to make new friends on the Hogwarts Express. Both scenes didn’t exist in the movies or the books, which shows that the creative team is trying to explore new ways to develop these iconic characters.

As David Heyman was the producer of the Harry Potter movies, it means a lot coming from him that he wants the TV series to have a unique magic of its own rather than copying them. He continued to talk about the importance of the TV series adaptation standing apart from the films:

Definitely. Just like the Harry Potter films had different directors lending their unique visions to each film, the HBO series plans to have its own special vision. Warner Bros. TV chairman and CEO Channing Dungey said her explanation for creating the show was to explore the books in greater depth and bring those key details to the new series. So, I have a feeling we’ll be looking at the Wizarding World in a way we never have been through the new fantasy TV series.

On the other hand, there is one way the Harry Potter TV series connects to the movies in a direct way. The streaming series was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which is the exact location the films were shot at. So, by bringing our favorite boy wizard to life on familiar ground, the HBO show can still have its own small connection to the movies while creating its own identity.

While the Harry Potter team can’t ignore the films that came before, it appears that the TV series is aiming to be a project of its own. At the end of the day, it looks like the HBO series is not looking to replicate the movies, but to expand the world and characters that J.K. Rowling's books first created.

Remember to watch the long-awaited Harry Potter TV series coming to your HBO Max subscription on Christmas Day. Using that same membership, you can also revisit the OG film franchise we all grew up watching.

For the Harry Potter TV series, new actors will be taking over the roles of Fred, George, Ron and the rest of the Weasley clan. While it’ll be very exciting to see new stars take on those roles amid the 2026 TV schedule, it doesn’t mean fans will forget about the original ginger-haired actors who first portrayed this wizarding family on screen. In fact, fans had the chance to see several of the OG Weasleys reunite at a fan convention that was truly one of the best HP moments in years.

While it’s been 15 years since the final Harry Potter movie, many of the OG actors still seem to have affection for the magical franchise. At the Enter the Wizarding World 4 fan convention, James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) reunited, and they snapped some fun photos with fans. Check out the Instagram post:

As you can see from this Weasley family reunion, the OG cast had “wands at the ready” while chopping it up with fans. Whether they were holding “Weasley” signs or posing with “W” hand signs, this photo-op moment seemed to make Potter fanatics' day.

I love all of the props that fans brought to pose with the Weasley actors as well, like the flying broomstick, figurines and even that spider for the terrified-looking Rupert Grint to hold! It was also beautiful to see the stars laugh together during their Q&A session, with Grint chatting it up with the Phelps Twins and looking like true brothers. This is living proof that the Weasley magic never truly fades as well as the stars' lasting bond with each other.

On the occasions that the original Weasley actors reunite, it’s always a magical experience. Most recently, they surprised fans at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, taking photos and chatting it up with attendees. Whenever the OG actors dedicate their time to making fans’ days, it’s a beautiful reminder of how much the Harry Potter cast means to the many who grew up watching them.

Even though the Harry Potter franchise is moving on with a new cast of Weasleys, the originals still haven’t left the Wizarding World in their own ways. For example, James and Oliver Phelps have their own baking show, Wizards of Baking, where they have nine pastry and cake chefs bake desserts inspired by the Potter franchise. There were even a couple of episodes that featured their on-screen sister, Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley. You can expect its third season to premiere on The Food Network later this year.

Harry Potter fans also rejoiced when it was announced that Rupert Grint would reprise Ron Weasley for the Broadway production of The Cursed Child. Tom Felton has had his run reprising Draco Malfoy in the same production over the past year. Overall, it's surreal seeing these original stars step back into their magical roots, and it shows that the magic of the Wizarding World will never leave their hearts.

I'm hopeful that there are even more reunions to come for the OG Weasley actors. Here's hoping that they continue to feel the love and that their successors will as well.

Get ready to meet the new Weasleys once the Harry Potter TV series premieres on Christmas Day on HBO, and the show will also be streamable with an HBO Max subscription. And, using that same membership, check out the OG film series to see the exploits of the OG Weasleys.

When it was first announced that a Harry Potter TV series was happening on HBO, curious minds wanted to know who would take over the iconic roles we remember so well from the film franchise. For the part of the lovable Rubeus Hagrid, who was previously played by the late Robbie Coltrane in the films, Shaun of the Dead’s Nick Frost was tasked with filling the big shoes. Amazingly enough, Frost got real about the “spiritual thumbs up” he received to take over Hagrid from the OG actor.

I can’t deny that Robbie Coltrane’s performance as Hagrid was unforgettable. So, I can only imagine the pressure Nick Frost might have felt as he took over the role for the HBO series on the 2026 TV schedule. It sounds like he felt confident while taking on the part, though, because Coltrane gave him a "spiritual thumbs up," as he explained on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum:

That must have been such a beautiful moment for the Paul actor to hear that Robbie Coltrane was a fan of his work. Frost is known for tag-teaming with his pal Simon Pegg on the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End), which perfectly blended comedy with other genres like horror, action, and sci-fi. So, it's not surprising to me that Coltrane loved his work; a lot of people do.

With the Harry Potter movies being one of Coltrane’s best works, it’s good to know that Frost will be playing Hagrid with the OG actor in mind. While the How to Train Your Dragon actor expressed that he felt some fans may not accept his Hagrid portrayal in the TV series, he said he plans to take what Coltrane did in the films and build on that.

While Robbie Coltrane will always be known as the first actor to portray Hagrid, Frost explained one advantage he has playing a TV version of the Harry Potter character:

Frost does make a great point. While the character of Hagrid had to be condensed in each film, he has a whole season to build him up. Good thing Frost is quite the Harry Potter superfan who’s admitted to having a Harry Potter movie marathon every Christmas and even writing “Hagrid” 7,000 times! In fact, that’s why he signed on to play Hagrid in the first place.

When Michael Rosenbaum asked Frost if he felt any pressure taking on a character Coltrane portrayed for a decade, here was the British actor’s honest answer:

It’s true that Robbie Coltrane had his own interpretation of the J.K. Rowling character, and Nick Frost will have his own, too. Sure, the comedy actor will face criticism while playing Hagrid. However, it appears that Frost takes pride in what he’s brought to the character, and he’ll stand by it despite the pressure and potential negativity. I’d like to believe Coltrane would be proud of him for that.

Robbie Coltrane’s family giving a “spiritual thumbs up” to Nick Frost for taking over Hagrid shows that they trust that the talented actor will do a great job in the famed role. As Coltrane was a fan of Frost from the get-go, it seems fitting that the Truthseekers actor carry on Hagrid’s legacy. You can see how Frost honors both Hagrid and Coltrane in the Harry Potter TV series when it premieres for those with an HBO Max subscription on Christmas Day.

September has arrived, and my craving for all things Harry Potter has with it. We're months away from HBO's new book-to-screen adaptation of the magical series, and the latest trailer has me on the edge of my seat. It isn't just the scenes shown that I recognize from the books, it's the scenes I know weren't in them that also have me very, very excited.

Remember the scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when Ron is with his family at The Burrow and gets his Hogwarts letter?

Or what about when Hermione chats with a couple of other girls on the Hogwarts express?

That's ok if you don't remember these moments from the first book in the series, as they don't actually happen on page. Sure, we know Ron got his Hogwarts letter at some point, and Hermione may have attempted to make friends on the train on the way to school, but since most of what happens in the books is shown through Harry's perspective, these are scenes we don't get to see. It looks like the show is aiming to change that, and I'm here for it!

While the first teaser for the upcoming series, which will makes its 2026 TV premiere on HBO (and with an HBO Max subscription) on Christmas Day, leans into nostalgia, this new one has the Hogwarts students heading off to school, where they'll learn how to do magic.

My attention to the scenes in this new footage that I don't recognize from the book is by no means to nitpick. In fact, one of the reasons I'm so excited that the series is being adapted as a TV show is because its episodic approach will presumably give the adaptation more time to really explore the world and the characters, in a way the original movies often couldn't do.

Earlier this year, Lox Pratt, who plays Draco Malfoy in this new adaptation, spoke about how we'll get to see his character at home. This new trailer doesn't show that, but how it does show us Ron with his family, as Fred or George gets jam all over his Hogwarts letter. It's moments like these I'm excited for -- as much as I'm excited to see more of the scenes we know from the books, like the sorting ceremony in the Great Hall, practicing transfiguration in class, Harry learning to fly and play Quidditch and more.

As a fan of the books, I obviously want the TV show to stay true to the original story, but there are ways to fill in the space we couldn't see on the page and flesh out the characters, while also making it a faithful adaptation.

Beyond the scenes that I don't recognize from the book, there are all sorts of little moments from this new footage that I want to look more closely at. That includes the course schedule we see, which shows the first year classes and when they take place.

I'm also loving Hermione's incredulous attitude when we see her ask Ron and Harry if they read. I absolutely can't wait to see more of Arabella Stanton in this role. And we really only have a few months to wait! As mentioned, the Harry Potter TV show arrives on HBO on December 25.

Tom Felton surprised Wizarding World fans over a year ago when he confirmed that he’d reprise the role of Draco Malfoy on Broadway for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Since then, the British actor has donned a blonde wig in order to play the former Slytherin student and give us a look at Malfoy 19 years later. Of course, fans already saw Felton as an older Draco during the epilogue of Deathly Hallows – Part 2. However, the star now jokes that his latest Malfoy look is a lot more “flattering” than the previous one.

In The Cursed Child, Felton’s Malfoy has a full head of long, blonde hair, which still makes him look somewhat youthful. Filmmaker David Yates and his makeup and hairstyling team went in a different direction for Deathly Hallows. In the film, Draco is shown with hints of facial hair, a receding hairline and some light wrinkles. Felton addressed that during an episode of Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast and provided some keen insight into how his aged-up look in the film was crafted:

I can admit that Draco’s Cursed Child look is more “flattering” compared to his appearance in Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (which is streamable with an HBO Max subscription). However, I applaud the film’s hair and makeup team for striving for a sense of accuracy in crafting the look. While Malfoy may look different compared to his former schoolmates, it’s easy to buy that he’s nearly two decades older. Check out some snippets from that emotional, final scene in the post below, which also includes Felton’s thoughts on filming it:

Something that’s also worth mentioning is that when it comes to stage productions, an actor’s look can be a bit more heightened or even streamlined for a production. Keeping that in mind, I won’t argue with the decisions made for Draco’s appearance in The Cursed Child, which can be seen in the post below:

His looks aside, Tom Felton has apparently been focusing on various aspects of his performance since joining the HP stage production. The Fackham Hall star spoke about that preparation last fall, at which point he said he’d been warming up his “Pottahs.” Felton also opened up about the emotional moment he tried on his wig for the first time. Clearly, in some ways, he’s still enthralled by the magic of this franchise.

Felton’s time with the play is coming to an end on January 3, 2027 but, shortly after, Rupert Grint will be joining the U.S. tour as Ron Weasley on February 2. After that latter announcement was made, Felton reacted by showing love to his former co-star. Now, with Grint set to come back into the fold, I’m wondering what kind of hairstyling might be done for his older interpretation of Ron. I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see if it’s as flattering as Felton’s set of locks.

One of the best elements of the Harry Potter movies is easily the chemistry amongst the members of the cast. Throughout the series, viewers see how Harry’s friendship with Ron and Hermione helps him through hard times. But, at the same time, those films also symbolize the different chapters of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. The trio apparently became so friendy with each other that while filming Deathly Hallows, they got pretty “competitive” while filming Deathly Hallows' running scene (and this is news to me).

Director David Yates previously said Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was a “great challenge,” considering it didn't have as much momentum as the previous movies. Yet the movie gets a serious energy boost due to the scene that sees the core trio running from Snatchers in a forest. On a recent episode of Harry Potter’s official podcast, host Rhianna Dhillon commented on not knowing how “competitive” the cast was with each other doing this scene, and neither did I:

As a viewer, I definitely believed Radcliffe, Grint and Watson were giving it their all during that forest scene. However, I can't believe they were actually trying to outdo each other on set as well. Of course, this all sounds like it was friendly, but still. It seemed to have worked for the shoot, though, given how well done the scene is. Check out some BTS footage in the Instagram post below:

This is just one of several fun anecdotes involving these three Wizarding World stars. Watson shared a fun detail on set about how she’d play table tennis against Radcliffe and Grint. (Now, I’m curious who won those games.) There's also an on-brand story about the three of them being told by Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuarón to write an essay on their characters. Watson turned in 16 pages, Radcliffe wrote a paragraph and Grint had nothing to turn in. It's a classic art imitating life moment.

When it comes to that Deathly Hallows Part 1 sequence, it's not only interesting to know how “competitive” the young Harry Potter cast. It's also hard not to take note of how it's all crafted. Dhillon shared her take on what she felt rewatching that high-stakes chase:

It's honestly fair to say that the sequence is kind of zombie-ish. With the shaky camera capturing Harry, Ron, and Hermione running for their lives, it gives an unsettling vibe regarding perspective. As the podcast host says, a viewer doesn't know if the scene is being shot from a Snatcher's point of view. Since Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is relatively low-key, a chase scene like this is necessary to remind fans of the danger the trio can face at any corner.

What I'd like now is for someone to ask Radcliffe, Watson or Grint about these on-set races and who thought was the winner. If the three were truly as competitive as believed, I could definitely imagine all three of them claiming victory for themselves.

Fans can rewatch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, along with the rest of the franchise, by streaming it with an HBO Max subscription or a Peacock subscription.

Rupert Grint is taking a page out of Tom Felton’s spellbook and heading to Broadway to reprise his Harry Potter role in The Cursed Child. I say that because Felton has been playing Draco Malfoy on Broadway for a while now, and as his run winds down, it was announced that Grint would reprise his role as Ron Weasley on stage. Now, the Malfoy actor has reacted to this news in the most fitting and wonderful of ways.

Much like when Tom Felton announced he’d be back as Draco in the Broadway show, the internet freaked out over this news about Grint. Obviously, Felton had a great reaction to all this too, as he took to Instagram to welcome his former co-star to the production by writing:

Along with that message, Felton posted a carousel of images of himself and Grint from over the years. The best thing is he kicked it off with a photo of the Ron actor at a premiere wearing a white T-shirt that stated “I [heart] Tom Felton” under a black blazer. What followed were images from the Teen Choice Awards, other red carpets and a meetup where Felton wore an “I [heart] Ron Weasley” shirt. So, it’s all love all around.

These photos also prove just how long these two guys have been pals. The Harry Potter movies started coming out in 2001, which means Felton and Grint have known each other for 25 years. That’s a long time, and it feels especially meaningful to see them both returning to the roles they originated on screen as we also prepare for the release of HBO’s Harry Potter series on the 2026 TV schedule.

Fans were thrilled to see Felton shout out Grint and made sure to share their love in the comments too:

• Malfoy and Weasley?! your father will hear about this Malfoy! 🔥😚👏🏼
• good luck weaselbee 🧡🐝
• Can you both be on Broadway together🥹😭
• Shut up. Because means so much to me. I can't believe I saw you back in February and I'm seeing him next February. 💚❤️
• WEASLEBEEE!!! 🥹🐍💚✨ would be wonderful if you both had the opportunity to work together on stage ✨🥰

That final comment about when these guys will be in Cursed Child is extra important to note. They actually will not be overlapping on Broadway. Felton’s final performance as Draco will be on January 3, 2027; meanwhile, Grint will step onto the stage for the first time on February 2, 2027. So, a month will pass before another movie cast member hits the Broadway stage.

While it's a bummer that they won’t perform together on stage, hopefully Felton can provide some tips before he takes his final bow. The Malfoy actor got advice from Daniel Radcliffe about being on Broadway as he began his run in Cursed Child, and I’m sure he’d be more than happy to do the same for Grint when he makes his way to New York City.

Now, if you’d like to make your way to NYC to see either of these guys in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, you can buy tickets online. If you want to go back and watch the movies where they originated these parts, you can stream them with an HBO Max subscription.

It's an exciting time to be a fan of the Wizarding World. Because those who enjoy the Harry Potter movies and novels are looking forward to a new book to screen adaptation with the upcoming TV series on HBO (and streaming with a HBO Max subscription). But there's also exciting stage content, including the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And fans are freaking out after it was announced that Rupert Grint will be following in Tom Felton's footsteps and reprising his signature role on the Great White Way.

The Harry Potter TV show will feature a new young cast of actors, but the OGs will always have a special place in our hearts. Tom Felton broke the internet when he returned as Draco in The Cursed Child on Broadway, and it was just announced that Grint will return as Ron in the same long-running production. The news broke with an exciting video on Instagram, check it out below:

No one expected Grint to return to Broadway in this way, and the fact that he'll be playing his signature role 8 times a week for the fans is absolutely thrilling. Folks quickly sounded off in the comments section, with some popular responses being:

• At this point get the entire OG cast on board for Broadway 🎭
• red hair and a hand-me-down robe… you must be a Weasley welcome back, weasley!!! 🧡🐹
• Umm I need both him and Tom Felton on stage together please!
• EVERY BODY STAY CALM!!! This is really happening!!
• This is everything to us

Talk about a resounding response. Folks are hyped to see Grint back as Ron, but it's a bummer that Tom Felton's run as Draco will be over by the time he joins The Cursed Child's Broadway company. Some fans are hoping that Felton ends up staying, although he's already extended his run a number of times. Still, who wouldn't want to see these two Harry Potter stars reunited on stage?

This isn't the first time that Rupert Grint will be gracing the Broadway stage. Back in 2014 he appeared in It's Only A Play, alongside a killer cast that included Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Stockard Channing. The Servant actor made his own post about playing Ron again, which was full of even more excited fans. Some additional response read:

• Take my money again, Broadway
• MALFOY AND WEASLEY!? WHAT A YEAR !!!
• Wowwwwww would love to see this on Broadway again with the original Malfoy and Ron!! What a time to be alive!
• WEASLEY IS OUR KING!! 👑

With Grint being the second OG Harry Potter actor to reprise their role on Broadway, I have to assume that this will increase calls for the cast to return for the original cast to star in a Cursed Child movie. There's been no indication that the studio is going to make this happen, but it's a thrilling concept now that the actors are old enough to play adult version of their signature characters.

Rupert Grint will debut in The Cursed Child on February 2nd, with Tom Felton ending his run as Draco on January 3rd. As for the Harry Potter TV show, that'll debut December 25th on HBO as part of the 2026 TV schedule.

The Wizarding World is a global phenomenon, with generations of fans growing up on the Harry Potter movies, books, theme parks, video games, and stage plays. Fans are getting another book to screen adaptation with the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, which is expected to more accurately follow the source material. It was recently revealed that actor Kit Harington will replace Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart for Season 2, and now the Industry actor has officially responded to the news.

Anticipation for the upcoming TV series has been steadily building, especially after the first Harry Potter TV show teaser was released. Season 1 will premiere this December on HBO (and streaming with a HBO Max subscription), but the second season is clearly already in development. In an interview with Collider, Harington broke his silence on his upcoming role, saying:

Well, he certainly didn't mince his words. The Game of Thrones star seem thrilled to be joining the Wizarding World as Gilderoy Lockhart, who is a major character in the second book The Chamber of Secrets. While the pressure is on after Hoult's original casting and the iconic performance from Kenneth Branagh in the movie version, it doesn't seem like Kit Harington is feeling it.

A big reason for this excitement might be due to Harington's previous experience playing Lockhart; he voiced that character in audible's audio book of The Chamber of Secrets. Later in the same interview, the 39 year-old actor mentioned this, offering:

I mean, he's not wrong. And Harington would presumably only have to work on Season 2 of the Harry Potter show, as The Chamber of Secrets is the one installment where Lockhart is a major character. It should be fascinating to see how his live-action take on the character differs from the audio book.

In both the novels and the movie, Gilderoy Lockhart is a famous Wizarding celebrity. He's seemingly an accomplished writer and Wizard, one that characters like Ginny and even Mrs. Weasley have crushes on. Eventually it's revealed that he's a total scammer, and gets his comeuppance when a memory spell rebounds on him.

The Harry Potter TV show will debut its first season on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule. It's unclear when The Chamber of Secrets will follow suit, but hopefully we get to see a glimpse of Harington as Lockhart soon.

The new HBO Max Harry Potter is nearly upon us, with Season 1 set to premiere as part of the 2026 TV schedule. Production keeps moving along swiftly, though, and already the cast and crew are looking ahead to Season 2 with the casting of Nicholas Holt as Gilderoy Lockhart. The Superman actor is just one of many big names in British film to sign onto the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation. However, Kenneth Branagh's story about hanging with Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman just reminded me how legendary the original movie cast was, and the magic in that castle will never be replicated in the same way.

There truly is something warm, fuzzy, and captivating about watching the Harry Potter movies in order, especially the first two films. Perhaps it’s the immersive production and world-building from Warner Bros, or watching the young actors grow up over the course of the series, but based on this memory from Branagh (Gilderoy Lockhart) talked about at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (via Screen Daily), the magic of the senior cast members was an undeniable factor:

Oh, so that’s what the Hogwarts professors do after hours. All the students go to bed or sneak around the castle under an invisibility cloak. Meanwhile, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, Lockhart, and Filch the Caretaker are shooting the breeze while having a nightcap. Personally, I’m picturing them all in their wizard wardrobes for this story of Branagh’s, even though that’s probably not accurate.

The same awe I hold for those fictional characters should be held for their actors as well. What incredible talent in that room, all legendary British actors, half of whom (Smith, Harris, and Rickman) have died in the 25 years since Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was filmed. Part of their legacies, though, is passing down their storied experience to actors like Branagh, who said they gave him the full treatment:

Memories like Branagh’s are bittersweet in retrospect, even more so in recent years, with the death of the late great Dame Maggie Smith in 2024. Never again will that group be in the same room together casually hanging out, and honestly, the Hamlet actor was lucky to experience one of the rare moments it probably ever happened.

Daniel Radcliffe previously said it was a common misconception that the Dowager Countess of Grantham and King Arthur were just wandering around the set all the time–usually they were only there for about 2 weeks of production, and sometimes only had a handful of lines. So I would definitely call this behind-the-scenes experience of Branagh’s a historical moment, and what I would give to be in the room where it happened.

While the original Harry Potter cast will always hold a special place in my heart, I am still excited to see what this new adaptation brings to the table. As of right now, Warwick Davis is the only actor reprising his original role as Professor Flitwick. While I’m sad Smith and Rickman will never be able to reprise their roles or see their performances as McGonagall and Snape reflected in this new series for the next generation, I am hopeful of other Harry Potter alums appearing for cameos. Only time will tell, so be sure to catch Season 1 of Harry Potter with an HBO Max subscription when it drops on Christmas Day.

When I heard that there was a new Lego Harry Potter set coming out centered on the Ministry of Magic, I wasn't super excited. Maybe it's because I was never very enticed by the previously released MoM Lego set. Or maybe it's because I didn't truly consider how many memorable scenes take place at this particular location. Regardless, my level of excitement changed fast when I saw the pictures of the Collectors' Edition Lego set coming out on September 1st.

As a Harry Potter super-fan, I love examining the details featured in Lego's more elaborate sets. One of the reasons I love the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set is that, while it looks lovely on my bookshelf, I also like spotting things like the little Chamber of Secrets and Durmstrang ship. It's those little nods to the story that make it so special. In the case of the new Ministry of Magic set, I absolutely love the way the set references more than one Harry Potter book.

The Ministry of Magic building pops up a few times in the Harry Potter books. Harry gets a glimpse of the dungeon in Goblet of Fire when he views Dumbledore's memories in the Pensieve (when he sees the Lestrange trial). His first actual visit to the MoM building isn't until Order of the Phoenix, when he's put on trial for unleashing a Patronus on the Dementors that attacked him and Dudley in Little Whinging. Harry returns later in the book when he and his friends attempt to rescue Sirius, and find themselves in the Hall of Prophesy. There's also the time Harry, Ron and Hermione disguise themselves and sneak into the building in search for Slytherin's locket in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

From Lego's description, it sounds like a little bit of each of those moments will be acknowledged in this set. Among the items and rooms featured are the Hall of Prophecy (with shelves that collapse!), the disciplinary hearing courtroom and Umbridge's office. From the photos, it also looks like it includes the wizard statue, a big banner featuring Cornelius Fudge and his bowler hat, and maybe even the veil on the dais in the Department of Mysteries.

I think the thing I love most about this set is the way it's made up of several floors, from the train station on the top floor all the way down to the dungeons.

As mentioned, this isn't the first Ministry of Magic set that Lego has released. Previously, they had a set meant for kids 10+, which had just under 1000 pieces. It's been retired, but you can see it in the side-by-side photo below next to the new set Lego is releasing.

It's clear that this new set is much more for display than the previously released set, which seemed more for playing with. As amazing as the Collector's Edition set is, the $450 price tag is a bit out of my budget right now. I'd get pretty much every Harry Potter Lego set if I had the money and the space, but I don't, so restraint it is! I do have my eye on the mini Hogwarts Lego set that's coming out soon.

Tom Felton's Broadway run in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has already given us several delightful reunions with his old Wizarding World co-stars. Apparently, playing Draco Malfoy again also means never knowing which Hogwarts alum might be sitting in the audience on any given night. This time, he admits seeing his longtime friend nearly broke him mid-performance. Needless to say, my Muggle heart is so full.

Since joining Cursed Child in November 2025, Felton has been back in Draco's blond hair, becoming the first original movie cast member to reprise a role in the Broadway production The Draco Malfoy actor recently shared photos from his reunion on Instagram, with none other than Warwick Davis, who attended an Aug. 13 performance at New York's Lyric Theatre. The two worked together across the original Harry Potter movies, in which Davis played Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook. Check out Felton's post below:

The photos are sweet enough on their own, with Felton and Davis grinning together backstage. Then you read the Draco actor's caption and realize exactly which line he had to deliver while knowing Professor Flitwick himself was watching. Felton writes:

Yeah, that one got me because, if you're a massive HP fan, you know there is a particularly nice bit of Potter history wrapped up in the Planet of the Apes veteran singling out “Wingardium Leviosa.” Davis' Flitwick teaches Harry, Ron and Hermione the levitation charm during their first year at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. So it's sweet that more than two decades later, Felton is saying those same words on Broadway with his old, on-screen professor sitting in the theater.

The official Harry Potter Instagram account apparently knew exactly what kind of emotional damage the reunion was causing and jumped into the comments to respond with the only appropriate magical explanation:

For the non-Potterheads who somehow wandered in here, Aguamenti is the spell used to conjure water. So, yes, those are absolutely magical tears, and nobody is getting sentimental about childhood actors reuniting decades later with their onscreen magical educators. Moving along.

Davis' visit also comes at an interesting moment for both actors. The one-time Slytherin troublemaker recently extended his Broadway run again and will now play Draco through the beginning of the 2027 movie schedule, with his final performance on Jan. 3, 2027. This decision came after the British originally joined the production for a limited engagement. The Cursed Child takes place 19 years after Deathly Hallows and finds Draco navigating adulthood and fatherhood while his son, Scorpius, becomes close with Harry Potter's son, Albus.

Meanwhile, Davis has his own return to Hogwarts coming. He is set to play Professor Flitwick again in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series, making him one of the rare performers crossing from the original movie franchise into the new adaptation.

That aside, Tom Felton's Cursed Child run has already become something of a reunion magnet. Jason Isaacs, his on-screen father, Lucius Malfoy, previously stopped by, and the former Hogwarts bully also reunited with Daniel Radcliffe while both were working on Broadway. At this rate, Tom Felton may need to start checking the audience before every performance, because you never know who might be watching.

Despite ending back in 2011, the Harry Potter movies continue to be a popular part of pop culture. Folk regularly re-watch the films with a HBO Max subscription, and we'll soon be treated to another book to screen adaptation thanks to the forthcoming TV series. The cast has been coming together, and we just learned that Nicholas Hoult will be playing Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2. And fans are absolutely thrilled about this bit of casting news.

What we know about the Harry Potter TV show is limited, but Season 1 will arrive in December and the second season is clearly already in development. The second season will adapt The Chamber of Secrets, and Hoult will bring the slimy Gilderoy Lockhart to life. Folks sounded off in the comment section of ET's Instagram post about the casting, and you can see some of their responses below:

• Nicholas as Gilderoy Lockhart? Brilliant. He gets to keep the blonde look, smile like he invented magic, and let the ego do the rest. ✨😂
• He’s gonna be so lovely 😍😂 he was great as Peter and it’s basically the same energy 😂
• I for one am excited about this series and think he is a great choice from casting. I hope each episode will be an hour long. I love the movies but so much of the books had to be cut out. A series allows for them to go deeper and incorporate more of the books.
• Perfect casting. He’s going to kill it!
• OMG THIS IS GONNA BE FUNNY WHEN HE LOSES HIS MEMORY AND GOES INSANE 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Talk about a resounding response. While the pressure is on for the young Harry Potter TV show stars to live up to the iconic performance of their predecessors, the Superman star seems to have already won the passionate fanbase over. But considering Nicholas Hoult's iconic performances in projects like The Menu, the X-Men movies, and Nosferatu, perhaps this shouldn't be much of a surprise.

While Hoult is being welcomed with open arms by Harry Potter fans, he will still have some big shoes to fill when portraying Lockhart. In the second film he was played by the one and only Kenneth Branagh, to delightful results. We'll just have to see how the Warm Bodies actor puts his own spin on this iconic character.

Hoult is only the latest familiar face that will be playing an adult in the Harry Potter TV series. John Lithgow will play Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will be McGonagall and Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Flitwick. We'll just have to wait and see what other actors join the fun as the show gets deeper into Harry's time at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will debut on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule, and the movies are currently streaming in their entirety over on HBO Max. Fingers crossed we get more footage of the first season sooner rather than later.

There are plenty of things I would expect to derail the route of a £430 million energy project, but a fictional house-elf from the Harry Potter movies does not make my list. Yet even amidst 2026 calendar release schedule, Dobby apparently still has enough pull nearly two decades after his death to make a major infrastructure project change course.

According to BBC News, the Greenlink interconnector between Wales and Ireland had originally been planned to run through part of Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire. Potter fans probably recognize the location as the beach where Dobby tragically dies and is buried in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Once fans learned the cable could pass through the area containing his unofficial “grave,” they made their displeasure extremely clear.

Simon Ludlam, who served as Greenlink’s project director, recently recalled the strange episode on The Energy Revolution podcast. It started after he appeared in a television interview explaining where the 125-mile power cable would come ashore and disappear underground. A couple of weeks after the segment aired, hundreds of calls began coming in.

Ludlam said a colleague eventually explained that Harry Potter fans were upset because the proposed route was apparently going “straight through Dobby’s grave.” There was just one problem: despite being one of the most beloved characters in the book-to-screen adaptations, Ludlam had absolutely no idea who Dobby was. Someone get this poor Muggle man an HBO Max subscription so he can get caught up with the rest of us.

After being told that everyone was talking about a character from Harry Potter, Ludlam pointed out the fairly important detail that Dobby is fictional. His colleague responded that the complaints were nevertheless “very, very serious.” Never underestimate Potterheads with access to a telephone.

The company ultimately went back to its planners and changed the route so the cable would avoid the memorial. Ludlam said people were pleased with the solution and joked that “Dobby’s happy.”

The whole situation gets even stranger because there is, of course, no actual grave beneath the beach. Freshwater West was simply used as the filming location for Shell Cottage and Dobby’s death in the 2010 movie. Fans later created a memorial there from stones bearing messages to the beloved character.

The site became popular enough that the National Trust previously considered removing it over environmental concerns. In 2022, the organization ultimately allowed the memorial to remain following a consultation, but asked visitors to stop leaving objects behind. Socks became a particular problem, fittingly enough, since Harry famously uses one to secure Dobby’s freedom from Lucius Malfoy.

There is one final twist worthy of a Harry Potter subplot. While planners managed to avoid disturbing the fictional burial site, Ludlam said the rerouted cable passed close to actual Bronze Age remains, including archaeological evidence associated with human burial. Those remains were also avoided.

The Greenlink interconnector eventually became operational in 2025 and can transfer enough electricity to potentially power roughly 380,000 homes. And somewhere, presumably, Dobby remains a free and thoroughly undisturbed elf.

As for Ludlam, he may have missed the Harry Potter craze the first time around, but he has another chance coming. The upcoming Harry Potter TV series is set to arrive on the 2026 TV schedule this Christmas. Though he’ll seemingly have to wait until Season 2, which has already been greenlit, to meet everyone’s favorite house elf.

It's a real challenge for my budget and my available shelf space to be both a Harry Potter fan and a LEGO fan. That's barely a complaint, however, as even if I won't allow myself to buy every single Harry Potter LEGO set my eyes fall upon, I love that they exist. I also love that going bigger and grander doesn't always seem to be the goal for LEGO, as their latest Hogwarts set is small, particularly in comparison to the other sets that focus not he wizarding school.

Among the new LEGO sets arriving in the near future is the Mini Hogwarts Castle.

As mentioned, this certainly isn't the first Hogwarts LEGO set to exist. In addition to being able to purchase the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle sets that focus on one specific area of the overall castle (like the East Wing or the Great Hall), there's also the big Hogwarts LEGO set consists of over 6000 pieces and costs $469.99, as well as the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set, which costs $169.99 on the LEGO site (though you can sometimes get it cheaper at Target.)

It's easy to get a sense of the mini size of this new 700-piece set when you see it next to the Harry Potter and Hedwig minifigs that come with it. As I recently got the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set, my mind went straight to that one. Maybe because this new one is also set on a watery blue platform. Check out the Mini Hogwarts Castle set next to the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set below.

While this new set obviously isn't as detailed as the bigger sets, it comes with a significantly smaller price tag and looks like it'll offer a splash of magical fun for your desk or on a bookshelf without taking up a ton of space. Also, it features some fun Harry Potter story references, including a Chamber of Secrets set beneath the East Wing and a room containing the Mirror of Erised.

Unsurprisingly, the Mini Hogwarts Castle set isn't the only Harry Potter LEGO set to release this year. In June, the LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook: Dumbledore's Office arrived and can be purchased at Barnes & Noble. There's also the aforementioned East Wing set, which released earlier this year. LEGO has also announced a LEGO Harry Potter Ministry of Magic - Collector's Edition set, which looks really cool. That one arrives on August 29th, the same day as the LEGO Mini Hogwarts Castle set. I doubt I'll spring for the Ministry of Magic set, despite how cool it looks, but the Mini Hogwarts Castle is so stinkin' cute, and not that pricey. I may need to get it!

Epic Universe has been booming for over a year now. It’s still a new park that is a special day for newcomers and frequent Universal Orlando visitors alike. Sure, there are some people who have been to the park more than a handful of times. However, because it is not an experience that is covered under the annual passes (though it is discounted for passholders), even frequent parkgoers have likely spent less time in Epic than they have in the other parks.

I've now been on every major Epic Universe attraction, and know there's way more to uncover, but here are five fun Easter eggs I only learned about the second time I visited the parks.

The Pikmin Are The Only Creatures To Have Escaped From Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World is amazing when it comes to theming. You take an escalator through the portal into the park, and once inside, the colors pop and the characters are everywhere. Those characters are there to stay, with one exception. When you exit Super Nintendo World, you can spot some escapees, the Pikmin, who have shimmied into Celestial Park. They can be spotted if you look closely enough in a couple of locations, and if you can’t find them, you can always catch them in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Dark Universe Has A Cool Reference For Carl Laemmle Jr.

Carl Laemmle Jr., the son of the man who started Universal Pictures and the person who convinced his dad that monster movies would be a studio lifesaver, has an Easter egg in Dark Universe. Carved into the side of a concrete structure, it’s definitely the type of thing you would probably miss if you didn't know what to look for. Laemmle Jr was born on 4/28/1908, and when the Dark Universe portal was coming together, they popped a little 428 address on one of the buildings. You can see it on the bricks near the ground by the Burgermeister, and it's fun to look for it on your own.

The Cute Little Leafy Guy In Ministry of Magic Is Pickett

The French-themed park has a lot of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them references, and Nifflers and Bowtruckles are no exception. If you look around in the shop windows (and have a wand), not only can you complete spells, but you can also find some of the real creatures from Fantastic Beasts. My favorite is Pickett, and he can be found quietly picking a lock in a shop window in Place Cachée, having escaped Newt Scamander's suitcase.

The Ministry Of Magic Looks Large Thanks To A Hidden Mirror

Going through the Metro Floo network is considered to be the coolest experience at Universal Orlando. Once inside the Ministry of Magic, there’s a lot to look at. I’d recommend sauntering over to the side of the cavernous room where the Ministry offices are. There’s a thunderstorm ceiling with a mirrored rim that is used to give the illusion the Ministry stretches forever and ever. There are ceiling fans on the floors and the ceiling to keep the optical illusion going (because again, mirrors). To me, it's even more stunning than the green fog effect of the floo.

Stardust Racers Is A Different Experience At Night

You may have already seen videos of the dueling coasters racing around the cosmos online prior to this, but I can now confirm Stardust Racers is a completely different experience at night than during the day. Not only are you riding in complete darkness, which is just really flipping cool, but the ride also has different music at night. It gets more spacey and EDM-oriented. Next time you’re walking by at night, you can hear the differences rather than just spotting them.

All in all, if you've been to Epic Universe, you've probably discovered some fun things already, such as the Burning Blade Tavern catching fire or some dragons hanging out in some unusual places. But there's way more than meets the eye at first, even when it comes to the queues on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. I'm just saying, keep your eyes wide open; you never know what you're gonna see.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone didn't just mark the inaugural installment in a major film franchise. It was also the first movie a lot of the younger Potter cast members ever worked on. So many of the young performers playing Hogwarts students were quite green when working with director Chris Columbus all those years ago. As Columbus put it, though, he really knew he was in for “a very long shoot” when he started filming the flying lesson scene.

At first glance, someone may be tempted to assume the flying lesson scene wouldn’t be too hard to film for Sorcerer’s Stone, as the young wizards only had to catch their flying broomsticks after shouting, “Up!” They didn't do much flying except for maybe Matthew Lewis' Neville and his rogue broomstick. However, in a throwback interview for Harry Potter’s 25th anniversary (shared on Instagram), Columbus explained why filming that moment made him uneasy about the months of filming that were to come:

Honestly, I can understand the stress. That kind of situation would almost be like being a teacher and getting your students to pay attention in class. On that note, the notion of a directing continuously saying "action" with absolutely no action happening sounds exhausting. Columbus also added the following thought:

Shooting The Sorcerer’s Stone actually came with plenty of other challenges as well. Per BTS facts on the first Harry Potter movie, the famed Canterbury Cathedral was denied as a filming location due to religious reasons. Also, the Great Hall set had an unpleasant smell after rotted food was left there for days. On top of that, Columbus was frustrated over having to exclude Peeves because of the film’s already long runtime. (No one said creating a magical world would be easy.)

As for the child actors, just like the young wizards and witches in the film had to adjust to their first year at Hogwarts, the performers had to overcome a learning curve. While the idea of them not understanding simple on-set etiquette may sound tiring, their naivety is understandable.

On-camera acting is definitely a whole new experience compared to acting classes or doing a stage production. It’s a matter of filming multiple takes for long hours until the shot comes out right. With the flying lesson specifically, I’ve got to say, I loved hearing Rupert Grint being directed to go to his “other left.” You can watch the BTS video below:

While it may not have been easy for Chris Columbus to get his young cast's attention during filming the flying scene, I'd say everything worked out in the end. The finished scene -- like the movie as a whole -- is so fun and amazing that you’d never know there were behind-the-scenes hiccups. Hopefully, the new young actors of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series have a better handle on what the word “action” means on a set.

You can watch all of the films of the Harry Potter franchise, which can streamed with either an HBO Max subscription or a Peacock subscription. Also, don’t forget that the forthcoming TV adaptation arrives on the streaming schedule on Christmas Day.

Back-to-school season often means mourning the freedom of summer vacation, but not when you go to Hogwarts! For Harry Potter, returning to the magical academy was always the best time of the year, and it can be that way at Universal Orlando Resort, too. This month, there’s a celebration happening just in time for the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter movies, if you enroll for a theme park visit.

July 31st was Harry Potter’s birthday, and Universal Orlando Resort took the occasion as a cue to announce some exciting updates for fans on their way to Hogwarts this August. Check it out:

Universal Orlando Resort has three Harry Potter lands across three parks, and there’s something happening at each of them. Most of it will be at Universal Islands of Adventure. There you can meet the Hogwarts Express Train Conductor in front of the train at Hogsmeade. He’ll be available to meet and take pictures with guests every 30 minutes throughout the day at 20-minute intervals.

Also at Islands of Adventure is the Hogwarts Always nighttime castle show. The breathtaking showcase features the beloved Harry Potter score, stunning visuals and fireworks nightly. Additionally, there’s a 25th anniversary Butterbeer Mug now for sale at not only Hogsmeade, but Diagon Alley and Universal CityWalk. Those bags in the post are the Build-A-Bag collection by Lug that are around the parks as well. I love that they feature different customizations to show pride for whatever Hogwarts House you claim.

Those are some solid offerings for Harry Potter fans alongside the number of attractions one can experience at Universal’s Wizarding World. Islands of Adventure also has the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure rides. Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley additionally has the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride. And, the best ride of the Epic Universe is arguably Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

After you celebrate Harry Potter’s 25th anniversary at Universal Orlando Resort, there’s more where that came from. The first movie is on the 2026 movie schedule as it is set to come back to theaters later this month. Of course there’s a popcorn bucket, too. Then, there’s the new Harry Potter TV show, which will be streaming for those with an HBO Max subscription on Christmas Day.

When one thinks about going to Hogwarts, it’s typical to think of going for the holiday decorations. But I love the back-to-school festivities because it just feels right. It’ll be less crowded than it would be later this year, and it’ll truly feel like you’re at the beginning of a Harry Potter film.

There’s no overstating how huge the Harry Potter movie series was for fans of the wizarding world from 2001 until its 2011 conclusion. However, behind the scenes, tragedy struck in 2009 that left lasting repercussions on a lot of the cast and crew — Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, David Holmes, was paralyzed while rehearsing a scene for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. I finally watched the documentary about Holmes with my HBO Max subscription, and I am both heartbroken and inspired.

David Holmes started working as a stuntman for the Harry Potter films in the first movie and grew up alongside Daniel Radcliffe and the rest. Holmes was the one we all saw getting blasted into rocks and falling off broomsticks for all those years. His career came to an end on January 28, 2009, when a stunt went wrong during rehearsal, causing him to break his neck when he was thrown backward into a wall. David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived manages to convey both the tragedy of what happened and Holmes’ refusal to let that kill his spirit.

There’s No Getting Around How Catastrophic David Holmes’ Paralysis Was And Continues To Be

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived opens with the former stuntman talking about how important movement was to him. He said his brain didn’t fully function if he wasn’t in motion, and his mother described his childhood as extremely active. Even in the weeks before the accident, Daniel Radcliffe said Holmes and fellow Harry Potter stuntman Marc Mailley had visited him in New York, where they were running around the city, climbing light posts and jumping and flipping everywhere.

To think this man all of a sudden lost use of his body from the chest down is the ultimate cruelty. David Holmes himself described his body as a prison cell, but as he continues to lose feeling and movement capabilities, he said it’s becoming more like a coffin.

His paralysis meant he could no longer care for himself — not to mention continue doing a job that he loved and had been doing since his young teen years. It’s almost too much to think about someone having to find a whole new way to live and reason for living.

David Holmes’ life was obviously the most affected by the accident, but so many around him suffered as well. To this day Daniel Radcliffe and Marc Mailley — who begrudgingly became Radcliffe’s double afterward at Holmes’ insistence — can’t talk about it without crying. Harry Potter stunt director Greg Powell, who originally hired Holmes and was in charge the day of the accident, still blames himself. In the documentary, he said:

David Holmes and Greg Powell had a very close father/son relationship before the accident, but they don’t see each other often now, seemingly because the stunt coordinator can’t stop thinking about the life that Holmes would have now if it hadn’t happened.

The Harry Potter stunt double has had countless bumps in the road and low moments over the years, as told in The Boy Who Lived; however, David Holmes seems determined to keep the smile on his face and be an example for overcoming adversity.

David Holmes’ Story Includes Plenty Of Heartwarming Moments Too

I think what I loved most about David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived was how his friends rallied around him. Even while Daniel Radcliffe admitted it was awkward at first to visit the stuntman in the hospital, he quickly realized Holmes was still the same guy he’d always looked up to like a big brother.

Another of David Holmes’ friends, Tommy Wells, stepped in to become his buddy’s caretaker, or as Holmes said, “my arms and legs.” I mean, the love between two friends doesn’t go deeper than that. When asked if being Holmes' care assistant was a big responsibility, Wells firmly and quickly said:

Tommy Wells has been the one helping to figure out how to get David Holmes to everything from appointments to meetings to safaris in South Africa. I was so touched by their beautiful friendship.

David Holmes has also raised a lot of money for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and other spinal cord injury groups through an annual cricket event that’s been ongoing since 2009. Harry Potter stuntmen Marc Mailley and Tolga Kenan continue to work in the industry and have made strides in making the job safer.

One Thing David Holmes Said Has Stuck With Me Since Watching His Documentary

There was one thing the stuntman said that really struck me when I was watching the doc regarding the burden of his loved ones’ expectations after the accident. David Holmes knew immediately when it happened that he’d broken his neck, and he knew the damage was irreversible. It was important to make the others in his life aware of this too, and he said:

He makes an amazing point, and I’d imagine that was pretty helpful (though admittedly devastating) to help his family and friends know how to approach him in those early days. Daniel Radcliffe said he really learned about being there for his buddy without trying to or being able to fix anything.

“The Boy Who Lived” may be Harry Potter’s nickname in the book and movie series, but it really is the perfect way to describe David Holmes. Not only did he survive the terrible stunt tragedy, but he refused to stop living after he became paralyzed.

Seeing David Holmes’ story made me agree completely with Ryan Gosling’s reason for making The Fall Guy, because there’s no reason stuntmen shouldn’t get more recognition for their work. Holmes gave everything to the Harry Potter franchise, and he said if he regained his mobility tomorrow he’d be right back at work.

Anyone who considers themselves a fan of the wizarding world should watch this documentary (or read Holmes’ book, which comes highly recommended by Emma Watson). David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived and all of the Harry Potter movies can be streamed on HBO Max.

Despite the franchise ending back in 2011, the Harry Potter movies continue to be a popular part of the pop culture landscape. Folks regularly re-watch the Potter films (which are streaming with an HBO Max subscription), and they are also celebrating the original movie's 25th anniversary. And AMC theaters are selling some magical popcorn buckets that I'm going to need to purchase for myself ASAP. Let's break it all down.

While folks are waiting for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, it's also time to celebrate just how long it's been since The Sorcerer's Stone hit theaters back in 2001. A glimpse at the anniversary popcorn buckets was available at San Diego Comic-Con (via Instagram), and you can check out their epic designs below:

I mean, how cool are these? Both of these new AMC buckets have magical designs, immortalizing some of the most iconic aspects of the Wizarding World as a whole. Given the property's ongoing popularity, I have to assume that they're both going to quickly sell out.

While the Dune popcorn bucket remains arguably the most iconic (and infamous), these two Harry Potter ones are pretty gorgeous. In the above video, we see that the first is based on the Hogwarts Express, which transports students from the school to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. The other looks like the Nimbus 2000 broom, which comes apart and becomes a stand for your bucket. Per the clip, they'll both be coming to AMC theaters in late August.

While some theaters' popcorn bucket designs are more successful than others, I think that both of these Harry Potter ones look absolutely gorgeous. And while they might be a bit bulky, they both look actually practical in their ability to store popcorn. They both look awesome as well, which is why I have to assume they'll sell out upon arriving in theaters. After all, Wizarding World fans span multiple generations. While we wait, you can check out the teaser for the Harry Potter TV show below.

Harry Potter has been a popular IP for decades now, starting with J.K. Rowling's books, and expanding to movies, video games, theme parks, and stage plays. While the Fantastic Beasts franchise is officially dead, there is still a ton of ongoing love for stories centered around Harry's time at Hogwarts. Although I'm still wondering what would have gone down with the final two Fantastic movies if the studio hadn't pulled the plug.

Luckily for young fans, all eight Harry Potter films are going to come back to theaters to celebrate the first movie's 25th anniversary. There are some moviegoers who will be seeing them on the big screen for the first time after years of streaming, so why not elevate the experience with an epic popcorn bucket?

The Harry Potter movies are expected to return to theaters on August 27th as part of the 2026 movie release list. Tickets will go on sale July 31st, while the TV series will premiere December 25th on HBO.

There are major IPs, and then there's the Harry Potter movies. Generations have grown up with the Wizarding World, and the eight films (which are streaming with a HBO Max subscription) continue to be wildly popular. The Harry Potter cast continues to be synonymous with their roles, including Lavender Brown actress Jessie Cave who went viral for joining OnlyFans. And she recently spoke about how "funny" it is being a Potter alum on the website.

While Cave admits she gets unsolicited nudes while using OF, her content is actually focused on her hair. Namely styling her long hair in intricate ways, rather than actually going nude or putting out explicitly sexual content. In a video from The Observer's TikTok, the 39 year-old content creator spoke about her ongoing association with Potter. She said:

While some folks might argue that the actress isn't actually doing any thing sexual, her OnlyFans videos and photos are considered adult content. Jessie Cave has missed out on some opportunities as a result of her account, specifically convention appearances. Plenty of Harry Potter actors make money at these events, but some of them have excluded Cave thanks to her account.

Later in the same video, Cave spoke about she only discovered the concept of hair fetishes after putting out her content. In her words:

This is definitely a different perspective on OF than folks might be familiar with. Because not only is Jessie Cave not doing explicit acts on her page, she thinks that the outlet is about more than sexual content. Instead, she thinks that folks just want to feel connection to content creators... and are willing to spend money to have that moment.

Funny enough, Cave's comments do seem to echo a plot line that happened in Euphoria Season 3. During it Sydney Sweeney's Cassie joined the site, and had similar arguments about her subscribers wanting to be seen and have a moment online with her.

The Harry Potter movies are streaming now on HBO Max, and fans are gearing up for the upcoming Potter TV show, which will premiere on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule.

We still have some time before Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone is available to stream with an HBO Max subscription. In the meantime, though rest assured that the team did all it could to ensure the series was ready for the 2026 TV schedule. Cinematographer Adriano Goldman talked about the tight deadlines for the series, in part because they had to adhere to specific guidelines with the child actors. And, honestly, I never imagined how "brutal" the process would be.

The producers of the upcoming Harry Potter series had a ton of children audition and, while Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton have the honor of playing Harry, Ron, and Hermione, respectively, it doesn't mean they get to cease their studies and abandon school entirely. That makes sense, though Goldman told Andre Pilli that working with kids added a layer of difficulty to the filming process:

I don't think Adriano Goldman is advocating that child actors shouldn't be learning and spend all of their free time on the set, but rather acknowledging that working with children presents a lot more problems than with an all-adult cast. This is more inside baseball and how the bread is made, presenting the technical part to filming people may not understand. This is an intriguing layer to production that I didn't really consider against the backdrop of such a massive production.

Of course, filming a show with kids is not new in the industry, and Goldman confirmed they have ways of making it work. He shared the secret, and I can certainly understand why this particular method would be helpful:

Adriano Goldman said that because of the time constraints with child actors, he and the crew of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone try to pre-shoot as much of the scene as possible, so that they can focus solely on the scenes with the children when they're available. He noted that it added to the difficulty because the filming of a scene is often done out of sequence, but I would imagine it's better than trying to do it the proper way with the allotted time they have with the young stars.

As for what that time is, Goldman explained that they'll usually have an hour and a half in the morning, and then the kids can return in the afternoon after school. While he spoke to it being though from a production standpoint, I can't help but feel for 12-year-old Dominic McLaughlin, who had to go straight from school to set on a daily basis!

It's a lot of work for everyone involved, but I hope the sight of that first look at the HP show makes it all worth it in the end for the cast and crew. Obviously, there are going to be a lot of critiques about Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone and, while veteran actors like Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost are prepared for that, I hope the younger cast is as well.

The Philosopher's Stone is primed to provide a fresh take on the Wizarding World and, given the TV medium, there's more time to focus on events that happened in the books that the movies left out. I'm excited to see those added bits most of all, especially the scenes that feature the ghosts, who were largely left out of the movies when they were made. In the meantime, though, I'm hopeful that the cast and crew continue to work through that grueling filming schedule accordingly.

Harry Potter is set to arrive on HBO and HBO Max this Christmas. I'm going to be watching while unwrapping gifts and hope to hear that others are doing the same this holiday season.

One of the best additions to the Harry Potter film cast came in 2007's Order of the Phoenix, as the franchise introduced Luna Lovegood on the big screen. Played by Evanna Lynch, the Hufflepuff student was a side character who truly came through for Harry when he was dealing with personal trauma. Lynch's portrayal of Luna is still widely loved, and she apparently put a lot of work into it. As a matter of fact, I just found out the Irish actress made a cool BTS contribution to her character, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Luna Lovegood doesn't have a lot of screen time in the Potter movies. But we still got to know her zany nature not only through her knowledge of nargals and wrackspurts, but through her wardrobe. Whether she’s wearing a giant lion-topped hat or a pair of Spectrespecs, the Hogwarts student has got a rather unique style that she’s not ashamed of. I love her fashion, so I was delighted to learn that Lynch helped craft the outfits. Harry Potter costume designer Jany Temime recalled this during an episode of the franchise’s official podcast as shared on Instagram:

I love that! What especially impresses me is that Evanna Lynch made those kooky earrings, as they’re truly very fitting for the character’s lovably bizarre nature. I mean, it’s not every day you see a girl sport vegetable-like accessories. But, of course, now those accessories have become iconic. And, aside from the jewelry, Lynch -- appeared in the final four Harry Potter movies -- provided another quintessential piece for Luna. As Temime explained:

Hold the phone — Lynch created the lion mask?! My mind continues to be blown. Clearly, the young actress deserved a co-costume designer credit.

Lynch was truly born to play Luna. Before being cast, she was already a die-hard fan of the books, she even sent fan mail to Daniel Radcliffe. Lynch previously admitted, that after landed the role, she sought perfection during filming and tried to nail every line and movement. But, after seeing co-stars Helena Bonham Carter and Jason Isaacs goofing around in the midst of serious scenes, she knew she’d be fine.

It's amazing that even years after the Harry Potter movie series ended, there are still plenty of sweet behind-the-scenes facts to learn. These comments about Evanna Lynch also speak to the keen collaborations the cast and crew had as they brought the Wizarding World to laugh. Moving forward, when I watch Lynch's performance, I'll have an even greater appreciation for her work.

You can watch Luna Lovegood and the rest of your favorite Harry Potter characters by streaming the movies with a Peacock subscription or an HBO Max subscription.

Epic Universe is having an amazing summer. Just weeks after celebrating its first birthday, Universal Orlando started testing a new fireworks display. That finally broke big for crowds this week, and head honcho Michael Aiello sent a sweet message to theme park fans as the show garnered its first reactions online. Meanwhile, along with the new display, the theme park is finally figuring out late night events, which should both prove to be a cash cow for the parks and a fun change up for the fans.

Let’s break it all down.

The Sweet Message Michael Aiello Shared With Universal Orlando Fans

Senior Director Of Entertainment Creative Development Michael Aiello has long been a fixture at the Universal theme parks. He was there to comment on the grand opening of “Celestial Goodnight,” the combination light show, water show and fireworks show that is now running as the park closes each night. One thing I hadn’t really thought through about the big fireworks show was that it marks the first time the parks have had a nightly fireworks event in “decades.”

When I think about it, a lot of Universal’s other nighttime events are things like The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which is beautiful and fun, but is a show based around projections on the famous school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. CineSational is also popular, but uses drones instead of fireworks for its nighttime display.

Aiello also said on X (Twitter) it took a lot of work to bring this addition to Epic’s closing show.

Meanwhile, fans online could not stop posting video after video of the gorgeous display online, if you’ve been wanting a taste of what you can get if you shell out for an Epic Universe ticket.

It really does look like it caps the night off in the perfect way, doesn’t it?

Epic Universe Is Also Making Good On Later Hours

In an announcement this week, Universal Orlando also mentioned the parks will stay open later on select nights. This is good news and bad news. A lot of people really love staying in the parks as late as possible. While Epic Universe has listened to fan comments and pushed hours a bit later, the parks aren’t open late late in the same way CityWalk is.

The solution is an interesting one, so why is it both good and bad news for frequent parkgoers? On select nights, Epic Universe will be staying open later, from 9 p.m. to midnight. I know, you're still waiting on the catch, and here it is: It’s going to be a ticketed event in the way Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party at Disneyland is.

The event will be called Universal Nights and will run on October 3 and October 17. Tickets for just the event will go for $179, and it’s worth mentioning the cheapest entry ticket for a regular day at Epic Universe is only $139.99. For comparison’s sake, Halloween Horror Nights tickets start at $88.99 (though premium tickets are significantly more).

The other interesting wrinkle is if you have a nighttime pass for those select dates, you will not be able to access the parks until 7 p.m. The theme park is touting the extra two hours before the ticketed event begins as an added benefit, but if you want to go to the park during the day, you’ll need a separate ticket.

A few weeks back, Universal VPs told CinemaBlend and other outlets there was only “one rule” when it came to putting the theme park together: if it was going into the park, it had to fit the definition of Epic. Staying open late is definitely what the people have wanted as part of this, particularly in the Darkmoor and Celestial Park areas. It’s currently getting dark so late right now, fans don’t get a ton of time to see Burning Blade catch fire at night or to jump on the reopened Stardust Racers.

I’ll be interested to see if the crowds are thinner and stuff is easier to do during the special ticketed event too. If so, it may be well worth the entrance fee.

Tickets go on sale August 13th.

I love hearing personal stories about some of my favorite actors, especially when the experience shared reveals the strength of their character. There are some actors who are spoken of so fondly by their former cast-mates that their positive reputation seems undeniable. Such is the case for the late Alan Rickman, who's remembered by fans for his iconic roles, and by his colleages for the memorable experiences they had working with him. That includes his Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, who played fellow Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, in all eight Harry Potter movies.

In an article run by The Guardian, which featured several tributes from his friends and colleagues ten years after Rickman's death, Tom Felton spoke of two things he learned from Rickman while getting to work with him, the first of which was the message Rickman conveyed through the simple act of lining up for his food on set. As Felton noted, Rickman could've had his food delivered to his trailer like some of the other stars, including Felton, but he apparently opted not to do that. Per Felton:

I love the way Felton describes this story, allowing us to picture a fully-costumed Severus Snape standing in line, holding his tray, waiting for his food like everyone else. As amusing as that sounds, I really like what Felton took away from Rickman's behavior. He was just a kid when he starred in the Harry Potter movies, and in the article, he notes that he recognized Rickman from one of his famous villainous performances (the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) . It's understandable why something as simple as lining up for food would make an impression on a young actor.

The same goes for the other thing Felton says he learned from Rickman. This one has to do with charity and what young fans expected or hoped for from the experience of meeting a star:

Felton went on to explain that Rickman would behave like Snape to these children, sneering at them and telling them to tuck in their shirts, because he knew the kids wanted to meet the character, not the actor.

Alan Rickman died at the age of 69 in 2016. I'm sure we can all agree that he left an incredible legacy from some truly memorable and wonderful performances. At the same time, I'm just as sure that I'm not alone in wishing he were still with us, as he really was one of a kind. While we can always revisit his films, I'm also glad for stories like Felton's, which allow us to get to know the man behind the sneer a little bit better.

Harry Potter fans will have a whole new adaptation to watch when Season 1 of HBO's new series arrives on the 2026 TV schedule this December. As excited as I am to see a new take on the beloved Wizarding World books, I'll never tire of learning new things about the original movies and the people involved in making them.

There are popular IPs and then there's the Wizarding World. Generations were brought up on this magical world, including J.K. Rowling's novels, theme parks, stage plays, and (of course) the Harry Potter movies. Fans are gearing up for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, which won't arrive until December. But that hasn't stopped fan backlash from happening, specifically related to Hogwarts' new crest.

The Potter TV series is expected to be a more accurate book to screen adaptation, with each season covering one of the books. While fans are hyped for more of the source material to be included, there's been some backlash to changes made from the movie. Case in point: Hogwarts' new crest, which looks way different than the one we saw on uniforms and such throughout the movies. One tweet highlighted the design, which you can see below:

While we still have months before Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone debuts on Christmas, the fandom is already judging the TV show with every new glimpse we're given. One such fan took to Twitter to angrily admonish the change in design for Hogwarts' signature crest. That response reads:

Well, they certainly didn't mince their words. The Harry Potter show's teaser showed the characters' return to Hogwarts, albeit with a new set of faces. Expectations are going to be sky high, so the pressure is on for the show to deliver. There's already a ton of discourse about the new Hogwarts logo, with the mix of response including:

• Why is this still happening?
• im gonna get this as a tattoo
• Sad
• I already love it.
• Interesting
• They are abandoning the source material entirely—source material which took DECADES to put together, by the way—opting instead for something sloppily slapped together in a few months

Clearly the reception is already a mixed bag, and that's over just one small change to the Hogwarts that fans know and love. Smart money says that every episode is going to be dissected by the fandom, being compared to both the movies and the novels. So the stakes are very high for the newest installment in the Wizarding World.

With the premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone coming in just a few months, smart money says that we'll be treated to more footage and information shortly. And if this crest discourse is any indication, there's going to be a ton of chatter from fans.

The Harry Potter TV show is expected to debut December 25th on HBO as part of the 2026 TV schedule, so it's going too be a very happy Christmas. For now fans can re-watch the movies over on HBO Max while we wait.

For the most part, working on the Harry Potter movies sounds like a dream. Can you imagine being one of those kids who grew up making those movies? It must have felt like they were actually going to Hogwarts. Plus, the cast of professors and such were played by prestigious and acclaimed actors that must have been a joy to work alongside. But, that doesn't mean everyone involved with the franchise treasures being asked about the experience.

In this instance, I’m talking about Emma Thompson, who played Professor Sybill Trelawney across three of the film adaptations. Here’s what the Oscar-winning actress said when recently asked about her role in the movies:

Thompson’s Harry Potter is often thought of one of the underrated characters in the movies, but since they are so beloved and rewatched, of course she gets prompted about the role all the time. Most recently, she was on the Smartless podcast and host Sean Hayes pointed out how he’s a Potterhead, and loved her in the quirky role of Hogwart’s professors of Divination.

As she pointed out, she doesn’t share the same enthusiasm fans have for those films because she really didn’t spend much time working on them. 30 days, she says. That wouldn't even be a full time gig on a single movie, much less spread across three of them.

And, this isn’t the first time she’s been honest about her feelings about the Harry Potter movies. Last year, she also made a comment about the fantasy films being “not really an important part” of her “creative endeavor” as an actress in her career. She’s also commented before on getting “bored” about signing merchandise connected to her role along with saying years ago that she hasn’t “enjoyed” being part of studio films like Harry Potter because they “could be described as formulaic for money”.

Emma Thompson may be very much beloved and recognized for her incredible depiction of the J.K. Rowling character, but she’d more likely be interested in talking about some of her other roles in the likes of Sense of Sensibility, Nanny McPhee or Saving Mr. Banks. As she she also summed up in a comment in the new interview, she's “fatigued” about the topic, and hey, that’s totally her right.

Sure, you'd expect a Harry Potter story to flow out of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint since they were on those sets throughout their upbringing, but Emma Thompson had a different experience. Hey you gotta love and respect the honesty here!

Daniel Radcliffe is a great actor who will forever be remembered for proudly playing Harry Potter in eight movies of the franchise. The actor put in a lot of work to play the Boy Who Lived, experiencing wand breaks and partaking in intense action sequences in the process. It's fair to wonder if any magical ingredient kept filming from being too stressful for him. Well, as it turns out, the Jewish star admitted that a non-Kosher delicacy got him through the final three movies.

During a segment for LADBible, Radcliffe was given the choice between the American Reuben sandwich and an English bacon sandwich. As Radcliffe hilariously refused to try the Reuben, he couldn’t help but continuously take bites of the crispy bacon sandwich in pure delight. And, despite the bacon sandwich not being so Kosher for Radcliffe, he got honest about how the British toastie got him through the final stretch of his Wizarding World stint:

Bacon sandwiches certainly are forbidden in Kosher food laws. Then again, so are Reuben sandwiches for traditionally mixing corned beef with Swiss cheese. However, I’m not going to judge, as Daniel Radcliffe wouldn’t be the only Jewish person to eat pork. I’ve got to admit that while I’m familiar with BLTs, I’ve never heard of the combo of bacon and ketchup. But, hey, if it helped the London native get through filming the last three Potter films, who are we to argue? Check out the full video down below:

I can understand why the Merrily We Row Along actor needed a guilty pleasure to get him through shooting the final Harry Potter movies. Radcliffe has spoken about “intense and so crazy” set days he experienced while shooting Half Blood Prince. At one point, he was underwater on a wire, only to come up for air being in the middle of a ring of fire. Talk about anxiety-inducing!

Those strenuous moments of production even predate the last three movies. In Goblet of Fire, Radcliffe also almost drowned filming the infamous Black Lake sequence, which includes his “craziest” stunt, where he free-fell 40 feet down off a roof. So, considering that Radcliffe gave so much to fans by fully committing himself to his role as Harry, I'd say the least we can do is not chastise him for enjoying some bacon now and then.

As a person of the Jewish faith myself, I'd definitely call Radcliffe something of a rebel though, in fairness, many of us have our guilty pleasures when it comes to food. When it comes to Radcliffe's love of bacon, though, I don't think I'll ever forget this funny little piece of Potter lore.

Fans can revisit the magic that Daniel Radcliffe brought to the Harry Potter franchise, as all eight films are streamable with a Peacock subscription or an HBO Max subscription.

Nick Frost is being honest about playing Hagrid ahead of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone arriving on the 2026 TV schedule, and admitting his performance may not be for everyone. The actor will tackle the immense role of being Hogwarts' groundskeeper and Harry's confidant, and confirmed he's going to be doing more than emulating the late Robbie Coltrane.

The actor spoke about what he's done with the character in a recent interview with The Times, and how his take on Hagrid had to be different than Coltrane. While he assured there will be some semblance of the iteration his predecessor helped make iconic, there simply needed to be more to the performance due to the length of the series:

Nick Frost added that elements of his Hagrid will be inspired by his uncle, as well as Michael Clarke Duncan's performance in The Green Mile, another great actor who left us too soon. Ultimately I like the comparison between Hagrid and John Coffey, as both could be characterized as "gentle giants" who have immense power but rarely use it.

The actor has no illusion about his take on the character, knowing that some audiences will want him to do a one-to-one performance of Robbie Coltrane's Hagrid. Fortunately, he's largely unbothered by that, as he shared his reaction below:

Not everyone who watches Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will like Nick Frost as Hagrid, though I'd be willing to bet many will. He's a self-confessed superfan of the franchise who made a habit of watching the movies yearly before this remake was ever a thing.

He also has the look down, even if Robbie Coltrane looked more in line with the original illustrations of Hagrid. He also has a solid library of roles to reference that suggest he'll do a fantastic job as the groundskeeper, who always has a penchant for sidestepping the rules a bit to help his friends or a magical creature.

Frost is confronting a reality that every actor in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will face, in that viewers will make comparisons to the former live-action cast. Hopefully, he can pass on his mindset to the younger actors stepping into the roles, and remind them that it's ok if people on the internet feel like the ones that came before them played the roles better. Based on the footage I've seen so far, I think it's possible we'll see many say the exact opposite, but I digress.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will air on HBO and HBO Max come Christmas time. I'm excited to return to Hogwarts this holiday season, and may need to rewatch the movies before it arrives so that I can get in the right frame of mind.

I'd argue that a lot of the magic that emanates from the Harry Potter movies is due to the stellar cast. British veteran actors brought J.K. Rowling’s characters to life in stunning fashion for the big screen, which made them all the more memorable to fans. As the years go on, franchise alums share insight into their work on the blockbuster series. Now, I’m laughing at Jason Isaacs’ story about how some of those actual Oscar winners sat around bored while Voldemort delivered those lengthy monologues.

To call the Harry Potter cast talented would be an understatement, as Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and more all either won or were nominated for Oscars before joining the fantasy franchise. So, you can imagine what a riot I had when hearing Isaacs speak at Liverpool Comic Con 2024 and share his recollection of seeing Fiennes as Voldemort performing his soliloquies. I would've found it compelling but, apparently, it was a different story, as Isaacs explained:

The idea of Jason Isaacs wondering how much longer Ralph Fiennes was going to go on with Voldemort’s famed speeches is hilarious. On that same token, I guess this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as the Peter Pan actor previously spoke about the Harry Potter movies being “boring” to make due to how special effects-heavy they were. Still, I never considered how Voldemort’s monologues could contribute to the long hours on set.

Still, it's hard to deny that Voldemort knew how to make an entrance. With the Harry Potter antagonist being the ultimate evil of the series, of course, he was going to boast about “killing” The Boy Who Lived and try to gain new followers. Fiennes -- a Royal National Theatre alum and Tony winner -- also owned the role. Nevertheless, as Isaacs further stressed, Fiennes' Academy Award-winning co-stars were just tired after a while:

I'm suddenly getting mental images of people on set looking at their watches. Just think of the frustration of waiting for your cue, just so you can say your three lines and call it a day. I'd say one big thing to pick up from this story is that even Oscar winners and veteran actors can get impatient while on set. And, honestly, I love how relatable that is.

Make no mistake, though, as the stars didn't take issue with Ralph Fiennes' actual performance, which continues to receive praise to this day. It's because of the high standard set by Fiennes that the next actor to play Voldemort will have some big shoes to fill. And I wonder if his eventual co-stars will have the same level of patience that Jason Isaacs and co. had for Fiennes.

If you want to revisit Voldemort’s famed monologues, the Harry Potter movies are available for streaming with an HBO Max subscription or a Peacock subscription.

Following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, John Lithgow is set to play Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV series. Set to join the 2026 TV schedule in December, we’ll get to see the 3rd Rock From the Sun actor sporting the long beard and being a magical mentor to The Boy Who Lived. Speaking of magic and The Boy Who Lived (in the movies), Daniel Radcliffe actually ran into Lithgow at his show, and naturally, they talked about Harry Potter.

Last month, Daniel Radcliffe did wish to meet John Lithgow and speak about the anticipated Harry Potter series. Well, dreams came true at the Lithgow's Broadway show Giant. The Harry Potter alum told People what meeting the new Dumbledore actor was like, and, of course, his magical new HBO series was involved:

Aww, that already sounds like something Albus Dumbledore would do. It’s a breath of fresh air to know Lithgow is bonding well with the young stars and that filming is going well. Previously, the Dexter star spoke of what a “big decision” it was to take on playing the Hogwarts headmaster, knowing it would be at least an eight-year commitment.

As Lithgow assumed this could be the last big role he’d do in his career, he picked a great one, as he'll get to spread Dumbledore’s wisdom to a new generation. Plus, you’ve gotta admit he looks kind of like Richard Harris when he portrayed the magical role in the first two Harry Potter movies.

Back in 2019, Daniel Radcliffe said he knew a reboot series would be inevitable, but would be “intrigued” to see when that moment came. Now that we’ve got an HBO series coming to the streaming schedule in December, here’s the Tony winner’s reaction to John Lithgow’s positive praise of his new series:

With The Wizarding World coming back to life once again with a new generation of actors in the iconic roles, it’s good that everything is going swimmingly. As Daniel Radcliffe has taken on movies, TV shows, and Broadway since his Harry Potter run, he’s already said we shouldn't hold out hope for a cameo in the HBO series. I can’t say I blame him, as the upcoming TV show should be a project of its own.

However, the Miracle Workers actor did say he’s already looking forward to watching the fantasy revival series once it hits streaming. I already can’t wait for him to send out positive praise for the new series and John Lithgow’s performance.

If Daniel Radcliffe is going to meet the new Dumbledore backstage at his Broadway show, you know Harry Potter is a given conversation. But I’m sure Radcliffe loved hearing about how well the new show is going for everyone.

Make sure to add the upcoming Harry Potter series to your watchlist, as it will be available to stream with an HBO Max subscription on Christmas Day. You can also watch the original film series on the streamer or with a Peacock subscription.

Many celebrities choose to keep their professional lives separate from their personal lives, and specifically, their kids. Daniel Radcliffe wants to be one of those dads. The actor has high hopes that his son (who he keeps out of the public eye, including his name) won’t find out he’s the boy who lived for a long time. When asked about letting his kid in on this part of his life, Radcliffe credited a funny-but-tragic Matt Damon story that inspired him to keep his son from learning he’s Harry Potter famous.

Daniel Radcliffe has previously spoken about how kids don’t recognize him as Harry Potter anymore, which seems to be the reaction he hopes his own son has. The topic came up while he was out enjoying a date night at the Tony Awards with his partner, Erin Darke. The actor had an interesting point of view on it too when asked by ET about when he’ll be introducing his child to his work:

Well, that's kind of a bummer. However, it also makes total sense, and it seems like the Harry Potter star is perfectly fine with his kid potentially not taking interest in the movies that made him a household name.

In the years since those fantasy films, Radcliffe has pivoted from the world of Hogwarts to more obscure movies, television and Broadway, where he has made a new name for himself. He’s an amazing actor, and these plays have shown new audiences his range. However, it’s still nice for fans who grew up with Harry Potter to see him re-embrace the love for the franchise. Radcliffe used to get stressed out whenever he was recognized as Harry Potter, but now he’s putting the films into a "which is best" bracket.

It’s lovely to see him jumping back on board the train and enjoying it along with the fans, which sometimes includes other actors. When he met Mariska Hargitay, who took over his role in Every Brilliant Thing, she shared with him an emotional story about how she was the real Harry Potter. The actor has been reported as being curious and thoughtful whenever being told stories like this. Although, despite the love for the role, Radcliffe doubled down on keeping his kid out of this loop, saying:

Well, while he'll keep him away from the movies, I am curious to know if they'll watch the show. The actor is not part of the upcoming reboot, though he has shared his thoughts on who he thinks would be fun to play in the HBO series. His answer is not surprising, given his admiration for Gary Oldman and the love he has for the character of Sirius Black. It’s fun to think about what it’d be like if Radcliffe took on the mentor role for the new Harry, but it’s doubtful we’ll ever see him step back into the wizarding world.

Fans excited to see what the new series has in store can check it out when it premieres on the 2026 TV schedule on December 25 with an HBO Max subscription. You can also use that subscription to watch the movies; however, something tells me Daniel Radcliffe won't be doing that with his son anytime soon.

John Lithgow was asked about his favorite book from the Harry Potter franchise, and what felt like a fluff question actually became a significant update about Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The series is going to make its release date on the 2026 TV schedule, as filming just wrapped on the first season.

Lithgow was on the red carpet at the Tony Awards, and CBS Mornings caught up with the actor and asked him about his favorite Harry Potter book. That's not the bombshell. What really shook me up was that rather than answer the question, he casually just mentioned production has wrapped on Season 1, meaning we're on track to watch it with an HBO Max subscription this Christmas:

There's a lot of storytelling to get through, and as John Lithgow said above, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will get much more time to recap Book 1 than the original movie did. The teaser hasn't shown us much more than what we'd seen previously, but as someone who grew up with the books, I'm really hoping we finally get to see Peeves and the other ghosts.

John Lithgow continued his comments, further deflecting the original question, but adding great details about the series. As many guessed, the Harry Potter show will use its extra time to get into a lot of the smaller adventures of the books that the films ended up cutting for time:

While there are some key moments left out of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I'd like to think the changes between the show and movies will be more apparent in later books. Personally, I know I'm very excited to see Goblet of Fire revisited, and given the proper time to get into the various competitions, the different wizarding schools, and subplots in between.

I do wonder why John Lithgow dodged the question about his favorite Harry Potter book. He revealed in an interview with Smartless that he was halfway through Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets a while back, so it's possible he hasn't made his way through the entire series.

In the end, maybe it was better he gave a response tied to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone than admit he was still making his way through the books. Whatever his reason was for dodging the question, I'm thrilled to see him play Albus Dumbledore. While he faced some struggles on whether he should play the role or not after disagreeing with author J.K. Rowling's viewpoints on various topics, it'll be great to see his take on an iconic character we've seen many actors play in pop culture.

As mentioned, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is coming to HBO and HBO Max on Christmas. I'm curious to see how many people tune in to watch it in between the holiday festivities, and if it ends up breaking some records on the platform.

There are popular franchises, and then there's the Wizarding World. Generations have read the books, gone to theme parks, and of course watched the Harry Potter movies. For years, fans watched as the Harry Potter cast grew up before our eyes, and now they're old enough to be parents themselves. That includes Tom Felton, who recently had a hilariously on-brand response to his character Draco Malfoy's birthday.

Following his work as Draco in the Potter films (which are streaming with an HBO Max subscription), Felton reprised his role on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Fans simply adore the 38-year-old actor, thanks to him continuing to be one of the Wizarding World's biggest fans. The official Harry Potter Instagram recently posted ahead of Draco's birthday in-universe, you can check it out below:

How cute is that? Despite Malfoy being an antagonist for most of Harry's time in Hogwarts, he's a character that fans carry deep affection for. So the news of his birthday got folks hyped, even more so when Tom Felton joined the chat in the comments section. He posted a short, but on-brand, response which reads:

At the time of writing this story, that quick comment has over 5 thousand likes, so it's safe to say that the fandom loved seeing Tom Felton quote his signature character. And since he's reprised his signature role on the Great White Way, he must feel even closer to everyone's favorite Slytherin.

Of course, Tom Felton is no longer the only actor who has played Draco from an early age. The upcoming Harry Potter TV show will see young actor Lox Pratt play the role of Malfoy, and he's got some big shoes to fill. We'll just have to see how his take on the character is different from the movie version.

The first teaser for the Harry Potter TV show showed a glimpse of Lox Pratt as Draco, and he certainly looks the part of Harry's rival. He's got the signature blonde locks as well as a slimy look on his face that screams Malfoy. And folks have been able to see his acting chops in the Lord of the Flies TV show, which is streaming with a Netflix subscription.

The Harry Potter movies are streaming on HBO Max, and the television book-to-screen adaptation will premiere on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule. As for Tom Felton, he'll be in The Cursed Child on Broadway until November 1st.

I know when I read that Mariska Hargitay literally told Daniel Radcliffe she was the real Harry Potter, I couldn't fathom what exactly she meant. However, the actress dove into detail about why she felt the urge to tell the actor behind The Boy Who Lived this, and I have to say, this story packs a surprisingly emotional punch.

For context, Hargitay is taking over the role Daniel Radcliffe originated in the Broadway play Every Brilliant Thing. However, before she made her Broadway debut in the play, she got to get to know Radcliffe a bit. As they bonded, she had to tell him that she's, in fact, the real Harry Potter, as she recalled to People:

Instead of looking at her like she was crazy, Hargitay described the actor as having already embraced what she was going to say before she said it. It’s no secret that in the past, Radcliffe has been reluctant when the subject of Harry Potter came up. He’s often spoken about how it used to stress him out to be known as Harry Potter. However, in recent years, he has re-accepted the role with open arms.

It's no surprise that he would embrace what she had to say. Mariska Hargitay remembers the conversation vividly, especially Radcliffe's astonishment when he discovered that she was the girl who lived. She shared:

This emotional moment solidified something between them. The accident in which she lost her mother, Jayne, occurred when she was 3 years old, leaving her with a noticeable scar. You can learn more about her mother in My Mom Jayne, which is a heartbreaking documentary about her late parent. But just a heads up, the ending will make you cry. In this film you can stream with an HBO Max subscription that's directed by Hargitay herself, you delve into who her mother was as a person and an actress.

When sharing this story with Radcliffe, she showed him the perfect lightning shape across her forehead. The same that he wore for eight films. She explained that she was very excited about all this, saying:

Mariska Hargitay spoke fondly about the actor, describing him as lovely and gushing about how she thinks the world of him. She dished that the two even send each other videos.

This isn’t the first bonding moment Radcliffe has shared backstage. The actor has previously spoken about the one piece of advice he gave Tom Felton before his Harry Potter Broadway debut.

With Hargitay's time on stage, many have been concerned about how it could impact Law & Order: SVU. However, they can rest easy as SVU has been renewed and her role in this play will last for a limited time. Starting in July, Tracee Ellis Ross is expected to take over the role. Meanwhile, the iconic show will remain part of the 2026 TV schedule as it goes into its 28th season.

Until then, fans can enjoy watching Hargitay's time on Broadway, proving she's more than just Olivia Benson (and she is actually Harry Potter).

While I don't regularly daydream about returning to school, I'd make an exception if I were to receive a (very) belated letter from Hogwarts inviting me to join the next incoming class. It's with the Harry Potter wizarding school on the brain that I put together this week's movie quiz, which is all about Hogwarts.

Can you solve all of the clues in the crossword puzzle below?

Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure is arguably considered one of the best theme parks in the U.S. However, that doesn’t mean its visitors are immune to one common element that affects many parks: long lines. In recent years, both Disney and Universal have created options that allow guests to throw money at them in order to skip lines. Now, we’ve just learned one popular ride in the Orlando park will soon no longer allow this for guests and, suffice to say, people aren't exactly pleased.

Which Islands Of Adventure Ride Will No Longer Have An Express Pass Option?

On Tuesday, Universal Studios fans started to notice on the Universal App that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride no longer has the Express Pass option. Universal Orlando confirmed the update in the tweet below:

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened back in 2019 and went years without an Express Pass option until the feature was added to the ride a year ago. This meant that those willing to pay extra could get on Hagrid’s in less time. Another way for visitors to get an Express Pass is for them to stay at select Universal resorts.

Removing the Harry Potter-themed ride from the express list is definitely an interesting move, considering the ride's popularity. With that in mind, it was probably a given that there would be responses.

How Universal Studios Fans Are Reacting To The News

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the most popular rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and CinemaBlend once called it the “best roller coaster in Florida.” So, what do Universal fans think of the change? A lot of people are not at all surprised because the ride’s queue changed so much since the change. Universal thinks the update will allow for an improvement in the “flow” of the line, but check out some other thoughts from Reddit:

• “What a bummer. I get that folks with APs and locals are happy about the change but as a tourist with limited time on a heavy budget this really hurts.” - @Tanazan1
• “More than a little frustrating because we're going in less than three weeks, and I booked two nights at Royal Pacific just for express pass.” - @prophecy0
• “It seems to be one that has been impacted very strongly with Express compared to other rides. So not surprised to see it taken off. It does suck for those that booked something for after July 1 that included express with the expectation of using it there.”- @vegetable-house5018
• “We went in April and stayed at Portofino specifically for the unlimited express pass. Hagrid’s is the only ride that we felt we needed it for. If it’s no longer included, spending that kind of money for a premier hotel will be really hard to justify the next time we go.” - @Pantsmithiest

It’s certainly a problem for those who’ve already booked a trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure specifically with accommodations that will allow them to get the Express Pass. While Hagrid’s is definitely a fan favorite, there are still plenty of rides on Express Pass like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Of course, whether or any other rides are removed from the express program remains to be seen.

Outside of this recent change to Hagrid’s, Islands of Adventure just started its summertime celebration, which is big on Steven Spielberg favorites like new Jaws-inspired “interactive experiences,” photo ops, drinks, “bites” and exclusive merchandise. There’s also a new parade called the Universal Mega Movie Parade and a new version of CineSational. The festivities are going on until August 10.

When you’re a kid on the playground, the “my dad could beat up your dad” game is practically a rite of passage. When you grow up into a film nerd, that same energy just gets transferred to your favorite characters. So, naturally, we must ask: Who would win in a fight between two of the greatest beards in fantasy cinema, Dumbledore or Gandalf? In between his obligations related to the 2026 movie schedule, Ian McKellen shared his take and, honestly, I love it.

One fought a Balrog, died, and came back as a whole different shade of wizard. The other faced down the Dark Lord, making even the most dangerous wizards nervous. It’s anybody’s fight, really but, thankfully, Ian McKellen has now weighed in, and his answer is perfect. During a recent reader Q&A with The Guardian, the actor was asked who would win in a fight between Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings franchise and Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies. McKellen’s response was short, funny and extremely on brand. He answered:

Honestly, that is the whole case right there. First, McKellen questions the entire premise, which feels correct. Gandalf and Dumbledore throwing hands in some magical parking lot does feel spiritually wrong. These are two old wizards with robes, wisdom and a very specific tolerance for troublesome young people. They should be sharing pipeweed, tea or whatever elder statesmen of fantasy drink when the chosen ones finally leave the room.

Look, I get it. Dumbledore is no slouch. He’s powerful, clever, terrifying when needed and capable of making even the most dangerous people in the wizarding world uncomfortable. The man has presence. Michael Gambon and Richard Harris both brought very different flavors to the character, and either version could probably end a duel before most people finished saying “Expelliarmus.” We’re also getting another take on everyone’s favorite headmaster of Hogwarts when HBO’s book-to-screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hits the 2026 TV schedule later this year, with John Lithgow donning the beard and half-moon spectacles.

McKellen Makes A Strong Case For Gandalf

Still, Gandalf is Gandalf. He is not just a wizard with a wand and a really intense office. He is a being from the older bones of Middle-earth, a guide, a warrior and a resurrected force of cosmic irritation who looked at a Balrog and essentially said, “Not today, basement demon.”

That is why McKellen calling him “the original wizard” works so well. He isn’t literally saying Gandalf predates every wizard ever written, but in pop-culture terms, he is the big-bearded blueprint. The staff. The hat. The cryptic advice. The sudden flashes of power. If Tolkien hadn't given us Gandalf, it's hard to imagine a world with a Dumbledore.

Not to mention McKellen’s relationship with Gandalf has never really gone away. He first played the character across Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, then returned as Gandalf the Grey for The Hobbit movies. Now, he is expected to don the robes and whiskers again for the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which only makes his “Gandy, of course” answer hit harder. The man is not just defending a character he once played, but a wizard he has kept returning to for more than two decades.

That is the energy that makes his answer so enjoyable. McKellen knows the question is silly, but he also understands exactly what people want from him. A little dry confusion. A little Gandalf loyalty. A tiny spark of “fool of a Took” superiority.

Of course, the real answer is probably that neither wizard would want the fight. Dumbledore would try to reason through it, Gandalf would grumble about fools, and somehow a group of teenagers or hobbits would be the real problem.

One of the things about book-to-screen adaptations that fans will likely never fully agree on is whether the actors are exactly right for the characters they're portraying. The topic of Harry, Ron and Hermione's casting for the original Harry Potter movies is tricky, I think, because on one hand, none of the actors cast for the roles perfectly fit the description, and yet, it's hard to imagine anyone else playing them. But what did J.K. Rowling think about Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint when she first met them? Apparently, she thought they were all too good-looking, but there's more to it than that.

As of this writing, I have just over an hour left of the final Harry Potter full-cast edition audiobook to listen to, and then I'll be sad it's over all over again (possibly sadder than I was while listening to that one scene in Book 6). Listening to Audible's new full-cast editions of J.K. Rowling's beloved, magical series has made me a bit nostalgic about the movies, which is how I ended up poking around in the bonus features of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. It was there that I came across the interview Daniel Radcliffe and J.K. Rowling did with each other in the 2012 bonus feature, which includes the conversation they had about her first impressions of him, Grint and Watson when they were cast to play their characters. On that subject, she started with:

While there are definitely differences between Harry and Radcliffe (like their eye color), and Ron and Grint, the differences between Watson and Hermione might be brought up the most. Hermione is described as having big teeth and bushy hair in the book. While the movies did seem to try to add some volume to her hair in the first two, let's face it, Emma Watson has always been beautiful.

Rowling brought up meeting Watson for the first time, and she prefaced this by saying it was lucky she'd met her over the phone beforehand, because it sounds like Watson exuded Hermione energy during that conversation, but didn't quite look how the writer envisioned her character. Here's how Rowling described both interactions, starting with the phone conversation:

If you're a fan of the books, you know that Hermione's appearance at the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a total glow-up. She had her teeth shrunken down a bit (following a mean spell cast on her by Malfoy that elongated them), and went to extra lengths to tame her hair for the big dance. Radcliffe brought this scene up with Rowling during their conversation, specifically questioning if they shot themselves in the foot for this scene in the movie, since she was already beautiful, to which Rowling agreed with a laugh:

Of course, Hermione was never described as ugly in the books, and Rowling made that clear by adding:

I think it's interesting what she said about the character having the choice to "become a little more groomed and glamorous." From how she put it, this was intentional for the character in the book, but I think we can all agree that it gets lost in the movie.

Hermione being a geeky girl who's brave, smart and vital to the success of so much that happens in the story is what makes her such a great character, and that's more than enough. If I recall correctly, she was actually a bit put off by how much work it took to get her hair fixed up, which seems very on brand for the character. She can make herself look glamorous if she wants to, but it's not going to be her top priority. Still, as Rowling said, "it's a film." She'll continue to see the character as she does in her imagination, the same way we can when we read the books if we want.

As much as I would've loved to see Hermione get a true glow-up in the movies, it's not a major game-changer for the plot that the film's Hermione is beautiful from the start. However, I do appreciate Rowling's sentiment here, particularly as she sounds more than satisfied with how Emma Watson played the role.

Fans already have takes about the casting for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show. And there will undoubtedly be more opinions once the series premieres this holiday season. In the meantime, I strongly encourage you to give the new Audible full-cast audiobooks a shot if you're a fan of the books and/or love audiobooks. I've had so much fun listening to them. It's almost like getting to experience the story all over again.

The Wizarding World is one of the biggest IPs in the world, with entire generations growing up with the books, video games, theme parks and (of course) the Harry Potter movies. Those eight films (which are streaming with a HBO Max subscription) are regularly re-watched by fans, who are eagerly anticipated the TV adaptation. The new Harry Potter cast has some big shoes to fill, and Mad-Eye Moody actor Brendan Gleeson recently offered six words for whoever take on that role next.

What we know about the Harry Potter TV show is fairy limited, but each season is expected to cover one of the novels. While speaking to People at the premiere of Spider-Noir (which will be available with a Prime Video subscription), Gleeson was asked if he had any advice for whoever ends up taking his role in the upcoming book to screen adaptation. While he originally said "absolutely not", he eventually relented and offered:

Honestly, that seems like some sound advice. While the actors in the Harry Potter TV show will no doubt be compared to their movie counterparts, they shouldn't necessarily try to do impressions. Brendan Gleeson hopes the new Mad-Eye will do his own thing, which is a lesson that many of the new cast might want to consider. We'll just have to wait and see who ends up cast in that role when the character (presumably) shows up in Season 4 aka The Goblet of Fire.

Mad-Eye Moody is a fan favorite character with a unique origin in the novel. Because while he's a scene-stealer throughout The Goblet of Fire, it's revealed at the end that it was actually Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise. The real Mad-Eye would end up having a role through the rest of the franchise, bringing his signature gruff attitude to the table in the process.

Gleeson is a wildly successful actor, with his tenure in Harry Potter only part of his decades-spanning career in TV and film. Still, Potter fans think of him as the definitive Mad-Eye Moody, so it should be interesting to see how the new actor is received, and how he distinguishes himself from the movie version.

As previously mentioned, Brendan Gleeson has a thrilling new project coming out, as he's playing Silvermane in the new Amazon series Spider-Noir. That show will drop on May 27th as part of the 2026 TV schedule. As for the Harry Potter show, we can expect that to premiere on December 25th on HBO.

As we inch closer to the Christmas premiere of HBO’s Harry Potter show, there has continued to be interest in how the movies’ ensemble feels about the new cast. Most recently, Daniel Radcliffe spoke about one of the actors set to play a major role in the series, while also admitting that he’s excited to ask him about this new book-to-screen adaptation of Harry Potter.

The actor in question is John Lithgow, who is playing Dumbledore in the HBO show. This all came up because Radcliffe and Lithgow are both nominated for Tony’s this year. So, while discussing their work on stage with ET, the original Harry Potter actor also chatted about how he’s “so excited to meet” Lithgow and “grill him about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series,” as the caption noted.

During the interview, Radcliffe was asked about being nominated alongside Lithgow, and he said:

Right after that, the interviewer said, “I was gonna say…” while footage of Lithgow as Dumbledore played over the clip. In response to that, Radcliffe said:

I can’t say I blame him. I would too! Radcliffe grew up on the Harry Potter movies (which you can stream with an HBO Max subscription), and to this day, it’s what he’s best known for. Also, John Lithgow is an absolute legend, so it tracks that the Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins actor wants to chat with him about what’s to come on the 2026 TV schedule.

Overall, it’s clear that Daniel Radcliffe admires Lithgow a lot. As I mentioned, this all came up because both men are nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tonys. While the Harry Potter actor is being recognized for the play Every Brilliant Thing, the new Dumbledore actor was nominated for Giant, which Radcliffe couldn’t help but gush about:

Well, talk about high praise! And the fact that he’s also playing Dumbledore in this new show must make matters even more exciting.

Considering how close Harry is with the headmaster in Harry Potter, the legends who played him in the movies (the late Michael Gambon and Richard Harris) and the icon that’s taking over the part, it’s no wonder Radcliffe has “so many questions” for Lithgow.

I’m sure he’ll get to ask them too. I mean, the two actors should both be at the Tonys. Plus, we know Radcliffe sent the show’s Harry, Dominic McLaughlin, a letter when he was cast. So, I’d assume that if the opportunity arises, he’d also take a moment to ask the new Dumbledore about the project, too.

HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series is set to arrive later this year and, as fans wait for its arrival amid the 2026 TV schedule, many have been discussing the new cast members. Among that fresh ensemble is Lox Pratt, who's taking on the role of Draco Malfoy in the new adaptation of The Philosopher's Stone. In an exciting turn of events, Pratt was actually able to meet up with a Wizarding World icon in Jason Isaacs, who originated the role of Lucius Malfoy. And, luckily for us, there's a sweet photo of the magical meet-up.

The two Malfoy actors took a picture while attending the BAFTA TV Awards, and the photo is just as delightful as someone might assume. Take a look:

It was kind of Isaacs to make time for the young actor. What's more is that the veteran actor pays Pratt such a compliment him by saying he and former co-star Tom Felton will enjoy seeing him carry on the "family" name of Malfoy when the Potter show debuts for HBO Max subscription holders this Christmas.

I can only imagine what seeing Jason Isaacs kind words meant to Lox Pratt, and this meeting comes as Draco star Tom Felton reprises that role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Considering the scrutiny these newer actors are going to face when the show premieres, it would be lovely for the younger stars to have the support from franchise veterans who understand the pressure that comes along with being a part of such a big franchise.

I've been especially impressed with Lox Pratt's professionalism and the thoughtful responses he's given about the Harry Potter series thus far. He seems like an actor who isn't taking a second of this opportunity for granted and is eager to put his own stamp on one of the Wizarding World's most complicated characters.

Pratt won't just have to navigate being the rival to Harry Potter, he'll also have to work on creating a great dynamic with his fictional father, played by Johnny Flynn. Then again, as Jason Isaacs previously noted when discussing the Malfoy patriarch, Lucius' job in the story was to explain why Draco was such an awful person. His general coldness and indifference to his son, rather than a loving relationship, was the key to it all.

All this to say, I think fans are eager to see how all these characters are portrayed and how they differ from the film adaptations. I'm admittedly still wrestling with the notion of seeing someone else besides Daniel Radcliffe draw buzz for playing Harry Potter. Still, I'm confident in this young cast, and I'm hopeful that even more franchise alums will take a page out of Jason Isaacs' book and show some love for the reboot's actors.

Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone hits HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day, December 25th. I wonder how many people will pause from their holiday activities to watch and if this series will end up being as big as everyone assumes it will be.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet entered the tournament and watched Mortal Kombat II, so be warned!

2026 has already been a pretty solid year for video game adaptations, with several promising options still set to release in 2026. Will any hold a candle to the massive flames brought forth by Ludi Lin’s Liu Kang? Only time will tell, but I can almost guarantee that none of them will feature an equal number of pop culture nods to DC heroes, Harry Potter characters and more. For all that this high-stakes sequel is about fantastical and brutal fights between characters from multiple realms, it’s surprisingly referential to real-world projects.

Mortal Kombat II is currently crushing it at the box office, even if it didn’t heart-rip its way to #1. (The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly is the ultimate Final Boss.) Which presumably means lots of other fans like myself are also celebrating the bizarro comic and fantasy jokes, quotes and visual references. Wait, no, there weren’t any actual Bizarro references, but…

Those DC Comics Nods Were Great

When Mortal Kombat fans first meet Karl Uban’s live-action Johnny Cage, he’s sitting alone behind a merch-filled table at a comic convention where nobody seems to give a crap about the B-movie actor. (Which is ridiculous, because that kind of actor would absolutely be mobbed at such an event.) But it’s not even Johnny himself that had me cheering the hardest. Rather, the references to DC Comics fare had me hyped.

First up, we have the booth directly to the right of Johnny Cage, which is promoting the Birds of Prey character Evelyn Crawford. Then we have multiple displays for The Question, the mask-wearing investigator that inspired Rorschach and absolutely deserves his own placement in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU lineup. (Particularly the Jeff Lemire miniseries.) In other shots, you can see a booth dedicated to Black Orchid, Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s superhero fantasy miniseries, as well as one for the almighty Swamp Thing.

Do these references break this universe, given the existence of 2008 video game Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe? Probably not, since none of the above were playable characters.

Johnny Cage's Lord Of The Rings Comment Is Fourth Wall-Breaking Fun

At the point in Mortal Kombat II when Johnny Cage is tasked with destroying the amulet keeping Shao Kahn immortal, Kano goofily tells him to check the back of the ring for guidance. Which sparks Cage to bring up a memorable Lord of the Rings quote. As he put it:

An amusing line in context of the scene, all things considered, but also amazing given the fact that Karl Urban himself co-starred in the second two films of Peter Jackson's LOTR trilogy as the Riders of Rohan's leader Éomer. I would love to see Johnny watching those sequels to see his face when Éomer shows up.

Kano Is Apparently A Harry Potter Fan

Josh Lawson's Kano was killed off in the first movie, but was brought back to life for the sequel because he's so hilarious. Every line out of his mouth is a banger in this movie, so a Standing O for everyone involved with that decision. In any case, some of Kano's best lines come at the expense of Damon Herriman's Quan Chi.

The best jab against the goth-leaning Quan Chi is almost definitely when he compares the villain to "Voldemort's nutsack." Funny how death didn't affect Kano's ability to make super-quick quips about Warner Bros. villains.

Nods To A Kurt Russell Classic And A Netflix Original

There are two other one-liner references that I was also quite fond of. Johnny Cage gets to show off more of his fandom power when he asks Tadanobu Asano's Lord Raiden if he's cosplaying as someone from Big Trouble in Little China. Presumably one of the Storms, given the similar hat sizes.

Earlier, when Johnny Cage is being told the rules of the fighting tournament, he verbally backs away from it, saying it sounds like a real-life Squid Game scenario. Just in case anyone thought that ALL of the references made here would be from Warner Bros. projects.

Find Mortal Kombat II in theaters now, and rewatch the first movie via HBO Max subscription.

It’s hard to believe it's been nearly 25 years since The Sorcerer’s Stone jump-started the Harry Potter movies. Unsurprisingly, it looks like some Wizarding World festivities have already been initiated to commemorate that major milestone. With that, some of the actors who portrayed members of the wonderful Weasley family recently reunited to surprise the fans. And, lucky for us, that reveal was captured in a truly delightful video that's gone viral.

One of the coolest Potter fan experiences is the Platform 9 ¾ expansion of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Being there sounds cool enough on its own, but I can't even imagine being there and getting greeted by Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasly), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) and Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley). That's exactly what happened for some lucky muggles when they recently attended the tour. Check out the video, which is on the official Potter Instagram account:

All four Wizarding World alums sure seemed to delight the Harry Potter fans gathered at the 25th Anniversary event. The quartet of Weasley Family actors were quick to make fans' days by taking photos and chat with them. One excited attendee remarked that seeing the British stars brought her back to The Sorcerer’s Stone (or Philosopher's Stone in Great Britain). Overall, I’d say their magical presence was truly the wholesome moment we all needed.

The presence of the Potter veterans only added to the already-nostalgic nature of the attraction. As part of it, fans can visit the set of the King’s Cross station and board the Hogwarts Express as intrepid students would. I honestly can't think of a better place to celebrate he 25th anniversary of the fantasy franchise's first movie.

Aside from that, I love that every once in a while, we're treated to a Weasley Family reunion, and those run-ins can happen in a myriad of ways. For instance, We Bonnie Wright and the Phelps twins even reunited at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley in 2014, marking the occasion with a selfie.

Also, in 2024, Wright guest-starred on the Phelps’ Food Network show, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, serving as a guest judge and sharing all kinds of details from her time working on the movies. On top of that, the on-screen siblings reunited in October at a Muggle restaurant in Baltimore, where they enjoyed a “family dinner.” Needless to say, the enduring bond amongst these actors is just so sweet.

I'd like to think that thanks to Wright, the Phelps and Mark Williams reuniting this latest time, some fans now have an experience they'll never forget. If anything, this excitement is a testament to the fact that the Harry Potter film franchise continues to dazzle and entertain even 25 years on. With that, check out the films -- complete with fans' favorite red-headed family -- by streaming them with an HBO Max subscription or a Peacock subscription.

There are major franchises, and then there's the Wizarding World. The property has entertained audiences for decades thanks to the novels, theme parks, stage plays, video games, and, of course, the Harry Potter movies (which are streaming with an HBO Max subscription). Soon, we'll return to Hogwarts with an upcoming TV series, with fans curious about who will play various beloved characters. And actor Paul Bettany had an A+ response when asked about rumors he might be the new Voldemort.

The upcoming Harry Potter TV show already has a ton of hype around it, with fans hoping it'll be a more accurate book-to-screen adaptation. There are plenty of names being tossed around online to replace Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, and in a clip from ScreenRant's Twitter, Bettany was asked about the possibility of playing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. After saying "it's just a rumor", the Da Vinci Code actor offered:

Honestly, can you blame him? Having to wear facial prosthetics is a big-time commitment for major TV and film projects, one that can be both uncomfortable and even cumbersome when performing. He's already done a number of roles that required him to sit in the makeup chair, and it sounds like he'd rather not have to do that in order to portray Voldemort in the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series.

Folks who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order likely know what roles Paul Bettany is referencing in these comments. Namely, his ongoing role as Vision in the MCU, which will continue with the upcoming series VisionQuest. Additionally, he wore facial prosthetics as the villainous Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story. So who can blame him for not wanting to sign up for years of playing Voldemort?

Of course, Ralph Fiennes' Harry Potter look wasn't pulled off simply by makeup; CGI was used to give him Voldemort's snake-like nose. But not only has Paul Bettany shut down the rumors of him playing the iconic villain, but it sounds like the makeup involved is reason enough for him not to put his spin on The Dark Lord.

Whoever ends up being the Harry Potter show's Voldemort is going to have some very big shoes to fill, given how acclaimed and iconic Ralph Fiennes' performance was. And while Bettany isn't interested, other actors like Andy Serkis have expressed interest. We'll just have to wait and see who ultimately lands the gig.

The Harry Potter TV series will premiere on December 25th as part of the 2026 TV schedule. For now, the movies can be re-watched on HBO Max.

It's already been a month since the trailer was released for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and many seem amped for the series arrival on the 2026 TV schedule come Christmas. The cast seems to approve of it as well, as the new actor for Draco Malfoy shared he's "glad" it didn't show too much.

Lox Pratt, who plays Harry Potter's Slytherin rival Draco Malfoy in the series, recently talked to Variety about his blossoming career in Hollywood. The actor, whose Lord of the Flies series is also currently available with a Netflix subscription, shared his appreciation for the trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and its restraint:

I'm interested to see how Lox Pratt's Draco will be different, as I thought Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy was a solid representation of the character. That said, I'm all open to seeing another interpretation, rather than someone who tries to mirror the performance of the first to do it.

I guess I never thought about it at the time, but Pratt is right that we don't see a ton of the series in that trailer. We barely see any scenes of the children spending time in the classroom, and most of what is shown is from the start of the book. The first thirty seconds of the trailer take place exclusively at his aunt and uncle's home on Privet Drive, so it's fair to say there's a lot we haven't seen!

For example, we didn't get to see Gringotts Wizarding Bank yet, or any of the magical creatures that appear in the movie. I can imagine the series' length will allow us to see even some things that the movies never allotted the time for, though I don't think that'll really show until we get to the latter books in the series. Hopefully by then they will find a more entertaining way to cover the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

One thing I'm really crossing my fingers for is that the series will work in the ghost Peeves, whom director Chris Columbus admitted he was upset he didn't include. Honestly, there's a litany of more minor storylines involving the ghosts of Hogwarts that the movies largely ignored. With more time to highlight those arcs, I'll be curious to see if we'll be seeing Peeves when I tune in with my HBO Max subscription.

As mentioned, readers can watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when it makes its big debut on Christmas Day on HBO and HBO Max. Gear up to go to Hogwarts once again this holiday season, and be prepared for a fresh look at The Boy Who Lived.

We’re only a little over seven months away from HBO’s much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot hitting the 2026 TV schedule. The cast for the first book’s page-to-screen adaptation is already set, but one major question is still hanging over the whole thing: who’s going to play Voldemort? Well, a certain Lord of the Rings actor has now officially thrown his nose into the ring. That's right, Andy Serkis.

During a recent interview with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, Serkis, yes, Gollum himself, was asked point-blank whether he had ever considered playing "He Who Must Not Be Named." He seemed a little surprised by the question, but his answer was pretty emphatic:

Of course, taking on a role that massive would come with a few sacrifices. There’s the potential commitment to several more seasons if HBO adapts all seven books (which rise in scale), and then there’s the other obvious Voldemort-related sacrifice: the nose. That is assuming the new version follows a similar design path to the OG films, where Ralph Fiennes’ Tom Riddle became one of fantasy’s most famously nasal-challenged villains.

Serkis, however, does not sound particularly worried about that part. When Horowitz joked about the nose situation, the actor gave the exact answer you’d want from someone who has already spent decades disappearing into unforgettable characters:

Honestly, that is the kind of commitment you want from a potential Voldemort. The Planet of the Apes mainstay has built a career out of vanishing into characters, whether through motion capture, voice work or full-body performance. Between Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes movies and Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the man knows his way around haunted creatures.

Serkis has plenty going on outside of hypothetical Wizarding World villainy, too. His animated adaptation of Animal Farm already hit the 2026 movie schedule, though critics have not exactly greeted this trip to Orwell’s barnyard with open arms. Reviews are largely negative, knocking the movie for softening the book’s political bite and aiming the material at younger viewers in ways that apparently do not always land.

Still, the mo-cap revolutionary is not staying away from major fantasy worlds for long. He is also heading back to Middle-earth, and not just in front of the camera. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to begin production soon and is aiming for a 2027 release. Serkis is set to direct the film and return as Gollum, with the story reportedly following Aragorn’s quest to capture him in the years between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. Lee Pace and Jamie Dornan are also listed among the stars, with Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou attached as writers.

Andy Serkis may already be booked for another trip through fantasy’s nastiest caves but, if HBO really is still hunting for its Voldemort, there are worse ideas than calling the guy who has made an art form out of turning monstrous characters into something strange and impossible to look away from. Seriously, Warner Bros., pick up your phone and give this man a call.

I’ve lamented in the past about the challenge I regularly face as a fan of both books and LEGO sets when it comes to shelf space. A lack of places to display either might be the only thing keeping me from spending all of my money on all the books and LEGO sets. It’s for that reason that I’m especially fond of the LEGO Book Nook sets, as they not only bring two of my favorite hobbies together, but they’re also a bit more flexible with how they can be displayed.

If you haven't heard, LEGO has been coming out with Book Nook sets inspired by some very popular book series and designed to fit among your books on a shelf. Following the release of the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Book Nook set, Barnes & Noble has a new LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook available for pre-order. It's Dumbledore's Office, and I think I need it.

The cool thing about the LEGO book nook sets is that they can be displayed open (see photo above), or folded closed and set between your books. The folded-closed option takes up less space on a bookshelf, plus, it still allows the set to be on display from the front. Check out the closed version from the box below:

I've been eying the Hogwarts Express Harry Potter Book Nook set for a while, but until very recently, my main focus was on saving up for the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set (I got mine at Barnes & Noble, however Target currently has it listed for a lower price). I'm in the middle of assembling my Hogwarts set, after which I need to make some shelf decisions, but that's a later problem. As is my decision on which Harry Potter Book Nook set I need, apparently.

I think I like this new set even more than the Hogwarts Express Book Nook set. It's entirely possible that I'm just dazzled by the newness of the Dumbledore's Office set, or I’m still in my feelings over my recent listen of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince full cast audiobook, but Merlin's beard, this new book nook is adorable!

The details of Dumbledore’s office are just so great, with things like a Pensieve, the Sorting Hat and portraits on the walls featuring former Hogwarts headmasters on display. Plus, there's Dumbledore's Phoenix bestie, Fawkes, among the minifigures! The set also includes minifigs of Harry and Dumbledore, as well as Dumbledore's phoenix patronus.

I love everything about this set, including the option to fold it together so it doesn't take up quite so much space on my shelf.

The LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook - Dumbledore's Office set is a Barnes & Noble exclusive, and it's set for release on June 1, 2026. The price is $129.99.

In addition to the two mentioned LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook sets, there are a couple of other Book Nook LEGO sets available. For Sherlock Holmes fans, there’s this quaint glimpse of Baker Street, and for Lord of the Rings fans, there’s the Balrog Book Nook. As excited as I am to see a new Harry Potter Book Nook, I really hope there are more in development for other popular book series (ACOTAR? Red Rising? Fourth Wing? Perhaps some stand-alone books like Project Hail Mary?) A girl can dream. In the meantime, I have a Hogwarts castle to finish building, and I’m counting down the days until the Harry Potter TV show arrives this Christmas!