The Magic Lives On in New Harry Potter Spin-Off Series

Written by Regan Brown

Calling all Harry Potter fans…the magic still lives on!!!

J.K. Rowling, author of the legendary, groundbreaking series that became legendary films, which became a prominent symbol of my generations’ childhood, is not quite ready to hang up her wand just yet.

Rowling is again partnering with Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Only this time around it will be for a Harry Potter spin-off series based on the Hogwarts textbook, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” by fictional author, Newt Scamander.  If you remember, this textbook was introduced in Harry’s third year for his, ‘Care of Magical Creatures’ class.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Coming to Hollywood

Huge news Harry Potter fans! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is headed to Hollywood! NBC Universal has finally confirmed and announced that construction on a second magical theme park will begin. The final product will be built in Universal Studios, Hollywood. The first Wizarding World is, of course, located in Florida at Universal Studios, Orlando. Construction is expected to begin this Summer. A confirmation announcement is also expected about the worst kept secret in Orlando: The expansion of the existing Wizarding World park. Mugglenet has all the details for you guys.

Does this excite you guys? Will you be visiting the park in Hollywood? Have you been to the one in Florida? What would you love to see included in the construction and expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Review: Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Celebrate today with a little magic! Harry Potter: The Exhibition is back in New York City and fans of the iconic series can now experience the magic like never before. At Discovery Times Square and with over 200 props and costumes from the Harry Potter films and set displays, there's plenty to see for fans of all ages. But hurry! Time is running out to enjoy the thrills of feeling like you're a part of the magical series. The exhibition is scheduled to close on April 7th. Be sure to get your tickets here!

I recently had the opportunity to see the exhibition for myself and it was amazing! Check out my review of what I loved the most and all the sights and sounds of the magical exhibition.

Richard Griffiths Passes Away

Sad news. Legendary actor Richard Griffiths has passed away following complications after heart surgery. When I read this news this morning I was so upset. I, like many people my age, grew up watching him as Uncle Vernon in Harry Potter. I still quote him on Sundays when there's no mail. He will be missed. Daniel Radcliffe has released a statement:

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter and also appeared alongside Griffiths in the play Equus, led tributes to the actor.

He said: "In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys', which was my first ever shot as Harry.

"I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.

"Seven years later, we embarked on Equus together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humour made it a joy.

"In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence. I am proud to say I knew him."

Visit Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City

Celebrate today with a little magic! Harry Potter: The Exhibition is back in New York City and fans of the iconic series can now experience the magic like never before. At Discovery Times square and with over 200 props and costumes from the Harry Potter films and set displays, there's plenty to see for fans of all ages. But hurry! Time is running out to enjoy the thrills of feeling like you're a part of the magical series. There's only three weeks left before the exhibition is scheduled to close on April 7th. Get your tickets here!

If you could see or experience anything from the movies, what would you choose?

JK Rowling Considers Writing Harry Potter Prequel

Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of Harry Potter fans around the world freaking out. JK Rowling admitted in an interview with the BBC that she wishes she could have had more time with the Potter books and has been considering a director's cut of stories or even, wait for it, a prequel.

The 47-year-old author added that, while "where Harry's story is concerned, I'm done," she was considering a new story set in the same Potter universe.

"But ... if I did have a great idea for something else, I probably would do it. I am very averse to the prequel-sequel idea. A sidestep could maybe ... well, we'll see."

I don't think there are words to describe exactly how much I want this to happen. There are so many stories left to tell about a ton of characters. This woman and her genius mind created a whole world for fans to enjoy. Don't forget to pick up her new book coming out this week: The Casual Vacancy.

JK Rowling Announces Long Awaited Harry Potter Encyclopaedia

Oh my Gosh! Is this a joke? It looks like it may finally be for real! JK Rowling has updated her site and announced plans to release the long awaited Harry Potter Encyclopaedia. She has confirmed that she has begun work on the book and fans everywhere began to implode with excitement. When she is finished, she will donate all the royalties to charity. Are you excited??

Details:

JK Rowling Announces The Casual Vacancy

JK Rowling has announced her first follow up to her Harry Potter series. The Casual Vacancy is a book geared towards adults (but really, adults love Harry Potter too). Not much is known about the series but now we have a brief synopsis, a release date, and a brand new website to get ready for it. Will you be reading?

Details:

J.K. Rowling To Publish First Novel For Adults

J.K. Rowling has announced plans to release her first novel for adults. Fans around the world are now clutching their hearts in enthusiasm and anticipation. Rowling has completed a deal with Little, Brown Book Group and Little, Brown and Company for the future title. Not many details on the book have been released and no release date has been set. The author did however, release this statement:

Daniel Radcliffe Visits Alan Rickman at Seminar

Harry Potter reunion! I miss it already. Daniel Radcliffe visited his former Harry Potter costar Alan Rickman earlier this month. Alan currently stars in Seminar, now on Broadway.

J.K. Rowling: I Had No Intention of Killing Lupin

How about some emotional childhood trauma for your morning? The upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 dvd boasts an in depth interview between Daniel Radcliffe and J.K. Rowling. Among the tidbits getting released, the latest has Jo revealing she never intended to kill Lupin. Lupin's death just as his son was born was one of the more painful deaths in the books, at least for me. Nothing can top Fred though.

Read what she has to say and why she changed her mind:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Deleted Scenes

If you can't wait for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 dvd you're in luck. The deleted scenes have leaked online and you can see them here.

All of the deleted scenes from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Blu-ray and DVD have been released online. They include: the trio getting ready to go to Gringotts, with Fleur and Bill helping and warning; Harry and Luna looking over Dobby's grave; the trio talking to Aberforth Dumbledore in the Hog's Head, in further detail; Harry hiding in a group of Gryffindor students, with robes on, next to Ginny at Hogwarts; Seamus and Neville perusing the Hogwarts bridge; Remus and Tonks reuniting at Hogwarts, with a brief mention of their son Teddy; Filch locking up the Slytherin students in the dungeons, only to have them escape; and Ron trying to confess his love for Hermione while running from Nagini.

Video:

Harry Potter: Padfoot Needs a New Home

This is so sad! Mugglenet is reporting that the 10 year old black German Shepherd who played Padfoot in the Harry Potter films and his 13 year old buddy are in need of a new home.

The black german shepherd who played Sirius Black's animagus form seven years ago in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" has recently found himself in a dog rescue center in England. His owner, stunt man Paul Thompson, left 10-year-old Berry at the center reportedly because he travels too much these days for work to give the dog the attention and love he deserves.
Alongside Berry, his friend the white german shepherd 13-year-old Porridge (who has likewise landed several dramatic roles) was also left at the shelter this Sunday.

I hope someone gives them a good home soon! Hopefully Harry Potter fans are flocking to the shelter as we speak and adopting. If you're not close enough, there are shelters near you that have dogs that need a loving home just as much. :)

Darren Criss Reunites with StarKid at LeakyCon 2011

StarKid fans rejoice! Darren Criss and the rest of the cast reunited at LeakyCon 2011 to sing select songs from A Very Potter Musical to a super energetic crowd. I wish I had been there to see where it all began for Darren. I love that he always comes back home.

Check out video of Get Back To Hogwarts:

Pottermore Previews Two and Three

J.K. Rowling has revealed the next two Pottermore previews. "Discovering New Content" and "New From J.K. Rowling." This site looks so cool. I can't wait for it to be launched.

Check it out:

First Pottermore Preview! Chapter 6 of Sorcerer's Stone

Hey Harry Potter fans! Are you excited for Pottermore yet? To tide you over until the long wait til October, Pottermore has released its first preview. Check out this screenshot giving you a glimpse into the introduction of chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Check it out!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - Clip

If you were one of the rare people watching the MTV Movie Awards tonight that wasn't a Twilight fan, odds are you were waiting for Emma Watson to introduce this chilling new sneak peek of the final Harry Potter film. Check out the video! Amazing!