Harry Potter

Harry Potter in the sky? Bid to inspire young stargazers

London - Muslimchronicle

British astronomers have come up with a new set of constellations inspired by modern-day figures such as Harry Potter and Usain Bolt in an attempt to teach children about the layout of the universe. The eight new constellations in the "Look Up to The Stars" project are the brainchild of The Big Bang Fair, a science education event for young people andRead more

JK Rowling defends Depp casting after fan backlash

London - Muslimchronicle

British author J. K. Rowling has said she is "genuinely happy" with Johnny Depp's casting in the upcoming "Fantastic Beasts" film after fans called for his replacement over domestic abuse allegations. The US actor, who plays villain Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off, had been accused of physical abuse by his former wife Amber Heard during divorce proceedings. ButRead more

Harry Potter showcased with bones and cauldrons in London

London - AFP

The British Library has conjured to life the magical world of Harry Potter in a new exhibition featuring the oldest objects in its collection alongside never-seen items from J.K. Rowling's personal archive. "Harry Potter: A History of Magic", which opens in London on Friday, includes Chinese oracle bones from 1192 BC -- the oldest datable items in the library's vastRead more

British actor Fiennes given Serbian passport

Belgrade - Muslimchronicle

Award-winning British actor and director Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, was given a Serbian passport on Sunday for "promoting" the Balkan country. The decision to grant honorary citizenship to the 54-year-old English star was reached earlier this month by the government of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. "I never thought I would become a Serb and nowRead more

British actor Robert Hardy dies aged 91

London - Muslimchronicle

Actor Robert Hardy, a familiar face on British television who also played the minister of magic in the Harry Potter franchise, has died aged 91, his family announced on Thursday. “It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning moreRead more

Hogwarts, horcruxes and hippogriffs

London - Muslimchronicle

Harry Potter turns 20 on Monday when muggle readers in gowns and glasses from Indonesia to Uruguay will celebrate the birth of a global publishing phenomenon in 1997. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (later renamed "Sorcerer's Stone" for the US market) introduced the boy wizard and a magical cast of supporting characters. Penniless single mother J.K. Rowling finally succeededRead more

‘Harry Potter and The Cursed Child’ triumphs with magical sweep at Olivier Awards

London - Arab Today

“Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”, a stage adaptation of J.K Rowling’s fantastical world of witches and wizards, cast a magical spell at the Olivier Awards on Sunday, scooping nine wins at Britain’s big night for theatre. The critically-acclaimed production, which opened last year in London’s West End, went in with 11 nominations. Its victorious haul made it “the mostRead more

Emma Watson to become 2017’s highest-earning actress

Los Angeles - Arab Today

With Disney’s blockbuster “Beauty and the Beast” dazzling the box office for a second straight week, its star Emma Watson looks on course to become Hollywood’s highest-earning female star of 2017. The movie raked in $90.4 million over the weekend, according to industry data released on Monday. The film’s cumulative North American take of $319 million is the best everRead more

Spooky new ‘Harry Potter’ exhibit to open

Leavesden - Arab Today

There’s been a reunion of “Harry Potter” film veterans at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour just outside of London to prepare for the opening of a new “Forbidden Forest” wing. There was Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, Evanna Lynch, known as Luna Lovegood in the films, and Aragog - the machine which played a very convincing giant spider. IsaacsRead more

Veteran British actor John Hurt dies

London - ArabToday

Oscar-nominated British actor John Hurt, known for his roles in "Elephant Man" and "Harry Potter", has died aged 77 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his wife said Saturday. The versatile actor, who played Mr Ollivander in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and in two other films in the series, passed away in Norfolk, eastern England, on Wednesday, according to wifeRead more