The official teaser site for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been updated with a new design and new music that we can only assume is from the film's score.

The site features one of the new Half-Blood Prince teaser posters we saw a few weeks ago, and all of its pages are up-to-date with the latest pictures and information. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip!

UPDATE: You can now view 159 screencaps we made from the video starting right here. Enjoy!

We told you when it hit theaters, we told you when it aired on TODAY Australia, and now Warner Brothers has released the awesome Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Behind the Scenes featurette in a variety of download-able formats! Pick your favorite flavor and enjoy:

Windows Media Player: Large | Medium | Small

Flash: Large | Small

Quicktime HD (we recommend this format): Large | Medium | Small

Quicktime: Large | Medium | Small | Really Small

iPod: Click here

The third live Harry Potter Alliance Dumbledore’s Army meeting will be held this Sunday, 1 March 2009. It will focus on the new HPA campaign “Accio Books!”

Among the awesome fandom members featured on the call will be Evanna Lynch, MuggleNet visitor and Harry Potter actor. For more information about how to listen in, visit the HP Alliance website here.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's official website has been updated with a new piece of concept art depicting a store in Hogsmeade called Dervish and Banges. From their newsletter, which announced the new art:

Dervish and Banges supplies the Wizarding community with school supplies, Quidditch gear, and magical, wizarding equipment. Here you can purchase authentic and unique items from the world of Harry Potter.

They've also added a new poll: Which would you like to ride, a Chinese Fireball or a Hungarian Horntail? You can always keep track of the latest news from the theme park right here in our info section.

Yesterday we told you about a new sweepstakes where you can win a trip to the premiere of Harry Potter: the Exhibition in Chicago. Now, Warner Brothers has announced that huge interest in the exhibition has led them to extend the Chicago stay through September 27th. It was originally set to close on September 7th. Quotage from the press release:

“We have experienced unparalleled interest in Harry Potter: The Exhibition thus far, with a great volume of calls to our call center, hits on our Web site and advance ticket sales,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “We are incredibly excited to bring this world premiere exhibit to Chicago and this extension of its run will allow more guests in Chicago, and fans around the country, the opportunity to experience the magic of Harry Potter.”

With the press release they also released a few pictures that have already been on the website (and we presume will be in the Exhibition): Mauraders's Map, Buckbeak, and the Triwizard cup.

James and Oliver Phelps, who play the always fun Fred and George Weasley in the Potter films, are celebrating their 23rd birthday today. Happy Birthday boys!

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip.

The official Harry Potter website has been updated with a cool new sweepstakes where you and three friends can win a trip to the grand opening of Harry Potter: the Exhibition in Chicago!

It's a simple enter-to-win content: just click here and fill out the information required. You must be 13 or older and live within the contiguous United States to be eligible. The contest closes on March 23rd, with the winner being chosen around April 1st.

Thanks to myself being bored and browsing HarryPotter.com for the tip.

Warner Brothers today announced a slew of release dates for their upcoming films - one of which was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, now set for July 15th, 2011.

As we learned a while ago, Deathly Hallows - Part 1 is set for November 19th, 2010. WB had originally set Part 2 for May 2011, but pushed the date back two months to the prime July slot.

(DIGG this story!) The Oscars look at Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince have you down? We have some good news to share with you to start off the work week.

"TODAY Australia" has debuted a new first look at the sixth film (Update: now also on YouTube), which includes lots of new Half-Blood Prince material we haven't seen. Ron and Lavender together, more shots of Harry and Dumbledore fighting the Inferi, Ron complaining about girls, some very kick-butt lines from Dumbledore, and new interviews clips from the cast and crew.

As the host of Today Australia says, "If that doesn't whet your appetite, nothing will." We couldn't agree more! Big thanks to Rebecca, Emily, and Caitlin for the tip.

Our friends at the Harry Potter Alliance are hosting another meeting this upcoming Wednesday to discuss consume culture with Paul DeGeorge and Matt Maggiacaomo from Wizard Rock bands Harry and the Potters and the Whomping Willows, respectively.

For more details on listening in, click here!

Tonight, a few Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince clips aired during the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

Most of the clips aired were ones we had already seen, but at least one new clip of Dumbledore and Harry in the cave aired briefly. You can see the whole (short) thing right here thanks to UniversHarryPotter.com!

In related news, Goblet of Fire star Robert Pattinson presented a montage of romance clips from 2008 films. You can see video of him speaking right here on YouTube.

As we reported a couple weeks ago, clips from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be airing during tonight's 81st Annual Academy Awards.

We do not know at which point the clips will be airing, but we'll update with a report and video when they do. If you get a recording online, be sure to send it in to tips at staff dot mugglenet dot com!

Construction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios today caused a gas leak that left part of the Lost Continent area closed for a short time. As the Orlando Sentinel reports:

Construction on the forthcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride caused a gas leak at about 2 p.m.

As a precaution, Universal evacuated guests from part of the Lost Continent portion of its Islands of Adventure theme park and called the fire department, according to Tom Schroder, a spokesman for Universal Studios.

The leak was capped by 2:15 p.m. and the park since resumed normal operations, Schroder said.

Thanks to Nicole for the tip.

The actor who brilliantly portrays Severus Snape in the Potter films is celebrating his 63rd birthday today! Happy Birthday, Alan!

If fans are looking to celebrate by watching a few of his films today, may we highly recommend some of his more recent films: Sweeney Todd, Bottle Shock, Nobel Son, and of course, all of the Potter films.

A new promotional banner for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has appeared online thanks to Oclumencia. The banner depicts Young Tom Riddle, Draco, Snape, Harry, and Ginny.

You can see it right here. We're wondering why these five were put together in one photo. Any wild theories? Thanks again to Oclumencia!

The Scotsman is reporting that Potter author JK Rowling recently visited a Scotland hospital and left them some special art:

Ms Rowling, 43, daubed graffiti on the walls of the Young People's Unit at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Morningside, which cares for teenagers with complex psychiatric conditions.

Consultant psychologist Dr Jane Morris said: "She really does spread magic. She's a natural and knows how to talk to young people. And she's extremely cool. She does graffiti on the walls which is probably worth a fortune.

"She's drawn all of us and wrote 'JK Rowling was here'."

You can read the full report right here. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Hours before it's premiere on the MTV channel, the footage from the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince set airing on MTV Spoilers has appeared on YouTube. You can see it right here.

As we first told you the other day, the footage contains new interviews with the trio, Jessie Cave (Lavender Brown), and Director David Yates. It will be airing on TV during MTV Spoilers today at 8 PM local time.

Thanks to Taylor for the link!

It's been a busy time around our site lately and we wanted to let you know about a few things going on.

New addition to Level 9: Our area that examines the Wizarding World's deepest mysteries has been updated with an in-depth look at Wands. We have plans for new areas of Level 9 coming in the future as well!

Audio Fictions now daily: MuggleNet Fan Fiction's Audio Fictions service brings you 'audiobook' versions of their world-famous fan fictions. And now, new readings are released every single day! You can subscribe here on iTunes or get direct download links right here. Look for a reading from yours truly in an upcoming episode.

Several areas accepting submissions: Our great intern team has picked up lots of areas around the site that are now looking for new submissions from YOU: Fan Art, Fun Lists, Madam Rosmerta's Recipes, and Fan of the Week. Each area has information on how to submit content or an application.

New MuggleCast.com design: Finally, the official home of MuggleCast has received a face lift! Check it out and enjoy.

To stay on top of what's new around MuggleNet, keep an eye on the Updates box located on the right side of this page.

As the release of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game approaches (July 14th), a new interview has surfaced with the game's product manager John Fenno.

Seen here on YouTube, Fenno discusses the delay of the movie/video game and how they can use that to their advantage. The interview also includes lots of cool clips from the game.

Don't forget, you can always keep up with the latest video game information right here. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip!

Matt and I attended tonight's taping of MTV's Spoilers in Los Angeles, and as promised, MTV played clips from their time on the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

There were several interview clips with Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Jessie Cave, and (in a dark and eerie Great Hall) David Yates. Between interview clips were several shots of the trio and other actors on a snowy set. Mr. Yates noted that the previous five films were dark, where with the sixth film they're "having a laugh."

MTV also released a "Spoiler" that is already well-known to diehard Potter fans: they've added a new scene where there is an attack on The Burrow. David Yates briefly discusses this. Afterward, an MTV reporter was in our audience and asked a Potter fan what she thought of the additional scene (she was more concerned with making sure Harry and Ginny get in their kiss).

Additionally, MTV has released another article teasing the upcoming look at the film. You can see it right here (thanks, Terrance) along with two new pictures from the report you'll see during MTV's Spoilers. Be sure to check it out for yourself this Saturday at 8 PM on MTV!

It has begun! The official website of the Hermione Granger actress has been updated with word that filming for Emma begins tomorrow, February 19th.

Filming is expected to continue for the next year, with Part 1 being released November 19th, 2010 and Part 2 in May 2011.

Best of luck to the cast and crew as filming starts! Don't forget, you can always keep track of the latest Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows updates in our information area.

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip.

MuggleNet founder and webmaster Emerson Spartz celebrates his 22nd birthday today! And can you believe its been 10 years since he started this website? Little 12-year-old Emerson launched the site in October of 1999. Hundreds of Wall of Shame submissions, thousands of news posts, and millions of "GO IRISH" chants later, he's the reason why the site is what it is today.

On behalf of the MuggleNet staff and its visitors, Happy Birthday buddy! And visitors, don't forget to leave Emerson a birthday wish in the comments and on MuggleSpace!

The other day we told you that this weekend's new episode of MTV Spoilers will include new footage from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

MTV has now updated their site with an article explaining that the footage will be from their visit to the Half-Blood Prince set:

In addition to new clips from "Star Trek," "Land of the Lost," and the "Transformers" sequels, we'll also be showing footage from our visit to the set of July's eagerly anticipated "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

You'll be able to see the video for yourself when it airs with MTV Spoilers on Saturday, February 21st at 8 PM. Don't forget, the Oscars will also be airing Half-Blood Prince footage the following day.

A rare copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, signed by JK Rowling, is being auction off by the Children With AIDS Charity. 85% of the proceeds from the book's auction will go towards helping CWAC continue to fight against paediatric HIV and AIDS within children.

Click here to see the signed book, and here to place your bid (bottom of the page).

The latest episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now available, and this week we have a special interview with Goblet of Fire composer Patrick Doyle! On this show:

- We discuss the latest Harry Potter news stories.
- Emma and Rupert are both afraid to kiss each other?
- Our thoughts on the recently released HBP posters.
- Patrick Doyle dishes on Syracuse University, Goblet of Fire, and his other works.
- We learn that the waltz score in GOF was actually improvised.
- Valentine's Day discussion: Who would we date in the Potter series?

To download for free, we recommend subscribing through Apple iTunes. Just CLICK HERE and then press "Subscribe" to the right of our album art. (Already subscribed? Refresh your feed!) No iPod or MP3 player needed! You can also visit the MuggleCast website to listen right within your browser, or to download the MP3 file to your desktop. Enjoy!

Our friends at MillionairePlayboy.com were at the 2009 New York City toy fair we told you about yesterday. While there, they had a chance to speak with a rep from LEGO who revealed no Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince toys are in the works:

My sad news to report that there are no plans on producing any new Harry Potter sets. With the films getting darker, it has become very hard to produce kid-friendly sets.

MillionairePlayboy also has up a couple galleries that show some Potter merchandise on display at the Toy Fair: Tonner products featuring Dobby, Kreacher, Snape, Bellatrix, Luna, and Harry | NECA products featuring various action figures and toys.

A new blog post on the Orlando Sentinel's blog reveals that Hagrid's Hut is indeed under construction at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park:

Building permits pulled by Universal for the much-anticipated, highly secretive Potter project show that the resort is indeed constructing Hagrid's Hut. The setting, according to the permits, is being built for Universal by the Nassal Co. of Orlando, which specializes in themed construction projects.

While the permits offer few details, it appears Hagrid's Hut will be mostly for display purposes. The documents suggest the interior of the building will be used for prop storage.

You can read all the information we have on the theme park right here. Thanks to Terrance and Maria for the tip!

The 2009 New York City Toy Fair took place over the weekend, and NECA (known by us for their Potter merchandise) had a great Harry Potter display.

CoolToyReview.com took pictures of said display, and you can view them right here. The most interesting thing they had to show off this year was a new Fenrir Greyback action figure. Other items on display included their complete set of action figures and miscellaneous toys.

You can see NECA's entire catalog of Potter merchandise right here. Thanks to Thodoris for the tip!

Scar Potter has found a new photo from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince depicting Hermione Granger.

Thanks, Scar Potter!

MuggleNet is teaming up with Random House Publishing to bring you a new, one-off edition of The Burrow. March's topic will be: "How can magical stories help young people grow spiritually or build character?"

Three judges will read your submissions: our very own Robbie Fischer; publicist Meg O'Brien from Random House Children's Books; and children's author N. D. Wilson, whose books 100 Cupboards and Dandelion Fire received rave reviews on The Book Trolley.

We're looking for essays between 500 and 1,000 words with reasonably accurate grammar and spelling. The most successful essays will answer the question of this month's topic in a clear, thoughtful way. Examples from your personal experience will help. Feel free to discuss the Harry Potter books and/or any other magical books for young readers.

Now here's the exciting part. The top three essays will be published right here on The Burrow! Plus, Meg from Random House will contact the winning authors to get their mailing address. The winners will receive free copies of Mr. Wilson's wonderful books.

Did you catch that? Random House is giving away six books! And MuggleNet is ready to admit that magic awaits beyond the world of Harry Potter! So have a go at getting your free copies of 100 Cupboards and Dandelion Fire. Send your essay to Robbie today!

The deadline for submitting essays is March 1st, via email to robin.fish@prodigy.net. So, everyone, get writing!

It was announced today via film company Panalux that Eduardo Serra will be the cinematographer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Eduardo has been the DOP for recent thrillers such as Defiance and Blood Diamond. Certainly an exciting sign for things to come! Thanks to Matt, Terrance, and Celia for the tip!

The Daily Mail recently conducted a new interview with Robert Hardy, the actor who plays Cornelius Fudge in the Potter series. In it, the 83-year-old discusses his role as the Minister for Magic, his working with Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith, as well as how he learned three times over that Fudge would not return for Half-Blood Prince.

"I loved my time as Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, but my character has now been erased! I knew it would happen, because he's quite a good part in the book, but there was no way they were ever going to fit everything into one film."

He also joked about his age causing an insurance nightmare on set:

"The insurers for the Harry Potter films were insuring me for a massive amount of money and being extra reluctant about it. I could almost hear them saying, 'Is he worth it? He's broken most of his bones, he's had cancer and he might drop dead at any moment!'"

Thanks to TLC for the tip!

In case one sneak peek during the Oscars isn't enough, MTV revealed today that they will be airing a special look at Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during the February 21st episode of MTV's Spoilers.

While Spoilers will mainly be themed around the upcoming WB film Watchmen, MTV promises first looks at Star Trek, Transformers 2, Land of the Lost, and Half-Blood Prince.

Coincidentally, MuggleCaster Matt and I scored tickets to this taping of Spoilers after spotting a casting call. If they do play the clips for the audience (we know they're giving us a full screening of Watchmen), we'll be sure to file a report later that night. Otherwise, we'll all catch the HBP clip(s) on the 21st. Thanks to Snitch Seeker for the tip!

On the same day Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in paperback, Scholastic will be releasing a complete paperback series box set. As you can see from this picture found on Barnes & Noble and Amazon, the box enclosing the books uses the Deathly Hallows deluxe edition cover.

The books also appear to sport some new colors. Other than those details, that's all we have right now. If more details become available closer to the release date, we'll let you know! In the mean time, you can pre-order the set on Barnes & Noble right here for $58.67. Thanks to Leaky for the news!

The Chester Chronicle is reporting that Steffan Rhodri, an actor known for his work on the BBC show Gavin and Stacey as of late, will be playing Reg Cattermole in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. They have a small quote from Rhodri expressing his excitement:

“I’ll be filming in London during the autumn,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s the biggest film I’ve been involved with.”

You can read the full interview right here. Thanks to Terrance for the tip!

Back in September, JK Rowling was honoured in Edinburgh, receiving an award for her contribution to the city. Her handprints have now been placed in the City Chambers alongside Ian Rankin's, a fellow Edinburgh author who accepted the award in 2007.

"I think it is particularly appropriate for a writer's hands to be represented, so I am deeply honoured to have my keyboard-chipped fingernails, not to mention my pen-induced friction callous, commemorated in the place where I produced Harry Potter."

You can see Ms. Rowling here in Morningside preparing her hand impressions.

The New York Times is reporting that this year's Oscar ceremony, taking place on February 22nd, will include a montage of upcoming Warner Brothers films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:

The choices were “Sherlock Holmes,” directed by Guy Ritchie with Robert Downey Jr.; “Terminator Salvation,” directed by McG with a temperamental Christian Bale; and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” directed by David Yates with Daniel Radcliffe.

These clips should be fun for viewers, if any happen to be tuned in at the end of the annual marathon. But the preview gimmick, if it stays in the show, will put an exclamation point on the academy’s big problem: its disconnect with people who watch films. Any one of these movies has a shot at selling as many tickets as all of the year’s Oscar nominees combined.

Great point, NYT! At this point, we do not know if the clip airing will be a new one or something we've already seen. The Oscars air Sunday, February 22nd at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST on ABC. Thanks to Cohen and Kevin for the tip.

OK! Magazine is reporting that earlier today, Potter film stars Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton (with his girlfriend) visited the stuntman who was seriously injured on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

The actors appeared shaken upon leaving the hospital, and with due cause – Holmes has been Daniel's body double for all of the Harry Potter movies, and the injuries to his spine could cause paralysis.

Thanks to Jana and Nicole for the tip.

Patrick Doyle, the composer for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, held a public screening of the fourth film last night at Syracuse University, followed by a Q&A session with students. The Daily Orange reports that Doyle answered questions about the movie, his career, the music industry and the world of film composing.

"Working on 'Harry Potter' was unusual, he said, because he worked closely with the director as well as the sound designer, editor and conductor to integrate the music and make it an essential part of the film."

Additionally, Matt and I were able to chat with the composer yesterday afternoon and you can hear the full interview on the next episode of MuggleCast. Many thanks to Syracuse University, David Rezak and The Bandier Program for Music and the Entertainment Industries!

Do you have what it takes to be the next Potter Podcaster? Have you ever listened to your favorite podcast and thought, "I can do that!" – well here’s your chance!

In their newest edition of the Azkatraz Informant, HPEF has announced it is teaming up with MuggleCast to create The Next Biggest Podcast Idol Survivor - a contest and endeavor to make the next great Harry Potter podcast. The competition culminates on Monday, July 20, when the winners will get the chance to podcast live from AZKATRAZ in San Francisco, California as part of the Podcast Palooza.

The basics: Individuals will submit auditions on YouTube for our panel of judges by March 15, 2009, and the top 5 will be chosen to make the new podcast. Guided by our judges, the winners will go through all the steps necessary to make a successful podcast: giving it a name, making the website, defining roles for each host, editing the podcast, finding theme music, and much more.

The entire process will be documented on HPEF Presents (the official podcast of HPEF), MuggleCast, and YouTube. For questions, please e-mail pr@hp2009.org.

See below for complete details and good luck to everyone!

SnitchSeeker has posted a new interview with the actors who play Fred and George Weasley, James and Oliver Phelps respectively. The interview is centered around the Half-Blood Prince video game for which the guys recorded their voices.

How does it feel now, having done the character and that's your voice, knowing that thousands of kids are playing the game?

James: You kind of forget that you've done them when you come to play it. Well, we did so many lines that you can't really remember what says what. It's kind of hard when you're playing other games like where you're in character it's kind of like having the perfect character of … in that aspect it's really cool.
Oliver: And it's quite fun as well when you're actually playing and you're running around as Harry Potter or Fred or George with a wand and see what they do. See what they say.
James: One of the reasons they record us in the booths doing that is because then when we do our actions then they can add the actions to the character speaking. And when they're doing that it's very real. It's very true to our being.

The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince posters we saw this past Thursday have now been officially released in beautiful high-res quality! You can see them at the links below:

- Harry banner
- Dumbledore banner
- Harry with Dumbledore in Harry's glasses one-sheet

About a month ago we learned that Rupert Grint is nervous about his on-screen kiss with Emma. Now, Emma Watson has revealed that she too is feeling the jitters:

"Well I've never had to do it before so I can't say I have any techniques," she says. "I've never had to kiss anyone on screen so it is all new to me.

"Of course I am nervous about it. But, apparently it gets quite boring after a couple of takes, that's what Dan said to me anyway."

Read the full story right here from The Telegraph. We wish both Rupert and Emma an easy on-screen kissing experience!

Back in November we told you about a Mary GrandPre exhibit at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The exhibit holds close to 100 sketches by the US Potter book illustrator.

Now, MuggleNet visitor Kristin has sent us a great batch of photos from the exhibit. There's a lot of really cool work to be seen: a bird's eye view of Hogwarts, concepts for Deathly Hallows including this one and this one, a sketch of the merpeople scene in Goblet of Fire, and a LOT more!

All can be seen in our gallery. Thanks again to Kristin for the pics!

Three Potter stars were in attendance tonight at this year's British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards.

Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger, was seen on the red carpet and presented an award for 'Special Visual Effects'. While there, she spoke to The Metro about her future plans.

Jason Issacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy, presented an award for 'Outstanding British contribution to cinema'.

Brendan Gleeson, who plays Mad-Eye Moody, picked up an award on behalf of Martin McDonagh for 'Best Original Screenplay' - In Bruges.

Snitch Seeker has a variety of pictures from the event that you can see right here. Thanks to them and Sam for the info!

As this news post is being written, the final performance of Equus on Broadway starring Dan Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths is getting underway. Dan and Richard first started their Equus roles in London's West End in mid-February 2007. Playbill.com reports:

When it closes, the acclaimed revival will have played 21 previews and 156 regular performances. Previews began Sept. 5, 2008, with an official opening Sept. 25.

Radcliffe and Griffiths, who played to sold-out crowds in the London revival of the Shaffer play, reprised their work for Broadway audiences. Radcliffe stars as Alan Strang with Griffiths as Dr. Martin Dysart. Ever-busy stage and screen actress Kate Mulgrew plays Hesther Saloman, the role created on Broadway by veteran actress Marian Seldes in 1974.

The production had to end around this time so Dan could get back to the United Kingdom to begin filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows beginning in the next couple weeks. Congrats to Dan, Richard, and the entire Equus team for two years of amazing theatrical performances!

As most of you may know, Potter film star Rupert Grint is getting ready for the release of his new film Cherrybomb. Today in Berlin, the world premiere of the film was held and photos can be seen here on RupertGrint.net and here on Oclumencia!

Additionally, RupertGrint.net has audio up from a Q&A session held with Rupert the other day.

The film will be released this year in the UK. No word yet on a US release date. Congrats, Rupert, on your success with Cherrybomb!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire composer Patrick Doyle will be at Syracuse University this Tuesday, February 10th for a screening of the film followed by a Q&A session. The talk back will begin at 6:45 p.m. and run for roughly an hour. Syracuse.com reports:

The event is set for 4 p.m. in Grant Auditorium of the Syracuse University College of Law complex. It is sponsored by the Bandier Program for Music and the Entertainment Industries at SU in conjunction with the Syracuse International Film Festival.

If anyone attends this cool event, be sure to send us a report!

UPDATE: The University has asked us to let those attending know the screening is FREE of charge with donations to SyrFilm recommended. Additionally, free parking has been arranged in the Irving Parking Garage (let the attendant know you are there for the Harry Potter screening). Then take the elevator to the top and cross the bridge to the Law School where Grant Auditorium is located.

MuggleCaster Matt and I were pleasantly surprised while waiting to see Coraline this evening when, before the trailers started, we saw a 'Regal Firstlook Play' sneak peek of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Some of the footage has already been seen in the trailers, but there were several new and/or extended clips including: Bellatrix on top of a table in the Great Hall throwing a spell (extended), Hermione throwing birds at Ron, Hermione's jealousy of Ron and Lavender ("Excuse me, I have to go vomit"), Dumbledore levitating items in the Dursley house, a couple of new lines from Dumbledore, new shots of the Inferi, and the "She Thinks You're the Chosen One" scene (extended).

Spread in between the new clips were also new, short interviews with Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and producer David Heyman. If you'd like to see all this for yourself, we recommend checking out a film at a Regal Theater this weekend. Get there a good 20 minutes early to be sure you see the "First Look" video, which starts before the trailers.

This morning we updated our post made yesterday about Leavesden Studios being closed (it is now open, albeit still under investigation). Now the BBC has an article about the studio being back open. They quote a representative at Warner Brothers who confirms filming for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows begins in just two weeks:

A spokeswoman for the production team said filming on Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows would begin later this month as planned.

"We have not begun filming yet and will not do so for another two weeks. This has always been the case," she said.

"Filming will commence mid-February and go through to spring 2009."

We assume the rep meant Spring 2010, as filming will run for 54 weeks as they film Parts 1 and 2 at the same time. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed in the tip!

Harry Potter has consecutively been nominated in Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards, and this year is no different. He's been nominated in the "Favorite Book" category against the Twilight series, Diary of a Wimpy, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do It Yourself.

Voting opens on March 2nd and the award ceremony takes place on Saturday, March 28th. Thanks to Tim for the tip!

The Telegraph is reporting today that Harry Potter was borrowed 109,000 times last year, making it the most borrowed book:

The Government-funded Public Lending Right - which pays authors for books taken out in public libraries - said choices had been influenced by Richard and Judy, the husband and wife TV presenters. Five of the books named in the top 10 had been featured in their Book Club slot as part of their chat show.

The PLR, which tracked figures between July 2007 and June 2008, also said books for children and young adults represented a third of loans nationally.

UPDATE: As reported by The Mirror, the entire set is now open again. An investigation still continues.

It was just over a week ago now that Potter stuntman David Holmes was injured on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows during test shooting.

Today, Safety Media Limited is reporting that the area where the accident occurred is still closed:

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the organisation is conducting an investigation into the incident and some of the set will remain closed.

The representative explained: "The set has been cordoned off and will not be used again until we have finished that part of our investigation."

Thank to Sam for the tip.

JK Rowling's official website has been updated to wish everyone's favorite Weasley family father a Happy Birthday!

Thanks to Nada for the tip.

FINALLY, the first three promotional posters for the sixth Harry Potter film have been unveiled:

- Harry, with Dumbledore's reflection in his glasses
- Harry, brandishing his wand
- Dumbledore

Thanks to EVERYONE (and there were a lot of you) who e-mailed in with the tip!

Yesterday we told you that JK Rowling had been bestowed the title of "Knight" and inducted into France's prestigious "Legion d'honneur," the ceremony for which took place in Paris' Elysee presidential palace. French president Nicolas Sarkozy welcomed the author into the Legion, and Jo then made a speech in French (pictures, video).

Below is the full translation of Jo's speech (thanks to Clementine):

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, please forgive my accent and all the
grammar mistakes that I am about to make. My French is rusty, although I
taught it in Scotland many years ago - but I remember enough of it to be
ashamed of my mistakes. First I would like to thank you from the bottom of
my heart for granting me this distinction - it is both extraordinary and
unexpected. I cannot say I think I truly deserve it, but the Legion
d'Honneur has a very special and personal significance to me, as I shall
soon explain. That said, the perspective of visiting the Elysee [the
Presidential palace] and of meeting the President [Nicolas Sarkozy] was
enough to convince me to take on your invitation. I am particularly glad to
obtain this medal in front of young French fans, for their deep attachment
to the series and their many letters have made me happy for years.

In an interview with USA Weekend for an upcoming cover story, author Stephen King spoke about his influence on popular authors such as JK Rowling:

"I think that has some kind of formative influence the same way reading Richard Matheson had an influence on me," King explains. "People always say to me, 'Well, what about H.P. Lovecraft?' And the thing was, you read Lovecraft when you were a kid but I never felt that he was speaking my language. It was chillier than my heart was, and when Matheson started to write about ordinary people and stuff, that was something that I wanted to do.

He also talks about Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, saying that she "can’t write worth a darn." While the comments may surprise Twilight fans, most are probably aware of how Ms. Meyer has said herself that she is not a great writer. Or maybe Mr. King is just upset that Stephenie is too afraid to read his books. Thanks to "Anonymous" for the tip!

Today in Paris, JK Rowling was inducted into France's prestigious "Legion d'honneur" (Legion of Honor), in which the honorary title of "Knight" was bestowed upon her. The event took place in the Elysee presidential palace and France's president Nicolas Sarkozy was there to welcome the author into the Legion.

JK Rowling accepted the award and spoke to those present in French, according to Europe1 (translation below):

Full transcript (translation) of Jo's speech in French can be seen at the "read more" link below, thanks to our translator Clementine.

For pictures of Jo at the event click here, and a video of her appearance can be seen here. (Translation of what she said coming soon).

Congratulations again, Jo!

It was revealed today via Elysee.fr that JK Rowling will receive France's highest honor tomorrow at the Palace Elysee in Paris, France.

Congratulations, Jo! Thanks to BlogHogwarts.com for the tip.

The stuntman who was injured on the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows set this past Wednesday is recovering, but still cannot move his hands or legs. The Telegraph reports:

...he has asked relatives to update his Facebook page as he recovers in hospital.

He has assured his friends that he will be back in action before long.

One message reads: "David wants to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and wishes. And don't worry... the stunt-runt will be back."

The article goes on to say that David had been taken to a hospital that specializes in spinal injuries. You can read the full article right here. We wish David a speedy and full recovery! Thanks to Sam for the link.

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) participated in a fanchat today, discussing much including what he's most looking forward to film in Deathly Hallows:

"I don't have a script yet so I can't be exactly sure how everything is going to work out. However, I think my answer will be a bit predictable! The scene I'm looking forward to the most is when Neville swings the sword and kills Nagini. That is going to be intense! In fact, the whole final battle sequence is going to be amazing. Still can't believe they're going to trust me with a sword though!"

In an insightful new interview, Emma Watson discusses how turning 18 was "tough;" how she finds being sexy embarrassing; and the prospect of a new film for her shortly. The actress also talked about the difficulty in overcoming the Hermione typecast:

"I have no plans to do anything for the sake of it, or to shock people. I might be willing to take my clothes off for a Bernardo Bertolucci film, if it was a part that really made sense as part of my character. But I wouldn’t do it just to make a point, to move on from Hermione. I’d hate to be so tactical. I’m not just getting my kit off for anyone."

The article also notes that Emma is still unsure whether she will attend a British or American university.

Thanks to Starrybird for the tip!