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Throughout the years, Warwick Davis has appeared in three different Star Wars installments as five different characters. He has become a familiar face to those who follow the movies and is due to return this December in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as a new character, rumored to be called Bistan.

The news of Warwick’s addition to the Rogue One lineup comes just weeks after it was confirmed that Darth Vader himself would be making an appearance in the film, which is set immediately prior to the events in the franchise’s first outing, A New Hope.

With his first Star Wars appearance as Wicket the Ewok in 1983’s Return of the Jedi, and his latest appearance as Wollivan in last year’s The Force Awakens, fans are excited to see what he will bring to the screen this time around. See more about his new role here.

There has been quite a lot of speculation in regards to J.K. Rowling’s new play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child becoming a film. This new flurry of rumors is because Warner Brothers has recently filed for a copyright regarding the play. However, according to The Telegraph the copyright is for much more than a film.

The request lists a range of goods and services including “motion picture films featuring comedy, drama, action, adventure and/or animation, and motion picture films for broadcast on television featuring comedy, drama, action, adventure and/or animation”.

While it would be exciting to see this play on the big screen, Rowling has stated publicly that Cursed Child will remain a play and Fantastic Beasts will be three movies.

You heard wrong, I’m afraid. #CursedChild is a play. #FantasticBeasts will be 3 movies, though! https://t.co/7tvw4rolcR

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 29, 2016

To read what else the WB’s copyright encompasses read more at The Telegraph. Remember though while The Cursed Child may not be coming to the cinema the book release is quickly approaching.

Rumours are flying about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando hosting a Yule Ball, amongst other exciting potential holiday additions.

The Orlando Informer started the hype, with reports of a research survey revealing plans to add to or modify holiday offerings at the park, specifically around the Christmas period (a Yule Ball, therefore, would be perfect!):

“The special holiday party, which the survey explains would hypothetically take place on select December nights, would include special performances, ride access, a delicious holiday treat, and non-alcoholic beverages. Pricing was a large topic when surveying about this event, with the survey asking how much is too expensive and too low.”

Specific ideas relating to the Wizarding World are as follows:

• A nighttime show at Hogwarts Castle using 3D projection, lights, and more (included with park admission)
• Holiday party in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley on select nights in December, including delicious holiday treats and beverages (separately ticketed event)
• Yule Ball and Great Dance Hall Dinner – “guests wear dress robes and dine/dance at a festive holiday Yule Ball with themed music, dancing, food and beverages.” (separately ticketed event)
• Special holiday performances by the Frog Choir, London Street Buskers, and other holiday themed surprises in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Whilst these (*very exciting*) proposed ideas aren’t set in stone in the slightest, the mere presence of the surveys suggests that Universal want to know what guests are interested in the most. Getting the word out and encouraging them to make it happens seems the least we could do to get us all a fantastic Yule Ball, as a US alternative to the amazing events held at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.

We’d love to attend, and I bet you would too!

Read more about ideas proposed by the guests here, and let us know any ideas you have via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Many Dr. Who fans were sadden to hear that Steven Moffat and Peter Capaldi will be stepping down from their roles with the highly successful TV series sooner than any expected. With a new writer and a new Doctor being introduced to the series in the near future (2018), there have been many interesting suggestions flying around the rumor mill–including rumors of Harry Potter stars filling in the lead role.

With new head writer, Chris Chibnall, will there be a woman Doctor Who? It would certainly shake things up a bit for the series–which has essentially been running since 1963 (the first series ended in 1989, but was brought back in 2005)–as the show has always run under a male lead as the Doctor, with a female supporting actress as the Doctor’s companion.

Popular suggestions in the fan base right now are Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Whishaw (“Q” from the recent James Bond movies), Richard Ayoade and Chiwetel Ejiofor. But the possibility of having a woman Doctor, for the first time in over 50 years, also opens up the opportunity for a male companion. Two popular suggestions at the moment are our own Harry Potter lead actress, Emma Watson, and Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams.

Emma Watson’s role as Hermione is a relatively fitting character for a female Dr. Who. Emma Watson’s Hermione was incredibly intelligent, independent, and caring. A Doctor Who, traveling through space and time, with expansive knowledge of all of history and the future, acting as a guardian aid in the safety of the universe, and as a leader embodies all of these things.

Though a female Doctor Who’s personality and quirkiness would be much different than Hermione’s, Emma Watson would still be a great actress to select for the role. Of course, even if she is offered the role, it is up to her to accept it.

The changing of gender roles opens up an interesting discussion within the TV series as well as within the industry itself. Please share with us your thoughts and suggestions!

Hypable is reporting that plans for a Wizarding World theme park expansion in Universal Hollywood were hinted at last week.

The LA Times reported that a Diagon Alley expansion would be placed right next to Hogsmede, leaving fans wondering how they will incorporate a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Answering many frequently asked questions, the LA Times said of the expansion:

Is there room to grow in California?

It’s not inconceivable to imagine the powers that be at Universal wondering where they would put a Diagon Alley sequel in Hollywood should Wizarding World prove as popular on the West Coast as it has on the East Coast.

While space is tight at the Hollywood park, a Diagon Alley expansion of Wizarding World is reportedly envisioned for the Waterworld stunt show arena location, according to a source who has seen the blueprints. 

However, Hypable picked up on rumors that fans have discusses, placing the Diagon Alley expansion further away. Though a large, steep hill may prove too hard an obstacle to overcome. Hypable reports:

According to Harry Potter canon, these two areas of the Wizarding World are far apart. Given how much effort Universal has put into the detail of their Wizarding World lands, we hope they’ll dream up a way to make these two fit nicely together.

Or maybe Diagon Alley won’t go right next to Hogsmeade. Universal Hollywood fans on USHForums.com have heard from their own sources that Diagon Alley plans are being discussed, and one person claiming to have a source says plans called for the expansion to be built in the lower lot where The Mummy ride stands. That would separate Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley by a very large hill — a steep one that a train probably couldn’t travel on.

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Hogsmeade open in Hollywood this April.

According to The Wrap, Kurt Russell is director Peter Gunn‘s top pick to play the role of Chris Pratt‘s father in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy 2.  The actor, who stars in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film The Hateful Eight, has not yet read the script or been officially offered the role, but will reportedly engage in talks with […]

The question of Lavender’s death has been floating around since 2007, and recently Pottermore has added further fuel to the fire.

Forums everywhere (such as this one on Reddit, and this one on Goodreads) have no definitive conclusion, trying to take evidence from both the book and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 film.

Her ‘death’ scene in the book seems a little more vague:

“Two bodies fell from the balcony overhead. As they reached the ground a grey blur that Harry took for an animal sped four-legged across the hall to sink its teeth into one of the fallen. “NO!” shrieked Hermione, and with a deafening blast from her wand, Fenrir Greyback was thrown backward from the feebly stirring body of Lavender Brown.”

After falling from the balcony, Greyback is seen almost making a mid-fight snack out of Lavender, but Hermione throws him back, and Lavender is seen ‘feebly stirring’, which suggests that she could be alive.

Some seem to think the movie errs more toward the ‘dead’ side of the argument. Acknowledging that movies do not make better sources than books, most say that they make it pretty clear; Trelawney and the Patil twins are seen saying ‘She’s gone’ and covering a body, and the earlier suggestive shot of Lavender looking vacant (and dead) after Greyback attacks someone certainly makes it look like she’s dead.

Her Wiki page also looks bleak. It states that she was killed by Greyback in The Battle of Hogwarts, stating  Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey as a source.

Now Pottermore itself (and through it, potentially Jo herself) has entered the debate. In its recent update, Pottermore had stated Lavender as ‘presumed dead':

That’s already vague wording, but as if that wasn’t enough, Lavender Brown’s page on Pottermore recently updated again, removing all information about her death:

Hypable and Bustle have had the same discussions, and are none the wiser. Though J.K. Rowling has been closely involved in the production of the films and of Pottermore, we’ll need the words from Jo herself if we’re going to sort this once and for all.

It’s a close debate, so what do you think? Is Lavender alive?

Harry Potter cast-members, officially including the trio (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint) and Helena Bonham Carter thus far, have been reunited to shoot a "mini-film" for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. The film is set to be shown at the extension being added to the Florida theme park, which will include two new rides (and perhaps The Leaky Cauldron restaurant!). Nothing has been said yet about the California theme park (which is set to open in 2014), or the Japan theme park (expected to be open in 2016). The Sun released an official statement from a "source":

A source confirmed last night: “The cast have really enjoyed getting back together — they are so tight-knit.”

Warner Bros. version of Tarzan is still in the very early stages of production, and is need of a director. It is rumored that David Yates and Susanna White (Nanny McPhee Returns) have taken an interest in directing the film. Deadline states:

There has been a lot of talk recently of Emma Watson joining the cast of Darren Aronofsky's Noah. Emma Watson is rumored to play that part of Ila, the love-interest of Shem (Noah's older son). If she joins the cast, Watson will be acting alongside Perks co-star, Logan Lerman (Shem's brother). Variety reports:

Emma Watson is in talks for the young female lead in Darren Aronofsky's "Noah," and would play Ila, a young girl Noah rescues who later experiences a miracle.

There has been a lot of talk recently of Emma Watson joining the cast of Darren Aronofsky's Noah. Emma Watson is rumored to play that part of Ila, the love-interest of Shem (Noah's older son). If she joins the cast, Watson will be acting alongside Perks co-star, Logan Lerman (Shem's brother). Variety reports:

Emma Watson is in talks for the young female lead in Darren Aronofsky's "Noah," and would play Ila, a young girl Noah rescues who later experiences a miracle.

While there have been a lot of news about Emma Watson's role in The Bling Ring, reports have also appeared about Watson making a potential cameo in Seth Rogen's The End of the World. According to the Huffington Post, Emma Watson has joined a long list of comical actors, all who intend to appear in the film as themselves. The End of the World is supposedly about what happens to favorite celebrities when an apocalypse strikes. Huffington Post reports:

Based on the short "Jay And Seth Vs. The Apocalypse," "The End of the World" is about what happens to some of your favorite Hollywood celebrities when the apocalypse strikes. The action will reportedly take place during a party at James Franco's apartment, which could account for why stars like Watson and Rihanna would be hanging out with Team Apatow during end times.

Reports are flying around that Daniel Radcliffe may take part in a four-part, British miniseries.The miniseries is reported to be about Russian doctors after World War I has ended. Dan is rumored to play a younger version of a doctor also potentially played by Jon Hamm (Mad Men). CBS reports:

"According to The Sun, the four-part miniseries is about Russian doctors after the first World War. The "Harry Potter" actor, 22, and "Mad Men" star, 41, would reportedly play the same doctor character in different time periods. A source told the paper, "This is a great role for Daniel and he's pretty excited about the prospect of working with Jon."

By Jeffrey Wasserstrom As my friends know, it doesn’t take much to make me think of Mark Twain. And even people I’ve never met who have followed my writings on China know about my obsession with Twain, since I’ve managed to bring him into discussions of a wide range of China-related topics, from Shanghai history (he never went

Author Ian Rankin has given a new interview on BBC radio with Simon Mayo (download here) where he mentions his friend and neighbor in Scotland, J.K. Rowling. In the middle of this interview, Mr. Rankin notes that while he has not seen the Harry Potter author in some time, he said she "was working on her Harry Potter encyclopedia" and "drawing family trees for all the characters, going back gene... Read the rest of this post

Rumor Alert today regarding the ride that will be contained within the giant Hogwarts Castle currently under construction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction in Orlando, Florida. As a follow to the report from last week on the inclusion of Magiquest as well as news on the Castle ride, Theme Park Insider is now reporting that "the ride vehicles will be four-person seats ... Read the rest of this post

The mystery of a possible LEGO Harry Potter game continues, as new reports state that such a game is in development. Previously, we had heard the highly anticipated Harry Potter video game was not on the slate for this year, however, today reports state that the online resume of animator for Traveller's Tales, makers of the LEGO Star Wars and Batman series, read the following: "Am currently wor... Read the rest of this post

We have some interesting rumblings today regarding possible castings for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Rumors have reached our ears that Domhnall Gleeson, the son of actor Brendan Gleeson (Mad-Eye Moody) will be portraying Bill Weasley in the final Harry Potter films. You can see a photo of Domhnall here. Domhnall Gleeson is an upcoming actor, known in the theater world having received ... Read the rest of this post

With production now underway on the final installments in the Harry Potter film series, there is a curious casting rumor making the rounds today. This is Grimsby is reporting that UK actor Nick Moran apparently told people at a recent London fashion show party that he was cast in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films. While no mention of a specific role was stated, the paper r... Read the rest of this post

A followup today on an earlier report regarding a possible new LEGO Harry Potter game due in 2009. Eurogamer is now reporting that this is not likely as "a senior source working close to Traveller's Tales has told us that LEGO Harry Potter is off the menu for at least 12 months. However, Eurogamer understands that a new installment of LEGO Indiana Jones is looking likely."

The article continues... Read the rest of this post

Bah Hum, the fake poster elves are hard at work this season it would seem. Scores of owls arrived today bearing news that this was the first purported poster for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film, but thanks to WB we can confirm that this is fake!

Thanks to WB and all who emailed!

Rumor Alert: ComputerandVideogames.com is reporting today that they believe Lego is developing the Harry Potter novels for a video game. With very little information or sources given, the site is saying that Warner will do the publishing of the Lego game, "even though EA has the rights to do the PC and console movie tie-ins. Warner published Lego Batman too, it's worth noting." Additional Quo... Read the rest of this post

Several rumor alerts tonight regarding the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction under construction at Universal Orlando. Screamscape is reporting that the giant castle of Hogwarts will not only serve as the center of the park, but will also be home to a "big new ride [that] will be placed inside the massive Hogwarts castle that is currently under construction." The rep... Read the rest of this post

I apologize for the belatedness of some of these links. Last week’s link love was rescheduled due to holiday party pictures.  Be sure to check back next week when we will be sharing the favorite books of some of our favorite people.  Enjoy the links below and have a snow-filled weekend!

What’s in a name? What does creative non-fiction imply to you?

News that our in-house IT guys must love, macs may someday be able to run windows-based programs natively.

Not sure who to vote for in the primaries? Enter how you stand on the issues and Glass Booth will tell you which candidate is the best choice.

Another sad story about newspapers. (Full Disclosure: I once worked for Creative Loafing.)
Do you think its ethical for book reviewers to back out of a review because they didn’t like the book?

A year in Media Errors. I mean, really, how hard is it to spell B-A-R-A-C-K O-B-A-M-A

A musical blog feature worth paying attention to.

These cats are creepy, but at least they may help further science.

Some holiday advice for curing that hangover you came into work with.

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"Hermione! The smartest witch name I ever heard, Hermione!" No, no, this editor has not lost her mind, but it could be something that we might all sing together, should this latest rumor prove to be true. In an article... Read the rest of this post