With the beginning of the new fiscal year and the current economic conditions, MuggleNet regrets to inform its loyal followers that it has had to make some drastic changes to its website to offset cost.

In order to create a smooth transition, these changes will be made known to visitors throughout the course of the next 24 hours.

As of the time of this posting, we have made a few initial changes. Several pages located in our left navigation have been disabled because they are too costly to host. We have also removed layout choices and now operate with one economy-friendly layout. It's not the friendliest design, but it's MUCH more affordable (that lamp in the header features one of those cool money-saving light bulbs).

We hope that you can still support and enjoy the site even with the changes forthcoming.

The Times Online is reporting this evening that the First Lady of the United States will be spending part of her trip in London at a special dinner with author JK Rowling:

Seated on one side of Mrs Obama will be J. K. Rowling, the author; on the other will be Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic gold medallist.

We'll let you know if more details come from the event.

According to a report from Cinema Blend, a new trailer was screened today for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at ShoWest. While the article describes some familiar scenes, there also seems to be an extended focus on Draco as the new "bad guy."

"Dumbledore also has a line of dialogue that definitely isn't part of the book-- 'Voldemort has chosen Draco Malfoy for a mission.'"

The article notes that Alan Horn asked at the beginning of the presentation if the audience would forgiven him for delaying this movie's release. The author guesses correctly that for most Potter fans the answer is 'no,' "and new footage like this doesn't make the wait any easier."

Total Film Magazine recently ran an exclusive preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

While it appears there are no new photos or interviews, you can check out the scans here courtesy of Snitch Seeker!

In a new interview, Rhys Ifans still rumored to be playing the role of Xenophilius Lovegood, has talked a little bit more about his character in the upcoming Potter film.

"It’s been kind of a real honour being asked to be part of a project like that, and though I haven’t got kids myself, a lot of my friends have kids, so it’ll be great to do something they can see. He’s a good wizard – a really great guy."

And Jason Isaacs, the actor who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Potter films, recently did a short interview at the 2009 Empire Awards, saying he is "heartbroken" that everything will soon be coming to an end. He also let on that he will be returning to the set to begin filming his part in June.

Thanks to Jen and Tom for the tips!

Warner Brothers has released high resolution versions of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince posters we first saw last week.

You can check them out in our gallery right here!

The official website for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park has been updated with a new poll question: What type of wand would you prefer to own?

You can answer by clicking here, then clicking on Poll at the top. As always, you can keep track of the latest info related to the park at this link.

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip!

The actors who play Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, and Bellatrix Lestrange in the Potter films respectively are attending this year's Empire Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

A few photos of Tom Felton and Jason Issacs have already appeared on Wire Image, and a live blog from the event is right here. As of the time of this news post, Helena Bonham Carter (the actress who plays Bellatrix) had won in the Best Actress category.

We'll update you with more info later today. Thanks to Nick for the tip!

Several popular authors, including JK Rowling, will be receiving cheques from the state of Ireland because of their popularity in libraries. As The Times Online reports:

Binchy said many bestselling authors donate their cheques to charity but they remain an important incentive. “It’s only fair that if hundreds of people borrow your book, you get paid,” she said. “It’s especially important for those who don’t get huge sales. When you see that PLR written on an envelope your heart soars because it’s never bad news. It’s confirmation people are reading your books.”

The actor who portrays Mad-Eye Moody in the Potter films is celebrating his 54th birthday today.

Happy Birthday, Brendan! Thanks to Sofia for the tip.

The official Harry Potter website has been updated with new desktop wallpapers and instant messenger buddy icons based on the first two posters from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

You can see them by clicking here, then selecting Downloads at the top!

Feltbeats has released the third part of their interview with the actor who plays Draco Malfoy in the Potter films. In it, Tom talks all about his love for music and how he got started:

Q: How long have you been playing guitar?
A: I dunno, that’s a bit of a funny one, that. It’s a bit like, “How long have you been walking?” I’ve been HOLDING a guitar for maybe… well, I got my first real guitar on my nineteenth birthday, and I’ll be twenty-two this September. So, I mean, I know I had played before I got that guitar, but I had never really played seriously. So, I’m coming up on two or two and a half years, if that makes sense.

Read the rest of the interview (along with parts one and two) right here!

In a follow-up to the story we brought you earlier, we now know that this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly features Harry and Voldemort on the cover.

Both are part of new lists by Entertainment Weekly: the Top 20 Heroes (Harry) and the Top 20 Villians (Voldemort... obviously). We showed you their entry on Harry earlier today, and we now have their entry on Voldemort (no new pics are found in the article):

8) Voldemort - Why Him: Cruel with no hope of redemption, Harry Potter's nemesis (Ralph Fiennes in the films) is an old-school unrepentant, power-hungry, control-freak. But his loathing for anyone who doesn't meet his definition of "normal" is utterly of the moment.

Most Evil Move: Killing Harry's parents.

Biggest Weakness: Motherly love.

While making an appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Rhys Ifans stated that he would be starring in the upcoming film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Ifans did not say what part he had been cast for, so let us know in the comments what character you think he would do a good job portraying.

UPDATE: Several reports are suggesting that he will play Xenophilius Lovegood. Please treat this as a rumor until confirmed.

You can check out the latest casting info in our Movie Section.

Thanks to Snitch Seeker for the tip!

Entertainment Weekly has published a list of 20 characters who are the coolest heroes this world has ever seen. Harry Potter comes in at #4:

WHY HIM: Orphaned, cast out, and in the throes of adolescent hormonal revolt, J.K. Rowling's boy wizard (played by Daniel Radcliffe on screen) is the embodiment of the corny bumper sticker: Why be normal?

MOST HEROIC MOVE: Obliterating Voldemort by deploying his secret weapons: love, loyalty, and the good ol' Expelliarmus.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS: Misses his mommy and daddy.

See the full list right here!

EA has released another new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game trailer through Yahoo!

The trailer starts with a pensieve-like feel and then moves into several action packed clips from the game. If you want to learn more about the game, check out this section of our site.

Thanks to Yahoo and Emily for the tip!

Warner Bros. has released six brand-new character banners for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, including those of:

- Harry Potter
- Albus Dumbledore
- Ron Weasley
- Hermione Granger
- Draco Malfoy
- Severus Snape

WalesOnline is reporting this morning that crews for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and a new Robin Hood movie are expected to be shooting in the town of Pembrokeshire:

Planning officer Cathy Milner said: “It’s a huge bonus for Pembrokeshire. There’s the input of the finance, and it will also raise the county’s profile.” Ms Milner said Freshwater West had captured the film makers’ imagination and six days’ filming was planned for early May.

The Harry Potter crew is expected to be in the area for 50 days. A set will be built in Pembroke Dock and moved to a site in the dunes.

Work is expected to start in the area after Easter.

Filming for Deathly Hallows will continue until early 2010. For everything we've got on the film, click here!

Hot Topic has a new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince shirt available for sale. This one is based off of another poster for the film that premiered a couple months ago.

You can find out more about the other Half-Blood Prince shirt Hot Topic has right here. Thanks to Emilie for the tip!

Magical Tours and Alivan's are sponsoring another great contest for MuggleNet! We know our fans are creative geniuses, and here’s a chance to prove it! For this fun contest we’re challenging you to create your best depiction of a magical creature of your own invention, or your idea of a creature from any Harry Potter book.

Go here for complete contest rules. Winners will pick from some fabulous prizes including an American First Edition of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” signed by the illustrator, Mary GrandPre; a British First Edition of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” from the official Waterstone’s book release party in London signed by Andrew and the MuggleCast crew; and much more! Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM (Central USA Time) Sunday, April 5th, 2009!

Be sure to visit our co-sponsors: see Alivan’s for all your Wizard and Witch supplies, and go to Magical Tours to check out their 2009 Harry Potter Themed trips in England and Scotland. It’s not too late - there's still space on some of these terrific tours!

A couple of new photos from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park construction site have appeared online. Both are from what appears to be the main entrance to the Potter park:

- Wide shot of area
- Area closer to the entrance

As you can see from the thumbnail on the left of this news post, the construction photos depict a bare-bones version of the entrance seen in the concept art.

Thanks to MuggleNet reader Jhonny and HarryMedia.com for the tip!

SnitchSeeker and Feltbeats recently interviewed the actor who plays Draco in the Potter films. In it, Tom discusses what he does on set in between takes:

FB: So, their next question is: "Have you ever brought your guitar onto the set of Harry Potter, and if so, have you ever jammed with any of the other actors?"

TF: Evvvvveryday. That's where I learned to play guitar! It's no secret that there can be quite a lot of time-waiting on the film set. I just took a guitar in... Actually, the first person who started showing me stuff was my driver. I had the same driver from the first film, a very nice guy called Jimmy Adams. He actually played the left-handed guitar, and obviously I'm right handed. But, it was a little bit tricky then to show me anything decent. Now, he showed me a couple of moves, and he's been a great resource. I just learned pretty much from there.

Read much more right here.

IGN has revealed that Electronic Arts will be giving a new look at the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game next week at the 2009 Game Developers Conference. In anticipation, they have spoken with EA and learned a couple of new facts:

IGN: What are the biggest advancements to the title over previous Potter games?

Darren: We started from a very solid foundation in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with a highly authentic Hogwarts and really focused on bringing more action and excitement to drive forward the narrative. This experience is enhanced with specific improvements such as full camera control, different times of day at Hogwarts, and improved navigational elements such as a player's ability to call up Nearly Headless Nick at any time to guide them through the various missions.

You can read more cool details right here. The article includes two new screenshots as well. If any coverage from GDC appears online we'll be sure to pass it along!

It is being reported that Ciaran Hinds has been cast in the role of Aberforth Dumbledore for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

When reached by MuggleNet, Warner Bros. neither confirmed nor denied the rumor. We'll keep you posted as more information becomes available. No word yet on if the goat from Order of the Phoenix will reprise its role in the final films.

Thanks to TLC for the tip!

In a new interview, Timothy Spall, the actor who plays Peter Pettigrew in the Potter films says he will be returning to work on the final installment of the series later on this year.

"He will be back on the big screen as Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince this summer and is due to start work on the final films later this year."

The first part of Deathly Hallows is set to be released on November 19, 2010. Thanks to Cindy for sending this in!

There are two birthdays to celebrate over the past day. First, actor David Thewlis (who plays Remus Lupin in the films) turned 46th yesterday. Today, Gary Oldman (who plays Sirius Black) turned 51.

Happy birthday wishes go out to both of these fine actors!

According to The Herald Tribute, US Potter book illustrator Mary GrandPre will be drawing "25 original sketches of characters from the series to benefit Forty Carrots Family Center's Capital Campaign."

Forty Carrots, as explained on their site, has "served thousands of families in the Sarasota community giving these families both roots and wings through a combination of the highest quality early childhood and parenting education."

The full article, which includes details on purchasing the sketches, can be found on The Herald Tribute's website.

Warner Bros. is looking for YOUR suggestions on a new T-shirt for the Half-Blood Prince film. If you'd like to influence the design of a new Potter shirt that will be available for purchase, post your suggestions here on MuggleSpace.

The HP Alliance has begun Accio Books!, it's first annual book drive and the first project in the HPA's new House Cup competition! Sign up in the HPA Common Room to let them know what Hogwarts House you're in and then start donating books! All questions can be emailed to housecup@thehpalliance.org.

Also, the HPA recognizes that this April 7th marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, and as such is collaborating with the Vlog Brothers to create a compilation video to post on candlesforrwanda.org. Some of these videos will be played during the actual candle-lighting ceremony in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, on April 7. The deadline to submit is midnight on March 22. Find out more about the project and submission details on the HPA website.

Hot Topic has a new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince t-shirt available featuring the same image as the HBP poster released last month.

Thanks to Kati for the tip!

Warner Bros. has let us know that the first artifact in Harry Potter: The Exhibition has arrived! The "Flying Ford Anglia" as seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has arrived for display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago – the first of more than 200 costumes, artifacts and props that will arrive at the museum for the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition.

You can see a photo of the Ford Anglia arriving in Chicago in the photo gallery of the Official Harry Potter widget by going here.

The actress who plays Hermione Granger in the Potter films has updated her official website with a short journal entry:

Sorry it has been so long...I'm back at the studios on Harry Potter, I can't believe it's the seventh film already! It has been such a long time since I've seen everyone, and it is great to be back.

Keeping very busy though, lots of publicity at the weekends getting ready for HP6 which is all good. Also very excited that its getting sunny and warmer, it has been such a long winter!

Read the entire note from Emma right here! Thanks to Sarah for the tip.

HPEF announced this morning that Chris Rankin, the actor who plays Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films, will be attending Azkatraz 2009. Rankin will be participating in various events throughout the weekend and holding a Q&A session at A Dessert with Chris Rankin.

Date and time are yet to be determined, but tickets can be purchased by those holding a full registration, a Merlin's Circle registration or a single-day registration. There are only 125 tickets available to the Q&A session and they run $65 until April 1. Check out the full press release below.

VideoGamer.com has a new look at the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game, which is expected to hit stores in mid-July:

This may all sound a bit like Cooking Mama: Voodoo Edition, but the thing that really makes potion-making fun is that fact that you're working under pressure, and the fact that things can go wrong. Overheat your concoction and smoke will fill the screen, forcing you to "waft" it away with the nunchuck; get too sloppy with your ingredients, and your desk will clearly display the messy results of your carelessness. Some of the most volatile chemicals you use require only one or two drops, and there's some genuine tension in cack-handed attempts to be delicate. The bottom line is that it's very satisfying to see the contents of your cauldron changing colour and fizzing in response to your actions.

You can read much more in their full review. We also recommend you check out our video game section, which holds info on all of the Potter games.

Warner Brothers has just passed along two high-res photos from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to share with you. Both photos are shots of Harry that we have seen at lower resolutions before:

- Harry at a side angle, looking torwards the camera
- Harry looking upward

We told you back in January, that Dobby would be making his first on-screen appearance since Chamber of Secrets. Now, in a new interview outlining his career, Toby Jones, the actor who voices Dobby in the Potter films may have provided some insight into where the final movie could be split.

I’m currently doing the new Harry Potter film; in fact, the last two Harry Potter films.

While this doesn't pinpoint one particular scene for the split, it does make it clear Dobby will make it to Deathly Hallows: Part II.

A few weeks ago we told you Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton had joined Twitter, which is a simple social networking site allowing users to send 140-character messages to their 'followers'.

Now, Tom's fellow co-start Matthew Lewis (who plays Neville in the Potter films) has joined Twitter as well. The news was confirmed by Lewis Lovers, a Matt Lewis fansite. Thanks to Brianna for the tip!

ScarPotter has received a couple of new photos from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:

- Luna wearing her lion hat
- Two girls having a meal in Slughorn's Club

Thanks again to ScarPotter!

EDIT - one more picture: A new promo of Harry with the "HP6" logo we first saw on the teaser poster. Thanks to Ace Showbiz for this one!

Three more pictures: Draco, Ginny, and Young Tom Riddle - all in the same style as the photo of Harry.

According to a few preliminary reports, there is some sad news to report today concerning the stunt double for Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe. David Holmes, the 25-year-old who fell while performing a stunt in January, is said to be paralyzed. Holmes refuses to give up hope, despite the doctors' diagnosis.

"Although David has been told he'll never walk again he is still not giving up hope. Deep down he knows it's unlikely but it's still early days and so he's not giving up completely."

Everyone here at MuggleNet shares in his hope for a full recovery and will keep both him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

The actor who plays Draco Malfoy in the Potter films has released a new song on YouTube. It can be seen right here.

In related news, Tom announced on his Twitter account the other day that he has submitted a new EP to iTunes. He believes it'll be available in a few weeks, and we'll update you when it is!

The other day, we told you about Comic Relief rewarding a select group of people with a trip to the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for their efforts in raising money.

Now, DanRadcliffe.com has received video from their visit to the set, which aired during tonight's Comic Relief TV program. It includes some clips of Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint speaking with the kids. We also see a quick shot of Dumbledore's sleeping portrait and his office.

See the video right here!

The Sun recently reported that a second Half-Blood Prince screening occurred in London, and countless visitors have e-mailed us with the report. The Sun's story quoted Potter fans who were not happy with the film.

As it turns out, Warner Brothers contacted us yesterday and told us that this article is not accurate. There was not a second screening of the film, and the quotes from fans were from months ago after the first screening in Chicago.

A new article from the Western Telegraph reports that crews for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are looking at a beach in South Pembrokeshire:

It is understood that location staff from film company Warner Brothers have visited Pembrokeshire and booked hotel and self-catering accommodation in the area ahead of their arrival to film during early summer.

The seaside scenes in the book relate to the fictional village of Tinworth in Cornwall, the location of Shell Cottage where young wizards Harry, Ron and Hermione take shelter.

A spokesman for the Harry Potter production team said no specific locations for the film could be confirmed.

Thanks to Tara for the tip!

Big Brother UK host Davina McCall surprised a school in High Elms Lane last Wednesday during lessons to announce that they had raised a record number of money for Comic Relief. Twelve students and two teachers have been rewarded with a tour of the Harry Potter set at Leavesden Studios. The lucky guests will get to meet some of the stars and watch a bit of the filming.

BBC1 will air the surprise visit on Friday as part of their Comic Relief "Do something funny for money" Red Nose Day. Comic Relief aims to raise money by means of laughter and comedy.

As more casting news comes pouring in, rumours have been circulating that actor Andy Linden has been cast as Mundungus Fletcher for the Deathly Hallows film. Universe Harry Potter contacted his agent Polly Andrews and Andrews confirmed the rumour. Linden previously worked with David Yates, the director, on a movie called Punch back in 1996.

Here is a photo of Andy Linden. Thanks to those who sent this in.

Broadway.com is reporting today that the Tony Award nominee is expected to become a part of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows cast as Bill Weasley:

Gleeson would join his father, returning player Brendan Gleeson, who has appeared in the series since the 2005 release Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as popular character Professor Alastor “MadEye” Moody.

"I'd been very certain about not wanting to do the acting thing because of my father," the younger Gleeson told Broadway.com in 2006 about his pursuit of acting. "I thought I'd always have the father-son thing of 'He got you the part.'"

Thanks to Michael and Natalie for the tip!

Visitors outside the United States and United Kingdom can finally get an idea as to when the film will be released in their country, thanks to a new list of release dates posted on the official Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince website.

It looks like fans in Greece will have to wait the longest - August 27th is their HBP release date. Thanks to Tom for the tip!

Yesterday we told you about a new photo from filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that came from The Mirror.

Now, Oclumencia has several more photos from that forest filming that can be viewed right here. The pictures are of actor Dan Radcliffe walking through a forest while a camera leads him.

You can see the photos right here in our gallery. Thanks again to Oclumencia!

A blogger recently checked out the construction going on at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios in Orlando and noticed some progress:

With Spring Break crowds approaching soon, construction continues rapidly at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter site at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure. Here's the latest from Hagrid's Hut, which has completed its exterior work and will now sit there while the rest of the Hogwarts building is shaped and sealed for the massive ride installation. Rumor has it that the Hut will only be for show and storage purposes, and not an actual building for guests to tour. A shame.

You can see photos from his trip right here, including a first look at Hagrid's Hut. Thanks to Taylor for the tip!

JK Rowling's official website has been updated for March 10th to wish everyone's favorite werewolf a Happy Birthday!

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip.

The BBC has conducted a new interview with James Hannigan, the composer for the Half-Blood Prince video game. Mr. Hannigan discusses the user experience as well as the inclusion of Hedwig's theme.

The soundtrack was recorded by the Philharmonia Orchestra at Pinewood Air Studios. Normally, this level of music production is unusual for a video game and specifically reserved for those with the biggest budgets.

Additionally, you can now listen to previews from the video game's soundtrack online. The complete soundtrack will be released next Tuesday, March 17.

Thanks to Sally and Chantal for sending this in!

Filming only started just a few weeks ago, and already we have our first look at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The photo appeared in a printed newspaper article but is now available online thanks to Snitch Seeker and Oclumencia. You can check it out right here.

The photo is accompanied by a description which notes that the filming was for a forest scene (we all know there are plenty in the book). Thanks to everyone who e-mailed in the tip!

A paperback first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone sold for $19,120 at a rare books auction in Dallas, Texas. The book is one of only 200 copies issued in the first printing by Bloomsbury. The winning bidder was from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is a collector of vintage comic books. This snag will surely complement their collection.

The latest episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now available, and this week's episode features a special interview with the illustrator of the US Potter books: Mary GrandPre! In her first fansite interview since the release of Deathly Hallows, we talk with Mary about everything from the Book 7 release to future Potter covers.

- Prior to the interview, we catch up on the latest news and more.
- Mary explains the process of designing the covers.
- Which cover gave her the most difficulty? Who is her favorite character to draw?
- What is her favorite book in the series?
- She breaks down the curtain comparison between the first and last novels.
- How much communication does she have with Jo? International illustrators?
- She discusses future anniversary covers and the HP encyclopedia.
- How difficult was it for her knowing the end of Deathly Hallows?
- To wrap up the show, Make The Music Connection returns.

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!

Yesterland.com, a very popular theme park site, has a new article looking at the progress on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park, and what other parks in Florida (mainly Disney World) may do to compete.

They also look at the giant cement building that is going up at Wizarding World, and speculate what it could be used for:

It’s hard to get a sense of scale from the photos. Actually, it’s hard to get a real sense of scale in person. It’s probably bigger than looks, even in person. What the big box already shows is that Universal wasn’t kidding about the size and scope of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

The park is currently scheduled to open up sometime in 2010. For all we've got on the park, click here!

Recorded just hours ago with an audience of over 800 listening live, the latest episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now available! This show is all about the brand new Half-Blood Prince trailer that was released earlier today.

- Darkest yet? Darkest film yet?
- We go through some of the new things that stood out.
- Eric, having seen the film already, gives his (spoiler free) input.
- Live calls come in from around the world, asking questions about the trailer.
- HUGE thanks to Ustream.tv for flawless service and our chat moderators: Lucas, Luke, CJ, Rachael, Andy, Stephanie, and Sam!

What's more, at the end of the show we announced a special interview coming this weekend to MuggleCast. Mary GrandPre, the illustrator of the US Potter books, will be joining us to talk about her work with the Potter series and much more! We can't wait to share it with you in a couple of days. In the mean time, enjoy Episode 171!

REACTION VIDS: Like last time, we wanna see your reaction videos to the trailer! Record your reactions as you watch, upload it to YouTube, then send the link to andrew at staff dot mugglenet dot com.

More links: DIGG this story | View 75 screencaps

It's another surprise from Warner Brothers! A brand new trailer has been released exclusively for fans today. Watch and enjoy:

WINDOWS HD: Small | Medium | Large

WINDOWS STANDARD: Large | Medium | Small

FLASH: Small | Large

QUICKTIME HD: Large | Medium | Small

QUICKTIME STANDARD: Large | Kinda Large | Medium | Small

IPOD: Click Here

Reminder: MuggleCast will be LIVE tonight at 9 PM EST on Ustream to discuss the trailer! Hope to see you there!

We told you yesterday the killer of Half-Blood Prince actor Robert Knox was convicted of murder. We've now learned that the court has given him a life sentence. From the BBC:

Bishop, who was found guilty on four counts of wounding, was given three further concurrent life sentences for wounding Mr Knox's friends.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Bean told Bishop that he was a highly dangerous man.

"I do not think it is proved that you intended to kill Robert Knox. The truth is that you simply could not care less whether you killed him or not," he said.

"Your lack of regret let alone remorse was truly chilling".

Sorry for the short notice, but MuggleCast will be LIVE on Ustream tomorrow, Thursday, starting at 9 PM EST! We'll be discussing the latest Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince news and announcing a special guest for Episode 172.

The live stream will start at 8:30 PM EST with music, and we'll kick off the show promptly at 9 PM. We hope to see you there - it's gonna be a fun time!

The role of Hermione Granger's mom in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been filled by actress Michelle Fairley, Coleraine Times reports:

The Coleraine actress's agent was contacted by film representatives last week to arrange a new schedule of shooting for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Michelle had almost missed out on the part due to her involvement in Brian Friel's Olivier award-winning play Dancing at Lughnasa which opened at the Old Vic in London last Thursday.

However producers for the blockbuster have insisted that they want Michelle to play the part of Mrs Granger, a Muggle dentist and the mother of Hermione Granger, one of Harry's two best friends, played by Emma Watson.

Back in May, you may remember that Rob Knox (who played Marcus Belby in the Potter films) was tragically killed while out on the streets of London.

We now know that his killer, Karl Bishop, has been convicted of murder and will be sentenced on Thursday.

Video of Rob's parents speaking after the conviction can be seen right here. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed us with the news.

The official website of the actress who plays Hermione has been updated with confirmation that Emma does not have a Twitter account, like rumors yesterday suggested.

Furthermore, the site confirmed that Emma has not decided whether she'll be attending a US or UK university.

Thanks to Tonya for the tip!

FeltBeats.com, a leading fansite for the actor who plays Draco Malfoy, has confirmed with Tom himself that he now has a Twitter account. For those of you who don't know, Twitter is a social networking service that lets users post 140-character messages to be seen by people "following" them. Tom just started using the service yesterday, according to his most recent messages.

On a related note, we've seen many reports of Emma Watson having a Twitter account and recently revealing that she was accepted to Yale. The Twitter account and her acceptance to Yale are both unconfirmed right now, and Warner Brothers is not commenting at this time.

Speaking of Twitter: Don't forget that MuggleNet and MuggleCast both have Twitter accounts that provide you the latest updates about our site and podcast.

Early last month we told you that the Harry Potter series had been nominated in the "Favorite Book" category at Nickelodeon's 2009 Kids Choice Awards.

As of today, voting has started at this link. The Kids Choice Awards air on Saturday, March 28th at 8 PM EST. Thanks to Renee for the tip!

The Harry Potter fan hanging outside of Leavesden Studios, who we told you about the other day, spoke with me this morning about his attempt and had a lot of things to clear up.

Most importantly, he was not there to try and get an acting role like The Sun and The Telegraph reported. Brent hoped he could intern in some way, whether it was being a janitor, a production assistant, or any other position they could offer. He wanted fans to know that The Sun and The Telegraph likely adjusted the story to make the story more interesting, therefore selling more copies, and understands the reasons why he could never have a role ("I'm not a good actor and I'm not British").

JK Rowling's official website has been updated to wish Mr. Ronald Weasley a Happy Birthday.

We hope Ron and Hermione have a wonderful day with the family!

Thanks to Nada for the tip.