If you miss the Hogwarts express this year, you won’t have to steal a flying car to get to school! Instead, in September, LEGO is releasing a Harry Potter Hogwarts Icons Collector’s Edition Set guaranteed to bewitch all fans.

In news we first saw on Collider, we learned that this new set comes in celebration of twenty years of LEGO Harry Potter sets. (Not to make anyone feel old!) According to LEGO’s release, the collection “follows the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends, capturing some of the most iconic characters and moments in one, single stunning model.” It also “also includes several famous artifacts found in the Wizarding World over the last two decades.”

LEGO

From Hedwig to the Hogwarts letter, from Harry’s wand to potion bottles, and more, this set is sure to delight. LEGO’s attention to detail stands out in our first glimpse at the set. For example, the potion bottles appear to have individual labels on them. Additionally, each “student’s” LEGO letter comes personally signed by Minerva McGonagall herself.

LEGO

Speaking of the Deputy Headmistress, she, Albus Dumbledore, and Rubeus Hagrid are also included in the set as golden minifigures. As the release notes, these three characters are the focus of the very first chapter of the Harry Potter series. They introduce the readers to the magical world and, in many ways, represent Hogwarts like no other characters. It is fitting that they are the guides of this very special, nostalgic collection as well.

LEGO

Designer Marcos Bessa shared:

Every item in the set is filled with memories, from winning quidditch matches to iconic potion ingredients, not to mention getting that all-important letter. Building the Hogwarts Icons Collectors’ Edition Set is sure to bring fond recollections back for Wizarding World and LEGO fans alike, with this beautiful centrepiece.

The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Icons Collector’s Edition Set will release on September 2. Fans can buy the collection from LEGO stores and at www.lego.com/harrypotter.

LEGO

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Executives at HBO Max have been meeting with writers about a possible Harry Potter TV series, according to a new story in The Hollywood Reporter. Sources told THR these conversations have been “broad,” part of “early-stage exploratory” sessions. With the streaming site essentially taking pitches without any specific focus, the entire history of the Wizarding World could be in play. The show could explore any era of magic; that includes prequels spanning any time over a thousand years, or a new adaption of the novels. And even potentially a sequel set after The Deathly Hallows. But no matter when the series takes place, it will be clouded by the same problems facing all things Potter—J.K. Rowling’s involvement.

HBO Max has always felt like a natural landing spot for a long-wished for Harry Potter series. In a crowded marketplace, a worldwide phenomenon with a built-in audience is the perfect opportunity to draw in subscribers. Even this report, which lacks specifics about what kinds of ideas the service is listening to or who is pitching them, will generate interest. If anything, the ambiguity will be half the fun for fans who have been clamoring for a TV series for years.

Warner Bros.

With WarnerMedia seemingly open to multiple pitches, the series could focus on any era. It might go way back for a prequel set hundreds of years earlier. The Fantastic Beasts series has already shown Warner Bros. is open to period pieces. But Hogwarts’ founding alone dates back to 990 CE. That’s nearly a millennium of student stories before you get to characters we have met. If executives want to remain closer to the stories we already know, it could finally deliver the episodic adventures of the Marauders many have hoped for too.

It’s also possible a series could offer an all-new adaptations of the novels. The eight Harry Potter movies excluded many storylines from the books. A TV show, which could spend eight to 12 hours or more on just one novel, would be a way to bring the full story to the screen.

Warner Bros.

Or HBO Max could look to the future. The only real story that follows The Deathly Hallows is the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It provides a look at what happened to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their children. However, thanks to time travel, it’s still intimately tied to the events of the original novels. A sequel show, whether Harry were prominently involved or not, would move the franchise forward, where new characters and threats could be explored.

Great arguments can be made for many eras. And it’s one all fans would love to be having. Unfortunately, the bigger question is whether or not this project is a good idea at all.

Warner Bros.

For years a Harry Potter series seemed like a no-brainer. That’s no longer the case. The franchise, which recently fired Johnny Depp, has yet to fully deal with J.K. Rowling’s consistent transphobic messaging. The author has continued to double-down on this position amid widespread criticism, including from many formerly devoted fans, as well as cast members from the Harry Potter movies. Rowling will be involved with—and profit from—any TV series based on her books. Have her views eroded the built-in audience enough that the IP isn’t as valuable anymore? Would the inevitable backlash to promoting Rowling’s creation be a net negative for HBO Max even if the series is good?

None of that will likely matter unless WarnerMedia accepts an actual pitch and starts filming. But so long as they’re taking meetings, any Harry Potter project will, rightfully, have to face these questions. They won’t disappear by magic.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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Johnny Depp departed the Fantastic Beasts franchise last week. The actor shared the news on Instagram just after he lost a defamation suit against The Sun. He went after the UK tabloid after the publication reported on his alleged abuse of ex-wife Amber Heard. Warner Bros. asked Depp to resign from playing the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald after filming a single day on the movie, though they have not stated why. Depp will reportedly still receive his full eight figure salary for the film. Yes, you read that number correctly: eight figures.

Warner Bros. did confirm they’d be recasting the role for Fantastic Beasts 3. And on Tuesday afternoon, Deadline reported Mads Mikkelsen could play Gellert Grindelwald. Our sources confirmed the actor is indeed in “early talks.” Deadline states Mikkelsen, known for Hannibal, Doctor Strange, and Rogue One among many other roles, is director David Yates’ choice for Grindelwald.

NBC/Warner Bros.

If this is true, it’s easy to envision Mikkelsen as Grindelwald. When we last saw him in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Newt and others tried to fight against the dark wizard at Dumbledore’s behest. To be honest, the film didn’t make much of an impression upon me. It was kind of a mess. But with Mikkelsen in this role, maybe I’ll take another look at the franchise.

Whoever ends up playing Gellert Grindelwald, the film will debut in theaters in summer 2022. The coronavirus pandemic caused the film to push from November 2021 to the later date. Fantastic Beasts 3, which will see the return of Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, is already filming.

Featured Image: NBC/Warner Bros.

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Johnny Depp is out as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The actor announced the news, which we first learned about at Variety, in an Instagram post. Depp’s exit comes just days after he lost a highly-publicized defamation suit against UK tabloid The Sun, over its reporting of his alleged abuse of ex-wife Amber Heard. In the verdict, the judge called the newspaper’s reporting in the article at the center of the lawsuit to be “substantially true.” In his statement, the actor revealed it was not his decision to leave the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Rather, Warner Bros. asked him to resign from the Grindelwald role.

Warner Bros.

A Warner Bros. spokesperson confirmed Depp’s departure in a short statement to Nerdist and confirmed the role of  Gellert Grindelwald will be recast for the franchise’s third film: “Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theaters worldwide in the summer of 2022.”

His full statement on Instagram reads:

In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement. Firstly, I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support in loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.

Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. has spent years under intense scrutiny for its decision to cast Depp in the franchise in wake of the abuse allegations. At the time, the Fantastic Beast team—including producer David Heyman, director David Yates, and screenwriter and Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling—fervently defended his casting. Rowling, meanwhile, has been mired in a controversy of her own. The author has been heavily scrutinized for her continued run of transphobic tweets, which prompted several Harry Potter cast members to push back on her comments.

The actor first appeared in a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them cameo, when it was revealed that Colin Farrell’s Percival Graves was Grindelwald in disguise. Depp played a more substantial role in the sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The recasting should be a pretty easy maneuver considering the franchise has already established Grindelwald as a master of disguise. 

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

For tools and resources for those dealing with domestic violence, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline. To help protect the rights and lives of Trans youth in the UK, please visit Mermaids.

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Warner Bros. Games just announced our next gaming obsession: Hogwarts Legacy, an open-world, single-player, action RPG set in the 1800s wizarding world. Have you ever wanted to wander the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? What about in a timeline we’ve never experienced in any real depth in any of the Harry Potter books, movies, or games to date? Hogwarts Legacy is here to satiate that desire, and if the actual game is anything like this transfixing first trailer, we’re in for a magical treat.

The game was announced at today’s PS5 price reveal live stream event. Here’s the full description from Warner Bros. Games.

Hogwarts Legacy is filled with immersive magic, putting players at the center of their adventure to become the witch or wizard they choose to be. They will grow their character’s abilities as they master powerful spells, hone combat skills and select companions to help them face off against deadly enemies. Players will also encounter missions and scenarios that will pose difficult choices and determine what they stand for.

Warner Bros. Games

Hogwarts Legacy will send players on an unwritten, dangerous journey to “uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.” Will this have ties to the famous boy wizard, Harry Potter, and his magical family? Or is this a wholly separate journey? We can’t wait to discover all of the secrets Hogwarts has in store for us!

Also, it appears Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling—who’s come under fire for recent transphobic tweets—had no direct involvement with the game, according to a Warner Bros. Game FAQ. That said, given Hogwarts is her creation, she will likely still profit off of the game in the form of royalties. That’s certainly something to keep in mind when it comes time to purchase Hogwarts Legacy.

The game will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One consoles, and PC. It was developed by Avalanche and published by Warner Bros. Games under the Portkey Games label. It will release sometime in 2021. We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Featured Image: Warner Bros. Games

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Halloween parties and maybe even holiday season celebrations are likely cancelled this year due to the pandemic. So more than ever, many of us are wishing we could be whisked away to one of those amazingly cool seasonal celebrations at Hogwarts. While we can’t celebrate in the Wizarding World, we can at least pretend thanks to these new Harry Potter products from Toynk.

Toynk

Toynk has officially announced the arrival of six new Harry Potter products, making them the newest addition to Toynk’s Wizarding World Collection. The officially licensed products are mainly kitchen goods. You can check out each of these magical new items for your home down below:

This Harry Potter Death Eater 16 Piece Dinnerware Set is absolutely perfect for the next time the Malfoy family decides to drop by for dinner unexpectedly. This amazing 16 piece set will set you back $89.99.  And to go with it, you might want these Death Eater dinner table mats, which are $29.99.

Toynk

Do be sure that Dumbledore is around to put a protective spell around this Harry Potter Death Eater Platter. This 14 Inch ceramic serving platter is being offered for $29.99.

Toynk

Be sure to not let Draco Malfoy curse the soup you you so lovingly placed in your Harry Potter Death Eater Serving Bowl. This 10.5 inch ceramic serving bowl is for sale for $24.99.

Toynk

Once those awful Malfoy’s leave your home, you can invite the kindly Weasleys over for dinner instead. For that occasion, be sure to use this Harry Potter Icons 4 Piece Dinner Set. This one comes priced at $24.99.

Toynk

To go with that dinner set, you might want this Hogwarts 5 piece rose gold flatware cutlery set for $24.99.

Toynk

Finally, this Harry Potter 3D led Mood Light will bathe any room it’s in with a magical glow. Leave out by a window to guide Hedwig home. Or set him up next to your Harry Potter Funko Pop! vinyls. This mini-“Boy Who Lived” has a price of $12.99.

Toynk

For more images and details on how to order, be sure to head on over to Toynk.com,

Featured Image: Toynk

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Shopping for school supplies in real life is usually a bummer when you’re a kid. It’s a stark reminder that summer vacation is over, and that it’s time to go back to the grind. But for the students at Hogwarts, back to school shopping is always like Christmas morning thanks to the magical supply shops of Diagon Alley. And Diagon Alley just got a little more whimsical because LEGO has announced a massive new Harry Potter Diagon Alley set, which we first spotted at /Film. The set looks to sprinkle a little magic on this year’s back to school season. And this year, we need that little bit of magic more than ever.

LEGO 

Set to arrive on September 1st, the 5,544-piece Diagon Alley set includes several beloved shops from the Harry Potter series. Included in this massive LEGO set are Ollivanders Wand Shop, Scribbulus Writing Implements, Quality Quidditch Supplies, the Daily Prophet, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, Flourish and Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. It’s one-stop shopping. Or brick building.

LEGO

According to LEGO, the set is somewhat of a magical hybrid. It’s a rich and versatile display model, but it also has a modular aspect that allows fans to choose how to display each shop. One can display them all in a row or choose to swap them around. Wizarding World and LEGO fans can even place individual shops on different areas. The Diagon Alley set measures more than a meter wide and contains over 5,000 pieces. It features the iconic stores packed with authentic details from all eight movies in the film series.

LEGO

The Diagon Alley set comes with 14 minifigures in total. They include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, Ollivander, Fred and George, Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, and Hagrid. The set also comes with Florean Fortescue and a Daily Prophet photographer—neither have had a LEGO minifigure before. This set will set you back $399.99.

To see more images, keep scrolling. And to buy this incredible Harry Potter set for yourself, be sure to head on over to LEGO.com.

LEGO

Featured Image: LEGO

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The last few months haven’t exactly been the best time to be a Harry Potter fan. But we don’t have to only focus on the hateful, hurtful words of the franchise’s creator. The Wizarding World is bigger and better than that. And there are still plenty of other reasons to love and celebrate the Boy Who Lived. That includes the films’ incredible, memorable score written by the legendary John Williams. It’s his music that the all-new Firebird Pops Orchestra played for its inaugural event.

And while we wish they could have played it for us inside a musical hall in front of a live audience audience, this virtual performance of “Harry Potter Symphonic Suite” provides a unique way to enjoy its many layers and instruments.

In an introduction on YouTube, Firebird Pops Orchestra Founder and Music Director Brendan Kenney shared that the orchestra is a dream ten years in the making. However, he didn’t imagine it would come true under these circumstances. Because of COVID-19, his ensemble had to premiere under very different circumstances than he would have liked. Almost 60 musicians had to perform “together” virtually. And instead of a full show, they had to debut with a single song. Luckily, they picked a good one.

“Harry Potter Symphonic Suite” consists of music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Some parts are not actually in the movie, so they might be knew to you. The enchanting medley, which captures the full range of John Williams’ indelible score, features pieces from “Hedwig’s Flight,” “Nimbus 2000,” “Hogwarts,” “Diagon Alley,” “Voldemort,” “Quidditch,” “Family Portrait,” and “Leaving Hogwarts.”

Firebird Pops Orchestra

Despite being forced apart, this virtual performance offers a different, informative perspective for those of us who aren’t musicians. The video is edited to let us see the different instruments that are used in different parts, as they come in and out of the song. We can literally see how each track comes to life to create them.

It’s like getting to see the magic firsthand. And it’s a nice reminder that there’s still reason to love Harry Potter.

Featured Image: Firebird Pops Orchestra

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There are many times in life where fandom and real-life intersect in interesting ways. Sometimes it’s a witty guy showing up in a Darth Vader mask to anonymously accept his lottery winnings. But it can be a more serious event when fans tap into their favorite fandom to stand for something greater. According to The Guardian, a Harry Potter theme took over a protest in Bangkok on August 3; the event’s theme was “Harry Potter vs. You-Know-He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.”

Around 200 vocal citizens came together in costume as Harry Potter, Voldemort, and other characters from the franchise. The activists say the Harry Potter theme is a reference to injustice under their country’s military-backed government. An organizer told reporter Saksith Saiyasombut that making democracy happen in Thailand shouldn’t be wizardry. It’s definitely a creative approach to getting a message out in the world.

Speaker Arnon Nampa bravely spoke up about Thailand’s need to amend its laws, constitution, and other practices in regards to its current monarchy. His words push the limits of free speech but he still gave listeners his thoughts about how changes could happen.

“Talking about this is not an act to topple the monarchy, but to allow the monarchy to exist in Thai society in the right way and legitimately under a democratic and a constitutional monarchy,” Nampa said. It’s a very brave stand considering that defaming the royal family can land a person in prison for 15 years.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Student groups read their reformation demands and people came together with masks on to put their wands up in solidarity. There are no reports of police violence nor arrests at the event. There will surely be more events as they continue to demand changes in their country.

This protest with a Harry Potter twist shows how powerful creative art can be. It inspires those who read it, guides them towards forming bonds with each other, and can inspire some seriously brave actions too.

Featured Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

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Daniel Radcliffe is an inspiration to many of us. The actor best-known for his portrayal of boy wizard Harry Potter in the eponymous series spent the years post-Potter experimenting with his acting chops in the horror genre, on the Broadway stage, in indies, and more. Radcliffe is also an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, and as such a vocal proponent of rights for all, it was inevitable that he would eventually speak up about J.K. Rowling’s recent Twitter behavior.

Warner Bros./HarryPotterAdmirer

Rowling, the author of the Potter novels, has come under fire recently for tweets and Twitter antics that many consider transphobic. She capped it off with a recent tweet that read, “I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”

Rowling’s obsession with the “scientific” definition of sex and gender also got extra weird a few weeks ago, when she accidentally inserted text about TERFs, or “trans-exclusionary radical feminist,” into a tweet reply to a child.

In a thoughtful and respectful post on The Trevor Project’s website, Radcliffe acknowledged Rowling’s recent tweets and showed his support for the trans community.

“Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote. “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.“

He went on to site statistics from The Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LGBTQIA+ youth, about the discrimination rate for young transgender and non-binary people. And though he acknowledged that Rowling is responsible for the project that kickstarted his career, his words send a clear message: he does not support Rowling’s stance.

Radcliffe isn’t the first Potter actor to speak out against transphobia. Cho Chang actress Katie Leung recently shared a link to a fundraiser supporting homeless black trans women.

And though she hasn’t released an official statement, it’s clear where Hermione Granger actress and feminist Emma Watson stands on the matter.

We commend Radcliffe for speaking up for trans and nonbinary people, and for using his very famous name to represent those who face some of the the worst discrimination in this world. The boy who lived continues to be the boy who rules, and an inspiration to us all.

Featured Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The spread of COVID-19 has led to a larger percentage of the population wearing face coverings. Some local governments are making them mandatory. So if you find yourself needing to wear a cloth face mask (consult local and federal government guidelines), you may as well sport a design with a little oomph. This attention grabbing look from CPEX couldn’t be more fun. It incorporates non-toxic heat activated pigments to transform from a plain black mask into the Marauder’s Map from Harry Potter. The word magical applies here.

But before we go any further, please observe how the fabric changes to reveal the very helpful and not at all creepy map.

@coloradopexI am the maker of the mask ??? ##mask ##hp ##artist ##smallbusiness ##magic *checkmeouton FB ***CPEX♬ original sound – coloradopex

I’m enchanted. Though I’m sure Filch would not approve.

CPEX, a small business based in Colorado, came up with the Marauder’s Map cotton mask design. The Harry Potter mask will change just from the warmth of your breath, but it’s more satisfying if point your wand at the mask and utter, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” I would probably do it several times a day if I owned this mask. I would also pair it with my knit Hufflepuff scarf despite warm temperatures.

CPEX

And speaking of owning this mask, let’s review how you can do so. CPEX’s transforming Marauder’s Map face mask will be available for pre-order on Friday, May 29, at 5:00pm MT. Go ahead and bookmark the site now if you’re interested. This design has sold out in past pre-order listings.

Remember, a cloth face mask doesn’t take the place of PPE such as N95 masks. It will not prevent transmission of the coronavirus on its own. Follow CDC guidelines for best use.

Featured Image: CPEX

Amy Ratcliffe is the Managing Editor for Nerdist and the author of Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Attention, wizards and witches! It’s time to return to Hogwarts, though you’ll be traveling through your smart device rather than on the Hogwarts Express. Zynga, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and Portkey Games have teamed up to create your newest Harry Potter mobile game obsession: Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells. This interactive game allows you to travel through the Wizarding World while visiting your favorite landmarks along the way. And you can do so all while representing your house.

The recently announced Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells has released its first official trailer (see above), so you can get a look at gameplay. Portkey stated in a press release, “From platform nine and three-quarters and Diagon Alley, to the Hogwarts Express and the Grand Staircase, this first video takes players on an advance tour of some of the beloved settings they will visit as they progress through the puzzle game-play.”

This isn’t the first Harry Potter themed game from the minds of Portkey Games. In 2018, they released the mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. It allowed players to roleplay as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Puzzles & Spells will expand beyond Hogwarts and travel to more of the Wizarding World, including Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Zynga/Portkey Games

Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells boasts giving players the chance to master spells, outsmart challenges, and explore the Wizarding World all while completing matching puzzles. They’ll get to use potions, spells, and other magic abilities to progress through levels. Plus, players can expect to encounter the most iconic moments and memorable faces from the original Harry Potter films. The key art shows the main trio—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—as well as Draco and Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall.

Though Zynga has soft-launched Puzzles & Spells in some parts of the world, they haven’t announced an official release date yet. Stay tuned.

Featured Image: Zynga/Portkey Games

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Those of us without children can’t imagine how hard quarantine has been on parents. And it’s not like we can ask, as none of them could be reached for comment. They’re all busy being full-time entertainment directors while also working as home tutors and personal round-the-clock chefs. That’s why so many celebrities have been trying to give them a break during social distancing. Some very big names, including Tom Hardy, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Chris Evans, and more, have been doing virtual readings of children’s books. Now weary parents are getting a very magical bout of narration to give them a break, as Daniel Radcliffe and other famous actors are lending their voices for a special reading of the first Harry Potter novel. And the whole project is totally free.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter announced (in news we first heard about at Variety) it has already begun releasing a series of recordings and videos of celebrities reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. (Known as The Philosopher’s Stone in the UK.) Over the next few months, big names will read the first novel of J.K. Rowling‘s series, one chapter at a time. The weekly videos will be available on harrypotterathome.com and audio-only versions will be free at Spotify. Radcliffe is kicking things off, and his chapter is already available. There are also post-reading activities for the chapter available.

Other celebrities participating in the reading include Fantastic Beasts stars Eddie Redmayne and Claudia Kim, as well as David Beckham, Dakota Fanning, Stephen Fry, and Cursed Child Broadway star Noma Dumezweni. More celebrities will be announced as the project goes on, and it will conclude this summer.

Warner Bros.

This is the latest initiate from the Harry Potter at Home project to help parents deal with COVID-19. It released free audiobooks of the first novel in multiple languages previously. It also gave educators permissions to share recordings of them reading the book for their students.

Any teacher would love to have Daniel Radcliffe as a guest speaker in their classroom, but right now parents will really appreciate a magical virtual visit from the Boy Who Lived. We think. They’re all too busy to ask.

Featured Image: Wizarding World

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Your kids have always dreamed about going off to Hogwarts. And it’s probably not a stretch to say that you might be dreaming of sending them there right now just so they’d have something to do. A Youth Services Librarian and Harry Potter fan is making both of your wishes come true… sort of. Created by Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania, the Hogwarts Digital Escape Room gives you and your kids a chance to, well, escape from real life and into the world of Harry Potter.

(Don’t tell the kids, but they’ll be learning real world lessons along the way.)

Warner Bros.

The adventure begins on the first night at Hogwarts after the great feast to celebrate the start of a new school year. As sorted students shuffle off to their House common rooms for the evening, the prefects announce a game inspired by one of the Muggles’ newest fads: escape rooms. Can the students escape to make their way out and get back to the safety of the common room?

Clues are given and students must answer questions and riddles to proceed. There’s no Harry Potter book or movie trivia to be found here. Instead, we have questions about the Dewey Decimal System (be still our beating nerd hearts), math to convert galleons to knuts, and more puzzles that must be solved correctly before the next part of the escape room opens.

Warner Bros.

The digital escape room is all presented brilliantly through a Google Form, offering multiple choices to give your answers. While the experience is clearly written with the love for children’s education that a Youth Librarian has, this digital escape room is an excellent way to get happily lost in the halls of Hogwarts for just a little while.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

Kelly Knox is a freelance writer in Seattle, WA who writes for Star Wars, DC Comics, and more. Follow her on Twitter.

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We never would have guessed that “uncertain times” would involve so much cooking, because most dystopian stories are about searching for food through desolate terrains. They don’t prepare you to suddenly have to make every meal at home. Every day. Day after day. We’re so desperate for new recipes we’ve even turned to standup comedian Jim Gaffigan for ideas. But now everyone can add a little magic to their culinary repertoire without spending a single bronze Knut, silver Sickle, or golden Galleon. You can download a free Harry Potter cookbook full of dishes inspired by J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world with Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon.com Services LLC

Harry Potter’s Cookbook: Magical Collection of Culinary Wonders comes from author Roy Murray. It is filled with 35 recipes “that are constantly enjoyed by the Magical folk attending Hogwarts.” If you made all of them you’d make a feast that even Ron Weasley would be envious off. There are traditional dishes, both savory and sweet, enjoyed by Muggles and wizards alike. That includes recipes for custard pie, sticky toffee pudding, chicken and ham pie, and steak and kidney pie.

The book also includes plenty of dishes inspired by the world of Harry Potter. You can learn how to make cauldron cakes, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, exploding bonbons, and pumpkin juice. (We’re okay leaving out Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. We’re not so desperate for recipes we want any that taste like earwax.) And every recipe comes with an explanation for how it connects to the story.

Warner Bros.

Harry Potter’s Cookbook: Magical Collection of Culinary Wonders is a delightful and delectable option for those looking for fun ways to both fill these many quarantine hours and keep mealtime fresh. And right not you can get it for free (as we learned at Hip 2 Save). The Kindle ebook is currently free to download at Amazon with Kindle Unlimited.

That’s especially delicious. Not only do we have to cook all the time now, we can’t go to Gringotts to make a withdrawal.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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Although these past few years has seen an explosion of Star Wars and Marvel LEGO sets, things have been mostly quiet on the Wizarding World side of things. But that’s about to change, as a metric ton of Harry Potter LEGO sets have just been announced by the The Danish toy giant (via io9), among them a giant flapping Hedwig the owl and the first ever centaur minifigures. All six new sets are scheduled to be released in 2020.

LEGO Harry Potter Forbidden Forest: Umbridge’s Encounter

LEGO

Forbidden Forest: Umbridge’s Encounter comes with Harry, Hermione, and Dolores Umbridge minifigs, as well as an oversized Grawp, who stands over five inches tall. But the real treat with this set are the the first minifigure centaurs, which Potter fans have been requesting forever. This 253-piece set will set you back $30.

LEGO Harry Potter Hedwig

LEGO

When you think of Harry, you probably also instantly think of his trusty companion, Hedwig the owl. Now LEGO is paying proper respect to Hedwig with a 630-piece mechanical version. Hedwig comes with 13-inch flapping wings, and a Harry Potter and Hedwig minifigure (at normal scale) to display right next to the big one. This one comes priced at $40.

LEGO Harry Potter Room of Requirement

LEGO

Although one of the smaller sets at just 193 pieces, the Room of Requirement is still the perfect recreation of the location where the Order of the Phoenix hone their craft. This one comes with Harry, Hermione, and Luna Lovegood minifigures, and also includes the latter two’s hare and otter Patronuses. The Room of Requirement set will cost $20.

LEGO Harry Potter 4 Privet Drive

LEGO

This is one of the more extensive sets from this particular Harry Potter wave, coming in at 797-pieces. This is a re-do of an old set, which came out when the first movie hit nearly two decades ago. Harry’s childhood home comes with the whole Dursley family as well as a tiny Dudley, Dobby, and a floating cake. This is one of the pricier sets, costing $70.

LEGO Harry Potter Astronomy Tower

LEGO

Here’s another massive construction, clocking in at a whopping 971-piece set. The Astronomy Tower set is over 15 inches tall at its highest point. It includes the potions classroom, a greenhouse with mandrakes, a portion of the Ravenclaw dorm rooms, astronomy equipment, and a new Hedwig in flight minifigure. It also comes with eight minifigures including Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Horace Slughorn, Luna Lovegood, Lavender Brown, and Draco Malfoy. This one is priced at $100, but looks to be an essential part of your Harry Potter collection. And it can connect with your Hogwarts Castle set.

LEGO Harry Potter Attack on The Burrow

LEGO

And here we have the Piece de resistance. 1,047-piece Attack on the Burrow set. Like 4 Pivet Drive, this is a modern update of an older LEGO set. This once comes with eight characters—Harry, Ron, Ginny, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Fenrir Greyback. The Weasley home comes with several bedrooms, a kitchen, and a magical fireplace that changes from orange to green flames, which enable the Weasley family to travel using the Floo Network. Like the Astronomy Tower, this set is priced at $100.

All six of these new Harry Potter sets will be available for pre-order starting on April 30 on the official LEGO website, and will begin shipping on August 1.

Featured Image: LEGO

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Scientists have made a magical discovery during an expedition in India. They found an all-new species of green pit viper. The “charismatic” venomous serpent is a striking and imposing creature. So they gave it a striking and imposing name—Trimeresurus salazar. Harry Potter fans around the globe will recognize that moniker. Researchers named the snake after one of the four founding members of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Salazar Slytherin.

Aamod Zambre and Chintan Seth, Eaglenest Biodiversity Project

A new scientific paper in the open-access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution announced the discovery. In 2019, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India, a team of researchers working on a herpetological expedition in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot found a new kind of green pit viper. (Which we first heard about at CNN.) It’s of the genus Trimeresurus, found “widely across east and southeast Asia.” The genus includes at least 48 different species, and the number might be even higher. They found another snake on the expedition before this one. (That first snake needs to hire better PR.)

The Salazar snake has a “unique orange to reddish stripe.” It runs from the head to the body in males. Scientists referred to it as “the Salazar’s pit viper.” That’s how it ended up with its Harry Potter-inspired name. Not because any of the researchers could speak Parseltongue like Salazar Slytherin… as far as we know.

This snake is worthy of being named for the founder of House Slytherin, whose logo and colors feature a green snake. As Harry Potter fans, we love it—just like when beetles were named after Game of Thrones‘s dragons. But we will not be okay if these scientists start building the snake a private chamber deep below their labs. Or if they start documenting all of their work inside a magical diary.

Salazar Slytherin is a cool name for a snake. But he’s not the best inspiration on what to do with them.

Featured Image: Aamod Zambre and Chintan Seth, Eaglenest Biodiversity Project

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Lumos! Looks like the magic of the Wizarding World is still alive and well, even in these uncertain times. Via Variety, London’s National Health Service (NSH) workers can now travel between West Herts hospitals for free with the help of branded buses that are usually reserved for Harry Potter fans heading to and from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour at Leavesden Studios, outside of London. It’s like a real-life version of the Knight Bus coming to the rescue of muggles in need.

Amy Ratcliffe

When the Harry Potter Studio Tour closed in mid-March due to COVID-19, the tour buses obviously weren’t being used. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to use the buses at this time. We are delighted to play a part in supporting our local NHS in its time of need.”

The goal of the Golden Tours operated buses is to safely transport key workers between West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust’s three sites. The buses are free for healthcare workers. They’ve been careful to continue observing social distancing rules while medical workers are on the buses.

Paul da Gama, chief people officer at West Herts Hospitals added, “Our workforce has been depleted due to sickness or self-isolation and so it’s really important that those staff who are well but have transport issues can come back. A special shuttle bus, which will have strict social distancing rules, is the perfect solution and we are so grateful to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Golden Tours for making this happen. Our staff might not be travelling to exotic locations or seeing behind the scenes of a major movie, but they will be making magic happen in their own way.”

Warner Bros.

Now while the medical workers are not heading to Hogsmeade or Hogwarts, they hopefully still feel a little magic while on board. The buses are meant to somewhat resemble the Knight Bus, which was introduced in Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban. In the books the magical triple-decker bus allows witches and wizards to get into the Wizarding World. In real life, this bus is doing something just as magical: helping workers get to the hospitals safely.

Although we can’t guarantee Knight Bus conductor Stan Shunpike will be on board, these totally free of charge buses operate the hourly service beginning at 6:10 a.m. and ending at 10:40 p.m. daily.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched in March, we’ve seen fans bringing all kinds of innovative ideas to the island-set life simulation games. From the wilds of Hyrule to the terrifying locales of your favorite horror movies, players have been using their own passions to expand the world of the beloved game. But a Twitter user has upped the creative ante by bringing the world of Harry Potter and more specifically, the hallowed halls of Hogwarts to the newest iteration of Animal Crossing.

As these gorgeous stills show, the player crafted each of the Hogwarts houses’ common rooms with an incredible amount of care and detail. Their vision for Gryffindor is just as cozy and warm as you’d imagine, stacked to the rafters with books, bookcases, and delightfully ornate (but sturdy) furniture. Slytherins will surely be happy with the cute but creepy aesthetic she crafted for them with a common room that has just the right amount of skeletons, familiars, and of course that iconic green. Hufflepuff has always been about being welcoming to all and this sweet abode is perfect—delectable baked goods, cute critters, and overstuffed furnishings make the room a total delight. In a competition for most magical though, surely the star-studded walls of Ravenclaw would win. And we’re obsessed with that crystal ball!

Warner Bros.

If these incredible creations have inspired you to bring the magic of Hogwarts and the wizarding world of Harry Potter to your Animal Crossing: New Horizons island, then you’re in luck. CHILLCOMPIL has put together this radical video compiling all kinds of Harry Potter QR codes. These codes will allow you to represent your favorite house with robes, sweaters, and more for Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw! There are even outfits inspired by your favorite teachers and some art for your island home.

We adore both Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Harry Potter, so this fandom mashup was made for us. The relaxing island life of the popular Nintendo Switch game mixed with the glittering and nostalgic magic of one of our favorite book series is almost too much joy to handle!

Header Image: Nintendo

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Are your Harry Potter books worn from overuse? Do you wish you could add some cool Harry Potter themed art to that wall in your apartment that is super bare? Well, your dreams have been answered thanks to Nerdy Ink. The company dedicated to “high quality, hand lettered and illustrated apparel and artwork” has a gorgeous set of fan-made Harry Potter book covers.

Nerdist Ink

Aren’t they beautiful? And so different from any existing Harry Potter covers.

Due to overwhelming popularity, Nerdy Ink has extended its Harry Potter U.S. hardback dust jacket covers orders for a third (and final, according to their site) time. You’ll get all seven dust jacket covers to put over those books you’ve been rereading since you were 11. Or maybe you’re just a sucker for some cool, new artwork to brighten up your bookshelves. The site entices customers with this option, “There’s nothing better than new editions of our favorite books, but that can get expensive! Instead of buying a whole new set of books, update the ones you already have with these gorgeous new covers.”

Nerdy Ink

If you love your Harry Potter covers just as they are, then Nerdy Ink also has something else for you. You can get a collection of seven detailed 8.5 x 5.5 prints. The prints represent both the front and back of each cover.

Both options are available for pre-order. Nerdy Ink plans to ship them sometime in May. If you want them, pre-order now because it’s the last time you can snag them. And keep an eye on their Instagram page. They run occasional giveaways there.

This company extends beyond the Harry Potter fandom, too. From Star Wars: The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda and Avengers enamel pins, tee shirts and bags, to stickers with various iconic quotes with references from Outlander, Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who. They have something for every type of fan. Go browse their shop.

Featured Image: Nerdy Ink

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Thanks to books, movies, plays, and even theme parks, we’ve been lucky enough to learn a lot about the world of Harry Potter since “The Boy Who Lived” entered our lives over 20 years ago. We can even do things like drink butterbeer and sort ourselves into our own Hogwarts houses. But the one thing we’ve never seen or read? A comprehensive history of Hogwarts fashion. Sure, we can have fun imagining Dumbledore and McGonagall in those time periods. And Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them showed us a glimpse into the fashionable life of the roaring ’20s. Because Harry Potter is such a touchstone of pop culture, many clothing companies have even created wizarding clothing lines, ensuring that we can wear Hogwarts fashion in every day life.

But has anyone ever wondered what the fashion of the Wizarding World looked like in the ’30s or ’40s? What about the hippie ’60s and ’70s? Or the bubblegum pop ’90s? Thanks to cosplayers Hayley and Michael Burson, we no longer have to wonder. The couple, whose creativity when it comes to J.K. Rowling’s series is always brilliant (check out Luna’s sweater!) have put together a video of “100 Years of Hogwarts Fashion.” It features a ton of unique styles, and it’s the kind of pure happiness we need in these times of quarantine.

In the compilation video, which starts with the 1920s and goes all the way to our current decade, the Bursons pose separately (but together in one frame) so we can get a full idea of what men and women wizards would’ve worn at the time. It’s a really cool concept and execution, because it’s not just a clothing fashion show. Each decade features different hairstyles, shoes, accessories, and even some fun props like different books and wands. While most of the costumes and merchandise come from the cosplayers’ personal collections, a lot of the looks were created using whatever clothes they had around the house: quarantine creativity at its finest.

Each decade look is so distinct, it really feels like we’re traveling through history and watching a video that our professors made us study. Our personal favorite is the 1980s, because who wouldn’t want to be rooting for a quidditch match in those jackets clothes and big funky glasses? Whatever decade you’d want to apparate to, chances are you’re bound to look pretty fashionable—and we’ve got the Burson’s to thank for that.

Featured Image: Michael and Hayley

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Ever since the Harry Potter film series ended almost a decade ago, fans have been hoping for another adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels. The favorite option among Potter-heads has been to re-adapt the books as a long form, animated series. After all, the books are very, very long. There are several aspects of them a two-hour-plus movie simply doesn’t have time to get into.

Although there are no current plans for a Harry Potter cartoon series, we’ve learned (via Winter is Coming) about a fan and professional animator named Paula Yvonne Peroff who has created a “proof of concept” of a sort for a Harry Potter animated project.  She’s animated several portions of the existing audiobooks, and results are not only pretty darn professional looking, they make you wish this was a real full length project! Also Stephen Fry should read everything always.

You can check out several examples of her animated adventures in the Wizarding World down below:

The scenes used are from the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which shows Ron and Harry trying to unpack everything they learned in Professor Trelawney’s Divination class. The designs Peroff has come up with are pretty great, and I think they would totally hold up in a real animated show. I also love how the characters aren’t just caricatures of the movie actors, but have unique designs. Harry looks far more like the illustrations on the book covers than Daniel Radcliffe, that’s for sure.

Here’s hoping that these clips make it in front of J.K. Rowling and Warner Brother’s eyeballs, and someone realizes that they are sitting on a Gringott’s style gold mine here. It also seems that HBO Max would be the perfect place for such an animated series to wind up, doesn’t it? Hopefully when it does happen, someone in charge hires Paula Yvonne Peroff for the job!

Featured Image: Warner Brothers

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As there have been countless re-prints and special addition covers for the ever-popular Harry Potter novel series, you fans may be running out of room on your bookshelf. But this latest set will make you want to create space for more Potter books. Mugglenet.com reports that Thai publisher Nanmeebooks released some incredible cover images of its upcoming Harry Potter book set to celebrate the franchise.

The animated covers feature dive into the details of each book’s storylines and depict infamous characters like Dumbledore, Hermione, Ron, Snape, and of course Harry Potter. The house animals, the Golden Snitch, and Deathly Hallows symbol are also depicted. If Harry Potter ever becomes an animated series, then this is what fans would want it to look like. The covers were designed by artist Arch Polar, who has published their wonderful Harry Potter-, Game of Thrones-, and MCU-inspired artwork on Instagram and on their website.

Here’s a glimpse at a few of the dreamy covers and their intricate titles.

These collectors’ books are only available in Thailand and have not been translated to other languages. But do you really need to be able to read the book if 1) you have already read it a zillion times and 2) the artwork is the reason for buying yet another copy?

They are due for a May 11 release but fans can get their pre-order in now and receive a free tote bag. The books are available for individual purchase or (for those who like complete things) as a box set in either hardback or paperback. Either set will include large postcards and a case that unfolds to become artwork. And, if you grab the hardcovers, there is a special surprise to hang in your room.

It’s not clear when these Harry Potter books will actually ship because of the current global pandemic. But hopefully these beautiful books will get into fans hands around the world soon and spread a lot of joy. And, just maybe, there will be some posters and other forms of this incredible artwork in the future.

Featured Image: Nanmee Books

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In the time of COVID, we rely on many things to get us through—books, movies, television shows, meditation. Of course, it would be easier if we could just wave away all the issues of the world with some choice wizarding words and a wand. Unfortunately, we’re just muggles, with no magical background. But at least children—even muggle children—who are currently out of school can still find that magic.

J.K. Rowling has partnered with Audible, Bloomsbury, OverDrive, Pottermore Publishing, and Scholastic to introduce Harry Potter At Home, a way for kids, educators, and parents to share the Hogwarts magic. Thanks to Audible, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be available for free in six different languages. (And for Americans who are used to hearing Harry’s story as told by Jim Dale, the audiobooks will allow them to listen to a new voice as this version features the incredibly talented Stephen Fry!) Pottermore Publishing will also team up with OverDrive, a digital library supplier, to ensure that libraries can borrow Sorcerer’s Stone in eBook or audiobook form in over 20 languages.

Scholastic

Another cool thing? Teachers are now allowed to post videos of themselves reading Harry Potter books, something that was previously hard to do because of the pop culture property’s strict copyright permission. Rowling has officially lifted those copyright permissions, which means that according to the statement on the author’s official website, teachers from anywhere in the world can post their videos onto educational platforms until the end of the school year.

The website states that this “open license” is the first of future initiatives that will make the boy wizard more accessible. For now, parents and children can check out the Harry Potter At Home hub at Wizarding World’s website. The hub includes activities such as articles, quizzes, puzzles, interactive games (teach your friends how to draw a Nifler!), providing a smart balance between those who are very familiar with Harry’s world and those who might not know much about the books.

A way for kids to have fun, read their favorite books, and learn new things? We think Hermione would be proud.

Featured Image: Wizarding World

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Are you a Harry Potter fanatic? Have you ever wanted to know the deep secrets behind how the movie franchise went from ideas to actual movies? Do you love collecting all things related to this Wizarding World? If so, you’ll love the Harry Potter Film Vault collection. Insight Editions’ ongoing series, written by Jody Revenson, takes a close look at various aspects of the series, including its infamous creatures, games, and major locations. The Harry Potter: Film Vault collection is comprised of 12 total volumes. Right now, only half of those volumes are available but there are more magical books that will available for purchase soon.

The Harry Potter Film Vault volumes 7 and 8 are slated for a March 2020 release. Volume 7 will uncover the origins of Quidditch and the Triwizard tournament while Volume 8 explores members of the Order of the Phoenix like Sirius Black and “Mad-Eye” Moody, Death Eaters, and other dark forces that fight against our favorite heroes.

There are full character pages for major characters like Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange, complete with info about their classic looks and wands. The books include lots of pictures, early development plans, artwork, and in-depth information about their respective subjects. Could it help out in a trivia challenge? Maybe. Will it give you more random Harry Potter facts to share with others, especially those who didn’t ask it? For sure.

Check out Nerdist’s exclusive images from these two volumes:

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

Harry Potter: Film Vault volumes 5 and 6, which were recently released in January 2020, dive into the world’s magical plants, creature companions, shapeshifters, and the elements of a very well-known wizard school with tons of illustrations, paintings, and behind-the-scenes photos of how everything from Hedwig to Hogwarts came to fruition. It’s the perfect way to expand your Harry Potter knowledge and add another cool keepsake to your collection. And who doesn’t want to see all the photos of owls and shifting staircases. Here are a few photos from these recently released books:

Insight Editions 

Insight Editions 

The final volumes of this series will arrive later this year in May and August. These books will cover goblins, house elves, homes, villages, Hogwarts staff, and all the different customs, food, and publications that exist within this world. Very, very interesting stuff. Curious Harry Potter fans can order available volumes and pre-order all of the upcoming additions on Insight Editions website.

Those who collect all twelve versions will be delighted to find that the books come together to form the Hogwarts crest on their spines. So, if you get one of them, you kinda have to scoop all of them up to feel like its complete—unless you thrive on having part of a collection. There’s no judgement here. Or, you can always make your latest wish known in hopes that 12 friends will supply your mighty need for these books.

Get ready to go even deeper into this incredible Wizarding World and all of its intricate elements by exploring how it all came together.

Header Image: Insight Editions

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This is a painful thing to admit, but Diagon Alley is not real. No matter how much we want to visit Eeylops Owl Emporium or Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, we can’t. The closest any of us will ever get to visiting the magical retail center is at a Universal amusement park. Those are fun, but the wands they sell at their Ollivander’s don’t actually work. (Trust us, we’ve tried.) But soon muggles will get the next best thing—their own retail center for all of our wizarding commerce needs. Warner Bros. is opening the first ever official Harry Potter flagship store in the home of MACUSA, New York City.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. has announced it will open a massive store dedicated to all things from the Wizarding World. The three-story center will open later this year at 935 Broadway in Manhattan. That’s next to the famous Flatiron building. The store will feature more than 20,000 square of anything and everything fans of the Boy Who Lived could want from the magical world. With three more Fantastic Beasts films still to be released, we’d also expect the store to become the center for all new merchandise for the movies. From Warner Bros. official press release announcing the store:

“Opening in Summer 2020, the store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world under one roof with everything from personalised robes and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans to a brand-new range of house wands with a design exclusive to the New York location.”

We’ve spent way (way) too many bronze Knuts, silver Sickles, and golden Galleons on Harry Potter merchandise over years. And we know we will spend plenty more in the future. But the chance to buy even more wizarding world products is not why this is exciting. There are numerous places, both brick-and-mortar and online, to satiate all of our Harry Potter needs. It’s not like we have to visit Times Square if we want to buy M&Ms. We are far more interested in the physical store itself. It sounds like it will also be designed as a sort of de facto playground for fans.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. says visitors to the flagship center will also be able to “engage with interactive experiences” and have a chance for “numerous photo opportunities as they step into the magic.” We don’t know what exactly those will be yet. There are no artist renderings of what the inside of the store will look like yet, and even the outside design could change before opening. We do have some suggestions for possible attractions and experiences Warner Bros. could include though:

–A life-sized statue of Hagrid we can pose with
–A green screen area with a “flying” broom we can sit on while wearing a Quidditch robe and reaching for a floating snitch
–Nifflers, including plenty of baby nifflers, literally everywhere
–A virtual reality dueling experience

We especially want that last one. Just because Diagon Alley isn’t real doesn’t mean the first ever flagship Harry Potter store can’t let us pretend magic is real.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them brought Newt Scamander across the Atlantic to New York City, the first time the Harry Potter franchise showed us magical life in America. The British-born magizoologist and his friends then traveled back to Europe in The Crimes of Grindelwald, letting us explore the wizarding world of Paris, France. Now we know which never-before-seen magical place the next movie will visit. Wizards, witches, and jolly bakers named Jacob alike will be taking the battle against Gellert Grindelwald to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, home to one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of magic in the world, one that might be getting a visit from a famous American professor.

The other big news is that Jessica Williams, who was seen briefly in a book in The Crimes of Grindelwald offering advice and encouragement to Nicolas Flamel, “will have a bigger role in this film.” She plays Professor Eulalie ‘Lally’ Hicks, a professor at the American Hogwarts, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rowling had also said previously that Lally would have a significant part in the third movie. We have our own theories on why the American educator will prove so important; confirmation the film is headed to Brazil makes it more likely we will see her at a different school than the one she normally teaches at.

Warner Bros.

Magical students from Brazil attend Castelobruxo, a school referenced in the Harry Potter novels. It is said to be as old as Hogwarts itself, and from what we know about it, it’s easy to see how Newt Scamander could find himself visiting it during dangerous times. From Wizarding World:

“Castelobruxo students wear bright green robes and are especially advanced in both Herbology and Magizoology; the school offers very popular exchange programmes for European students* who wish to study the magical flora and fauna of South America. Castelobruxo has produced a number of famous ex-students, including one of the world’s most famous potioneers, Libatius Borage (author of, among other works, Advanced Potion-Making, Asiatic Anti-Venoms and Have Yourself a Fiesta in a Bottle!), and João Coelho, Captain of the world-renowned Quidditch team the Tarapoto Tree- Skimmers.”

Since a lot of the Fantastic Beasts story mirrors the real history of World War II, it’s also worth noting Brazil was the only South American country to send troops to fight with the Allies. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Brazilian wizards also take arms in the global campaign against Grindelwald.

At least that gives us all plenty of time to learn how to say “expelliarmus” in Portuguese.

Featured Image: Warner Bros

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The wonderful world of Harry Potter merchandise goes far beyond figures and T-shirts. It includes everything from suitcases to robes to wonderfully fancy dinner plates to full on bedroom sets for a full Potter home. Now, the magic is expanding to knitting with Harry Potter: Knitting Magic—the official Harry Potter knitting pattern book by Tanis Gray. The writer has already published 9 knitting books and over 500 designs on top of working with the infamous Martha Stewart, HBO, and Vogue Knitting (yes, that’s a thing), so it’s safe to say she’s a great leader for this creative adventure. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic is packed with 200+ pages with 28 patterns for costume pieces, clothes, and other items pulled directly from the movies.

Knitters can gather their needles and create Hogwarts house scarves and cardigans, an adorable Hedwig, Cornish Pixie, Fluffy the Three-Headed Dog, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic Capelet, mini sorting hats, and even those infamous Christmas sweaters courtesy of Mrs. Weasley among other things. The projects have several different skill-set levels, which makes this book a win for both beginners and expert knitters across different age groups. Of course, a person who knows zero about knitting might want to do some YouTube research before they dive into making Harry Potter greatness, but they can still grab this book for future projects. It’s always the right time to start on a new Hogwarts sweater.

Laura Flippin

The designs in Harry Potter: Knitting Magic could be an interesting way to show some Potter pride by sneaking in some quiet cosplay into an ordinary look. Or, perhaps these knitted creations will be a cool addition to a cosplayer’s arsenal of looks. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic also includes costume sketches, stills from the film for reference, behind-the-scenes “treasures,” and fun facts to thrill Potterheads. So it doubles over as a solid collector’s item for those fans who can’t stop adding new things to their mountain of stuff. There’s no judgement here, especially since this knitting guide looks pretty awesome.

Harry Potter: Knitting Magic seems like perfect Christmas gift for any Hogwarts loving person who also happens to be an avid knitter. But even the greatest spell nor the most powerful witch won’t make it suddenly materialize before the end of this decade. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic doesn’t go on sale until January 28, 2020, but everyone can hop over to the website and pre-order a copy right now. Fans will need something to occupy their time on those lonely and cold winter nights so why not whip up a few impressive creations. After all, knitting is kinda its own form of wizardry, right?

Laura Flippin

Harry Potter: Knitting Magic is ready to combine your knitting prowess with your fandom fave for double the fun. Whip up your Slytherin scarf, Hedwig, and a few other Instagram-worthy items in your spare time to let the world know how much you still love this series. It’s time to make those movie looks with tons of yard, knitting needles, and a lot of determination.

Image Credit: Laura Flippin

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Zoë Kravitz will star as Selina Kyle in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, but the announcement goes well beyond Gotham’s city limits. Her casting might have also revealed some unexpected news for the wizarding world. Variety‘s Justin Kroll says Kravitz had been atop the filmmakers wish list to play Catwoman since the summer, but it wasn’t clear she’d be available thanks to her Fantastic Beasts 3 schedule. That wouldn’t be a big deal if Kravitz’s Leta Lestrange didn’t seem to die in The Crimes of Grindelwald. But if she wasn’t really killed by the Dark Wizard, what exactly happened to her? The answer won’t be easy for the Scamander brothers to hear.

Couple things regarding this casting. Seems Kravtiz has been high on the list for some time going back to August but the worry was always scheduling with her FANTASTIC BEASTS schedule, which has caused talent like Ezra Miller to pass on things in the past

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) October 14, 2019

There have been no previous reports that Kravitz would appear in another Fantastic Beasts movie, though it’s always been possible Kravitz could appear via flashbacks. The Harry Potter franchise has used them frequently, including in The Crimes of Grindelwald. But if her shooting schedule is potentially cumbersome enough it almost prevented her from playing Catwoman, it seems unlikely she will only be filming a handful of flashback scenes for the third installment. With Warner Bros. being the home of the Fantastic Beasts franchise and The Batman, it wouldn’t be a challenge to work out a way for her to have a small role in one film while also starring in another.

Leta Lestrange is almost certainly alive if she has a lot of shooting to do in Fantastic Beasts 3 (we doubt she’ll show up floating around like Nearly Headless Nick). According to Kravitz herself the original plan was for her character to survive The Crimes of Grindelwald. As Hypable noted, last December Kravitz told her Fantastic Beasts co-star Dan Fogler on his 4D Xperience podcast that Leta was initially supposed to survive. “I think it was kind of a last minute change that she gets toasted,” Kravitz said when discussing her character’s fiery end.

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In the moment, Leta’s death was weird. The character’s importance had been teased in the first movie, and she became a major figure in the second, with a lot of the film dedicated to her tragic past and her relationship with Newt. It seemed strange J.K. Rowling took all that time to establish her history and connection to the Scamander brothers only for her to die so quickly. Leta’s role in the franchise makes way more sense if Rowling’s plans for the character extended past The Crimes of Grindewald. If Leta is alive, the obvious question is “how,” since the last we saw her she appeared to disintegrate in Grindelwald’s swirling blue flame. Unless that’s exactly what Grindelwald wanted it to look like.

Gellert Grindelwald is one of the most powerful wizards ever, and the raging magical blaze he created was unlike anything we’ve seen a magical being conjure before. It overtook and consumed numerous aurors before a team of wizards led by Nicolas Flamel was able to put it out. That fire had multiple properties though. It burned Grindelwald’s enemies, including his follower Krall whose devotion was in question. As Krall walked through it he screamed in pain as his body was torn to shreds.

Neither of those things happened to Leta however, at least not the exact same way. As Grindelwald focused his flame on the Scamander brothers, Leta called out to Grindewald. When he turned his attention to her, Leta’s fiancé Thesesus Scamander screamed her name, which Grindelwald had a strange reaction to. The Dark Wizard seemed caught off guard by their connection, as though it was new information he quickly processed as worth knowing. And anything worth knowing is worth exploiting.

After pretending she was joining Grindelwald, Leta went on the attack so Newt and Theseus could escape. Over matched, she was quickly enveloped by the blue flame, but it didn’t immediately destroy her like it did the others. It was only when Grindelwald pointed his wand at Leta that she was “killed,” breaking apart like Krall, but without the pained scream.

The final scene from The Crimes of Grindelwald takes place in the Austrian Alps at Grindelwald’s headquarters, Nurmengard Castle, which will one day become the prison he dies in. We might learn it might also be where he kept a presumed dead Leta Lestrange captive, an important insurance program against his enemies.

Hopefully not even a magical prison can keep Catwoman locked up.

The first look at the cast of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

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Newt Scamander and Jacob Kowalski reunite for round two of magic mischief

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Jude Law appears as a younger, less hairy Albus Dumbledore

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Powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald stands trial before the Ministry of Magic

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Ezra Miller returns as the obscurial Credence Barebone

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The sequel features several new beasts including this underwater sea creature

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Teased in the first Fantastic Beasts, Zoe Kravitz makes her official debut as Leta Lestrange

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A young Newt Scamander who fears of one day having a plain old office job

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Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein are up to no good again

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Everyone's favorite little pocket thief Niffler is back to his niffling ways

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Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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Hogwarts is one of the most magical places we’ve ever seen on the page or the screen. Capturing that magic in real life might seem like an unattainable feat, but LEGO builder Jonas Kramm has done the nearly impossible. With an ingenious design that uses a lever and crank to move the tiny pieces, Jonas has turned LEGO bricks into the moving staircase that takes Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their first big adventure together.

 

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A post shared by Jonas Kramm – Lego Inspirer (@jonaskramm) on Oct 7, 2019 at 8:26am PDT

As with all of the magic in Harry Potter, the moving staircases of the ancient castle are delightful with an undercurrent of danger and unpredictability. Not only do they seem to change directions with a mind of their own, the countless steps are surrounded by the personality-packed moving portraits of wizards long past who are always happy to weigh in with their opinions. Jonas included those magical paintings as well in his jaw-dropping build, and he was determined that they would move as well.

“Harry Potter is one of my most favorite movie series and I love the different kind of magical movements that happen in the films. One that fascinates me every time are the moving stairs in Hogwarts,” Jonas wrote on Imgur.

Take a look at even more photos from the moving stairs along with a peek behind the scenes to see the mechanisms that animate them on Jonas’s Imgur album.

This isn’t Jonas’s first project featuring one of his favorite scenes Harry Potter; the incredibly detailed Gryffindor Commons scene he built last year is full of the cozy warmth we imagine Harry and Ron felt that first Christmas morning they spent together in the castle.

 

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A post shared by Jonas Kramm – Lego Inspirer (@jonaskramm) on Dec 28, 2018 at 10:38am PST

And on the LEGO builder’s Instagram you’ll find some other innovative and unique scenes brought to life in brick form, from Stranger Things‘ Barb sitting by the backyard pool to the velociraptor scene from the first Jurassic Park. (We’re also partial to his Underwood Typewriter design.)

Which Harry Potter scene would you love to see in LEGO form? Share it in the comments.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

The post These LEGO Hogwarts Moving Stairs Might Be Actual Magic appeared first on Nerdist.

What do we really know about Rubeus Hagrid? Was he just the jolly half-giant groundskeeper at an elite private school for aspiring witches and wizards? An importer of exotic animals and a true friend to Harry Potter? Or was he a deep-cover double agent working for the dark lord Voldemort? Join Dan Casey as he dives into a dark Harry Potter fan theory that asks whether or not Hagrid was actually a Death Eater all along.

Source: http://bit.ly/2NDDuxy, http://bit.ly/2NEIhyw

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Forget the ability to travel great distances in a flash or conjure up powerful spells with the flick of the wrist, the single most enviable aspect of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world will always be the prevalence of robes. While they might be delightful to wear, as Jim Gaffigan says, in our world bathrobes are not exactly acceptable to go out with in public. Yet, in their world, it’s weird when witches and wizards don’t wear one. That’s especially true for students at Hogwarts, who not only get to dress comfortably for class, they even get to adorn fancy dress robes for school dances. But while it will take some time to make them socially acceptable in the non-magical world, you can now celebrate Harry Potter in style while relaxing at home, thanks to these new upscale velvet robes designed for the four Hogwarts houses.

If you’re looking for something that says, “Nerdy Hugh Hefner,” these monogrammed robes from Pottery Barn Teen (which we first saw at Mental Floss) will definitely pull that off. Featuring the animals, names, and colors of the four Hogwarts houses—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw—these robes are made of 75% rayon and 25% polyester, with a lining of 90% polyester and 10% cotton. Each also comes with a long sash, two pockets, and shorter sleeves “intended for a looser fit,” presumably so you can play with your prop wand without restrictions.

Designed for any gender and size, each comes available in “Small/Medium” and “Large/X-Large.” Normally priced at $149 each, they are currently on-sale for a limited time only for $119. You can also get personalized monogramming, which comes on the upper left side near the collar. These robes are even machine-washable, so you don’t have to ever get weird looks from a dry cleaner when you get a chocolate frog stain.

Which is really ideal, because no matter how nice a robe looks, in our world they aren’t mean for “outside.” But it sure would be magically if they were.

Featured Image: PB Teen

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Leo season is officially in full swing, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the King of Leos himself, Harry Potter! Now, we know that Hogwarts traditionally doesn’t teach astrology until students’ fourth year, but considering that the majority of us missed our acceptance letters, we think we can bend the rules. (Don’t tell the Ministry of Magic!) So grab your wands and join Dumbledore’s Army as we break down the Wizarding World’s characters’ Zodiac signs.

We all know that Harry Potter fans have a Grawp-sized knowledge base about the world and its lore. But hold onto your Patronus–we won’t be reinventing the broomstick here. J.K. Rowling already accounted for the signs of each of her characters. While we won’t be arguing with Rowling (about this, at least), we do want to shed a little light on how each character embodies their particular sign.

Accio horoscopes! Here’s our breakdown of Harry Potter characters as their Zodiac signs.

Fred and George Weasley: Aries

Identical twins born on April Fool’s Day?! From day one, these wizards were destined to be pranksters; they even made it their livelihood with Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, the infamous joke shop in Diagon Alley. It would be easy to assume the twins are Sagittarius, given their penchant for laughs, but there’s a very important distinction to make her here. Sagittarius’ humor is driven by ego, while Aries just love the thrill of it all. Aries is also the babies of the Zodiac, and it’s that childlike wonder that fuels their desire to go on big, bold, and sometimes explosive adventures.

Professor Horace Slughorn: Taurus

Taurus signs don’t exactly strive for the throne the way that Leos do. Such a position welcomes a world of stress that they are just not interested in. They do, however, have exquisite taste, which can get them stuck between a rock and a hard place. Tauruses value the finer things in life, both in quality and quantity. This all stems from a hedonistic desire to maintain peace of mind and enjoy all the worldly comforts that life can provide. Horace Slughorn loves the company of successful, famous, and powerful people, but he himself doesn’t want to take the spotlight. That’s how we know he’s definitely a Taurus sun.

Draco Malfoy: Gemini

Though he is a straight-up jerk throughout most of the series, Draco Malfoy does have a conscience somewhere in his Slytherin heart. Geminis can’t help but see both sides of things, so they sometimes get a little lost in their own heads. Draco wants to appease the Dark Lord by doing his bidding, but as he is drawn deeper into Voldemort’s circle, he has serious second thoughts. Time after time, Malfoy shrinks just before he must do something truly evil. See, Astrology fans? Geminis aren’t ALL bad. Sure, they talk a big game about ruining you, betraying you, and setting you up for murder, but they’ll at least reconsider as they watch it all go down.

Dobby the Elf: Cancer

“Such a beautiful place, to be with friends. Dobby is happy to be with his friend, Harry Potter.” Dobby the House Elf not only died to save his friends; his dying words were all about them. That’s exactly what being a Cancer is all about. Cancer is a sign that loves being at home with their loved ones, and it’s not uncommon to see them care for their friends as their chosen family. With his chipper persona and protective nature, Dobby’s empathy and loyalty make him a heartbreaking Cancer sun.

Harry Potter: Leo

Harry Potter is a Leo because you always know who Leos are. We get it, he’s the boy who lived! (Harry himself is honestly sick of his own infamy.) Leos often struggle because they see themselves as the lead character in everyone else’s life. Whether intentionally or not, Leos are the definition of divas and don’t always realize when the spotlight isn’t on them. If you’ve ever had a Leo friend make your sob story about them, now you know why. Luckily, Harry has Ron and Hermione to keep him in check.

Hermione Granger: Virgo

How do you spot a Virgo witch? Check their potion bottles for asterisks when their fellow students spell (wink) something wrong. And by Virgo witch, we mean Hermione Granger. Virgos are obsessed with presenting their very best selves to the world. While we rarely see them crumble under (self-imposed) pressure, they do have their limits. (And breakdowns. Typically in private.) Unless you’re a Virgo’s BFF, you’re never going to catch them crying in the bathroom because they accidentally put a cat hair in their Polyjuice potion.

Professor Minerva McGonagall: Libra

Libras are often stereotyped as the sign that falls in love quickly, but they also need to maintain their independence. When Professor McGonagall was young, she fell in love with Dougal McGregor during her first and only engagement. Because she hadn’t accomplished everything she wanted to, she left Dougal to be on her own. It broke her heart, but she then grew up to be the badass witch we know and love. Glow up, Minverva!

Sirius Black: Scorpio

Sirius Black is the original Hogwarts bad boy: tall, dark, handsome, and smart. (Voldemort is just evil.)  In school, he was respected by his professors and although it took a while to clear his name, he’s the only known witch or wizard to escape Azkaban. Throughout the Harry Potter series, we learn more about Sirius’ dark history, and in true Scorpio fashion, he has many secrets. Sirius carries himself with an intense air of mystery; a tragic but enchanting aura. Scorpios are known for their desire for intimacy and honesty. They like to challenge others and get them to see things in a new way, just as Sirius did in his first book appearance.

Rubeus Hagrid: Sagittarius

When Sagittarius suns are unable to travel, they seek out homegrown adventure to quench their endless wanderlust. They might lose themselves in books, dedicate their lives to trying new cuisines… or collect exotic, extremely dangerous magical beasts. Rubeus Hagrid without a doubt is a Sagittarius man, so don’t let his role as Hogwarts’ groundskeeper fool you. He went on to become Care of Magical Creatures Professor, despite never finishing his O.W.L.S. Sagittarius people love to learn and to teach. Through teaching, you learn even more, and knowledge keeps Sagittarius young at heart!

Professor Severus Snape: Capricorn

What other sign could Professor Snape be?! Severus is a perfect example of a Capricorn sun. In a Capricorn’s world, you reap what you sow–which means you will do your duty, no matter how hard it is. Though Snape rarely shares his feelings or desires, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them. (PSA: Ask your Capricorn friends how you can support their dreams or they’ll never tell you. Snape–and Capricorns–are playing the long game, and they’re willing to sacrifice everything if they’re truly committed to something… or someone.

Luna Lovegood: Aquarius

One of the more precious energies of the zodiac, Saturn-ruled Aquarius is obviously Luna Lovegood’s sign. Between her whimsical style and quirky non-sequiturs, Luna always attracts attention when she walks into a room. While Leos are happy to have all eyes on them, Aquarius seeks validation through their thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Sadly, her fellow students rarely appreciate Luna. But Luna doesn’t seem to care; in true Aquarius fashion, she treats everyone as equals, regardless of their magical status or species.

Ron Weasely: Pisces

If a Pisces has an issue with you, you’ll know it–but they probably won’t say it aloud. Though they can be an extremely imaginative and creative sign, they are also often moody or distant. Pisces’ traditional and modern ruler is Jupiter, which leaves them sometimes making a situation worse without realizing it. Yes, Ron Weasley is a peach, but he doesn’t always know how to communicate his feelings, especially when it comes to Harry “The Boy Who Lived” Potter. But he is also a truly loyal friend, and like Pisces, he always comes back eventually.

Images: Warner Bros

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Based on the penultimate book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince needed to expertly set up the epic conclusion to Harry’s story. The Half-Blood Prince greatly delivered, delivering some truly amazing game changers to the saga. In honor of the film turning 10 on July 15, we wanted to take a moment to honor these major moments from the film.

Snape’s Character Development

In both the previous books and films, Snape was an antagonist to our lead heroes, and especially to Harry. Despite being a part of the Order of the Phoenix, Snape wasn’t a huge fan of the boy who lived. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall’s protectiveness didn’t help either, so Snape used certain tactics—like humiliating Ron and Harry in Potions class—to antagonize the kids. As a result, Snape wasn’t a character we completely trusted, or liked.

With the Half-Blood Prince, Snape’s allegiances were further called into question, as well as his morality. In the opening scene, we watch Snape pledge loyalty to Voldemort and the Death Eaters, insisting to the Malfoys that he is on their side. He makes an Unbreakable Vow to protect and assist Draco in his special Death Eaters mission. We also learn that Snape was the one that told Voldemort about the prophecy. This means he’s partially responsible for the death of Lily and James Potter. 

Oh, and it turns out that the mysterious half-blood prince is Snape! We learn this after a heated fight with Harry after Dumbledore’s death. Even though the series is about Harry, this specific installment is also about Snape, and who he is. We don’t feel like we should trust him, and we feel as angered as Harry is by his decision to kill Dumbledore. 

When it comes to The Deathly Hallows, our mistrust of Snape dissipates as his true allegiance is revealed. We learn that he loved Lily Potter and felt complicit in her death. His grief is what ultimately caused him to leave the Death Eaters and join the Order of the Phoenix. In order to make his arc redemptive, to us and to Harry, Snape needed to be in a truly low place. The Half-Blood Prince provides that fall, so he can rise up in the final act. 

Dumbledore’s Death

Speaking of Snape, we felt absolutely gutted when he killed Dumbledore. Snape wasn’t meant to kill the headmaster—Draco was, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. To us, it looked like Snape was fulfilling his Unbreakable Vow to the Malfoys and the Death Eaters. We couldn’t believe Dumbledore, a father figure in Harry’s life and a guiding force in the fight against Voldemort, was gone. How would Dumbledore’s army go forward, and what about Harry and his journey to find the horcruxes? 

Dumbledore’s death left us gobsmacked—we didn’t expect to see Dumbledore die so soon, especially at the hands of his friend Snape. Snape’s killing blow only intensified the emotional blow, and like Harry, we wanted to attack the potions professor. We had already had dark moments in the series, but this moment was perhaps the most disturbing.

Plus, we didn’t know why—at the time—Dumbledore let it happen. Similar to Snape’s characterization, The Half-Blood Prince left us an unresolved thread, making us unsure of Dumbledore’s final moments. Finding out Dumbledore asked Snape to kill him in The Deathly Hallows aids Snape’s character arc, and, in ways, provides us with closure. Through Snape, Dumbledore was still able to help Harry, and the two did meet again, in limbo. 

Dumbledore’s death left us as devastated as Harry, Hermione, and Ron at the end of The Half-Blood Prince. However, it did make us even more excited to see Harry take down the Dark Lord once and for all.

The Horcruxes

Most important plot-wise was the discovery of the horcruxes and how they function. Using Slughorn’s real memory, Harry and Dumbledore discover that Voldemort learned how to make horcruxes from the professor. The two deduce that in order to achieve immortality, Voldemort put his soul not into one object, but six of them. Lucky for them, two of the items were destroyed—Tom Riddle’s diary and Marvolo Guant’s ring—but the rest of them were still out there. 

With this information, we not only learn how Voldemort survives, but also, how he can ultimately be defeated. Knowing that there are other objects out there also sets up the plot of The Deathly Hallows—the discovery and destruction of said horcruxes. We also learn that Voldemort intended to make seven of them, which creates an air of mystery as to what happened to the final one. We get the eventual payoff in The Deathly Hallows when we learn that Harry inadvertently became the seventh horcrux.

This piece of lore is great because it serves as a callback to previous events, like Harry destroying the diary in The Chamber of Secrets. More importantly, it provides us with exciting speculation about what the final horcruxes are, and how they will be destroyed. 

The Final Romantic Pairings

OK, yes, this isn’t as high-stakes as the horcruxes or Dumbledore’s death, but the film does provide us the inklings of the series’ final romantic pairs. Sure, we had seen our heroes paired off with other people before, like Harry and Cho Chang. However, this is our first inkling at who could end up with each other at the end of the series. 

Harry immediately picks up on the growing attraction between Ron and Hermione. Ron initially cozies up with Lavender Brown, but the relationship doesn’t last when he utters Hermione’s name while incapacitated. While this is happening, we also watch Hermione struggle with jealousy about Ron’s relationship. Like normal teens, Ron and Hermione have a difficult, messy time understanding their emotions. When they finally get together in The Deathly Hallows, it’s a relief to see them finally get together.

With the love triangle over, Harry also finds his future love in Ginny. He admits to Hermione, when she’s jealous about Ron and Lavender that he likes his best friend’s little sister. He and Ginny also have their first kiss in the Room of Requirement in The Half-Blood Prince. The Deathly Hallows will be about the final battle against Voldemort, so it makes sense to start the romantic foundation in this film. When the battle is over, their eventual pairings don’t seem so sudden, thanks to this groundwork.

The Half-Blood Prince needed to not only entertain, but also set up the major story beats for the final films. The sixth film ultimately succeeded in surprising us, and we’ll never forget how it made us feel. The shock of these moments still feel fresh, even 10 years after it graced the silver screen. 

Images: Warner Bros.

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The Fantastic Beasts franchise hasn’t exactly earned the same acclaim as the Harry Potter novels and movies thus far, but it has expanded J.K. Rowling’s magical universe with new places and people. Now an unconfirmed report says Warner Bros. is developing another prequel story in the wizarding world, only this time for the small screen. If this rumor does prove true, we’ve got the perfect era for the prequel series’ setting. The period of the First Wizarding War could connect both of Rowling’s series, return us to Hogwarts for a different kind of story, and center on the adventures of the Marauders.

Some background

Grindelwald was defeated in 1945, the same year Tom Riddle graduated from Hogwarts. Over the next 25 years, Tom amassed unimaginable power and devoted followers, leading to the start of the First Wizarding War in 1970. In many ways, it was even worse than what we saw during the Second Wizarding War in the Harry Potter novels.

Voldemort was never more powerful than he was during the First, keeping many wizards under his control and forcing them do terrible things against their will; thus, nobody knew who to trust, and the Ministry of Magic was left in shambles. The massive death total from his reign of terror wasn’t limited to only magical beings, as many Muggles also died during the conflict as it grew in scope and size. When He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named returned years later, Cornelius Fudge didn’t want to accept it, because it was truly too awful to imagine.

If not for the creation of the Order of the Phoenix, which lost many members itself, Voldemort might have achieved world domination long before he entered an infant Harry’s bedroom that fateful Halloween night in 1981. When the boy lived, the First Wizarding War ended, a long and destructive 11 years after it began.

The Marauders

The main appeal of this era is who grew up during it: the group of troublemaking Animagus (and one werewolf) friends known as the Marauders. James Potter arrived at Hogwarts as a first-year student in 1971, and his entire education took place during the horrible events inflicting the magical community. The situation was the same for Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Lily Potter, Severus Snape, and Neville Longbottom’s parents. This shaped who they were enough that, after they graduated, each joined the fight alongside Dumbledore himself.

A Marauders prequel series would first allow us to explore Hogwarts under difficult times, but without the ever-present danger of the Harry Potter novels (since Voldemort’s main target wasn’t a student at the school), allowing us to see the typical lives of young magical people. This era of the Wizarding World raises interesting questions. Why did some, like James and Lily, choose to fight for good while their classmates, like Peter and Snape, fought for Voldemort? Their stories, starting when they were kids at school and extending through their battles on the front lines, are rich, complex, and worthy of deeper exploration (that would have something to say about our own world today).

Brand new characters

And while we would get a chance to better know important characters we’ve only met or heard about tangentially (as well as see others we love, like Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Slughorn), we’d also meet lots of new people who would keep the story fresh. What group of students vied with the Marauders for supremacy at Hogwarts? Who were the other figures in the Order of the Phoenix? How many Death Eaters whom we have never even heard of died for Voldemort?

Fantastic Beasts has expanded this world we love, but it doesn’t tell the entire story about the wizarding universe of the twentieth century. The most dangerous and destructive time period remains something only experienced through old photos and stories, even though so many important figures grew up during it. And their own time is full of so much of what we love about Harry Potter, from the daily life of young wizards and witches at Hogwarts, to the world-changing events and dangers outside its walls that made them into the people they became.

We’re getting a Harry Potter TV show someday, and if Warner Bros. is looking for the right time period to set it in, the Mauraders have already mapped it out for them.

Images: Warner Bros.

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If you’re a longtime fan of Harry Potter, you undoubtedly remember the Wizard Rock phenomenon. The musical trend found artists teaming up to create original music inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, with bands names that recalled famous scenes and characters: The Lovegoods, The Whomping Willows, The Mudbloods, and so on. But the first and most famous of them all was Harry and the Potters, comprised of brothers Joe and Paul DeGeorge, who cast a spell on the fandom world when they formed back in 2002. In the time since, they’ve put out three studio albums, toured libraries across the world, founded the independent record label Eskimo Laboratories, and co-founded The Harry Potter Alliance. Their music and their work have always been in tandem with Rowling’s message: That love is the greatest weapon of all, and that sticking up for the marginalized is the most important work you can do.

Harry and the Potters provided so much quality content through the years, but it’s been 13 years since their last full-length album. Luckily, the dry spell is almost over: The band’s fourth studio album, Lumos—inspired by the seventh book in Rowling’s series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—will finally be released on June 21, and Nerdist has an exclusive preview.

Lumos may be outright political, but it’s also full of the wonder and magic that made Rowling’s world so desirable. There are dragon rides and magic spells, and even a special guest appearance from Kimya Dawson, who plays Hermione Granger in Track 10, “Where’s Ron?” You can watch the music video for the song—which also features the Potter Puppet Pals—below.

We’re so excited to have the musicians that created the Wizard Rock explosion back in the spotlight, right when we need them most. Lumos is a magical achievement, and hopefully the first of many new and exciting things for Harry and the Potters.

Images: Kim Newmoney, Eskimo Laboratories

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Look, it’s time we all accept the hard truth: you and I will never be wizards. Even if they do exist and attend secret schools of magic, we’re obviously Muggles and there’s no amount of hoping that will ever get us invited to Hogwarts. That doesn’t mean we can’t protect our neighborhoods from Dementors or round up magical creatures to help maintain the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, though, because the world of Harry Potter is making the move to augmented reality with the new Wizards Unite mobile game. And if the first cinematic trailer ahead of the game’s release this week is any indication, being a No-Maj will no longer prevent anyone from casting spells.

We previously saw game footage from the magical world’s answer to Pokémon GO, but this latest look has a lot more flair, with a trailer that also doubles as a great pitch for a movie we would 100 percent watch. It also makes clear just how much Wizards Unite will combine both Harry Potter, with its Death Eaters and the Boy Who Lived, with the Fantastic Beasts franchise, as different magical creatures are on the loose, threatening to reveal the wizarding world to Muggles.

Players will begin the A.R. game as a “new recruit of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force” assigned to help prevent an event known as “The Calamity” that threatens wizards and witches everywhere.

“As you step outside and explore the world, the Map will reveal Traces of magic, highlighting the location of magical Foundables. While these Traces can be found all around you, certain Foundables may be more likely to appear at various types of real-world locations including parks, banks, municipal buildings, college campuses, libraries, monuments, zoos, art galleries, and more. Cast a variety of spells to overcome the Confoundable magic, keep the magical Foundables safe, and send them back to the wizarding world. By returning Foundables, you’ll earn unique rewards that can be tracked in the game Registry.”

Revelio gameplay! Here’s your first look at @hpwizardsunite [thread] pic.twitter.com/fLFg118X9N

— Pottermore (@pottermore) March 11, 2019

Players will also cast spells that require Spell Energy they will need to replenish by making frequent stops at “Inns, found at Muggle locations around the world, to collect food and drinks.” That’s where they will “also come across ingredients that can be used to brew Potions,” and “these ingredients can be found on the Map, varying by the environment, weather, and time of day, as well as in specially designated Greenhouses.”

Wizards Unite will also have Portmanteaus, “which can be unlocked to reveal Portkeys that whisk you away to iconic wizarding world locations.” These will lead to “full 360-degree Advanced AR immersive experience in places like Ollivander’s Wand Shop” that you can then walk around and explore.

So while the reality is none of us will ever be real wizards, at least Muggle technology will let us experience what it’s like to use magic in an augmented reality.

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite comes to iOS and Android in the U.S. and UK on Friday June 21, 2019.

Images: Warner Bros. Games/Niantic/GameSpot Mobile

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There was a time, not so long ago, when Wizard Rock was all the rage. That is, music devoted entirely to the fictional world of Harry Potter, and in-character artists who performed it. There are The Whomping Willows, The Mudbloods, Draco and the Malfoys, and more. But perhaps the most famous of them all were Harry and the Potters, a Massachusetts-based formed by brothers Joe and Paul DeGeorge, who dressed up like everyone’s favorite boy wizard and performed songs about his travails and the wizarding world at large.

Harry and the Potters have been a convention staple since they formed back in 2002, but in that time they only released three full albums. It’s been thirteen years since their last album, Harry and the Potters and the Power of Love, came out, and fans have been hungry for now. Luckily, the wait is almost over, because the DeGeorge brothers are set to release their first full-length album since 2006, titled Lumos.

Lumos will chronicle the events of the final book in J.K. Rowling’s series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The album will also coincide with the band’s first tour of libraries since 2011. The album was funded by a Kickstarter project posted on April 23, 2019. The funding goal of $10,000 was more than doubled in 24 hours.

In a press release, the DeGeorges said the album is “for this political moment. For the parents raising a younger generation reading these books for the first time, it’s an opportunity to connect the dots: the systems facilitating oppression in the wizard world – state-run media, children being separated from their mixed-blood parents, surveillance systems, and pureblood supremacy – strongly echo the daily reality of creeping neo-fascism.”

The 16-track album also features a duet with Kimya Dawson, who “plays” Hermione in the new song, “Where’s Ron?”

More information about Harry and the Potters tour dates can be found on their website.

Images: Kim Newmoney

The post Harry And The Potters Are Releasing Their First Album in 13 Years appeared first on Nerdist.

Time to make another withdrawal from Gringott’s, because LEGO has announced five all-new Harry Potter sets for the Boy Who Lived and some of the most famous moments during his time at Hogwarts. And this year you’ll also be able to celebrate Christmas with a Harry Potter LEGO advent calendar set that will apparate a new toy every day.

Expecto Patronum

This 121-piece Great Lake Forbidden Forest set ($19.99) will let fans help Harry defend Sirius Black from Dementors. It includes small lakeside build and two trees – with the larger one standing 50inches high, 3-inches wide, and 1-inch deep – each with spell-cast shooting function, plus an all-new semi-transparent glittering stag figure that can take another mini-figure for a ride. Expecto Patronum also comes with all new figures for Harry Potter (with his wand) and Sirius Black, along with two Dementors.

Hungarian Horntail Triwizard Challenge

Relive Harry’s triumph during the first stage of the Triwizard Challenge with this 265-piece Hungarian Horntail set ($29.99). Along with mini-figs of the tournament’s four entrants, Harry Potter, Fleur Delacour, Cedric Diggory, and Viktor Krum, all with their wand, the set also comes with Harry’s Firebolt, a “rocky environment” containing the golden egg, a chain to attach the dragon, and a buildable tent for the champions that comes with the Goblet of Fire, a bed, two cups, a small shelf, and potion bottle. Of course the real star of this set is the Hungarian Horntail (2-inches high, 10-inches long, and 13-inches wide) that comes with flames in its mouth and movable limbs and wings.

The Knight Bus

You can play with this 403-pieces Knight Bus ($39.99) set anywhere, anytime. The famous triple-decker purple bus, which stands over 6-inches high, 60inches long, and 2-inches wide, comes with a hinged side panel to easily access the interior, and a removable roof that opens to the upper deck. Along with Harry Potter, Stan Shunpike, and Ernie Prang mini-figs, there’s also a sliding bed and swinging chandelier that both move as the bus does, a shrunken head, and Harry’s chest containing a wand, letter, chocolate bar, and potion bottle.

Hagrid’s Hut: Buckbeak’s Rescue

Make sure you respectfully bow before approaching this 496-piece set ($59.99) recreating the rescue of Buckbeak from Hagrid’s Hut in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Along with six mini-figs – Harry, Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, the Executioner, and the Minister of Magic – it has a Buckbeak figure with moveable wings. The rest of the set includes Hagrid’s two-section buildable hut (over 6-inches high, 9-inches wide, and 4-inches deep) with his pumpkin patch outside.

Inside you’ll find a desk with chair, candle, chest, chocolate frog, Daily Prophet newspaper, a spider, two chairs, buildable armchair, chimney with light brick, egg in a bowl, bag, display case, Hagrid’s pink umbrella, shovel, teapot, spoon, pan, meat cleaver, lasso, broom and a bucket, lantern, axe, three wands, the Minister of Magic’s hat, and a removable chain for Buckbeak.

Hogwarts Clock Tower 

This massive, three-tired, 922-piece set ($89.99) of the Hogwarts Clock Tower measures over 13-inches tall, 13-inches wide, and 7-inches deep, and features the Hall, Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, hospital wing, prefects’ bathroom, Dumbledore’s office, and a section of icy decorations for the Yule Ball. It comes with eight mini figs, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fleur Delacour, Cedric Diggory, Viktor Krum, Dumbledore, and Madame Maxime, and each comes with wands and their Yule Ball costumes. There’s also a clock-changing mechanism “for kids to create Time-Turner time travel adventures” and “a ‘dance’ function to get the Yule Ball” grooving.

The set also comes with plenty of accessories for each section:
–the Entrance Hall: a chest and the Goblet of Fire.
–Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom: a table, chair, potions, glass case, book, desk with inkpot and quill, buildable lamp, blackboard
–Hospital Wing: two beds, two buildable lamps
–Prefects’ Bathroom: a mermaid stained-glass window
–Dumbledore’s Office: chair, desk, inkpot and quill, Pensieve, the swordof Gryffindor.
–Yule Ball: two icy tables with two glasses, buildable icy sculpture, Christmas tree

All five of these new sets will apparate into stores this summer on August 1.

Advent Calender

The real fun of this 305 piece-set ($39.99) will be in opening up a new toy every day for the 24 days leading up to Christmas. “Behind each door is a different LEGO Harry Potter holiday gift to open, build and play with,” from favorite characters to famous items and accessories. The Advent Calender set comes with a micro Hogwarts Express train, buildable fireplace featuring Christmas decorations, a Great Hall table with accessories, and a statue pedestal with the four Hogwarts house crests. There are also seven minifigures: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Professor McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore, Professor Flitwick, and the Hogwarts Architect, along with a bonus Hedwig figure.

The Advent Calender will be available September 1, 2019.

We have to double check when Gringotts opens though.

Images: LEGO

The post LEGO Announces New HARRY POTTER Sets and Advent Calendar appeared first on Nerdist.

Vans has been a reliable purveyor of pop culture-themed kicks for years now. The company has given us casual footwear designed to celebrate the likes of Marvel Comics, classic Disney cartoons, NASA, Vincent Van Gogh, and plenty of other pillars of geek-friendly fanfare. But such a catalogue is incomplete without representation of one of the most beloved pieces of fiction to make its mark on the literary, cinematic, and theatrical worlds this century: Harry Potter.

Before you get too jazzed, there hasn’t been an official announcement yet that Vans will be releasing a Harry Potter-themed shoe and accessories line, much less what these articles will inevitably look like. But we got the next best thing: a tease of the very same from Vans themselves. The company graced Twitter on Tuesday with a message suggesting that we admirers of all things Hogwarts should keep our eyes open wizarding wafflestompers.

SERIOUS WARNING: Any readers who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy may want to avoid activating the below tweet.

Something magical coming soon: https://t.co/Ug5xKWJXTD pic.twitter.com/fwYXJ3U3bz

— Vans (@VANS_66) April 22, 2019

At this point, we have no further information to answer the various whats and whens we have buzzing around in our heads, so all we have is our imaginations to get us through until Van drops the word (and, more excitingly, pictures) properly. That said, we can make some educated guesses; for instance, if Vans plans to operate as it did with its Marvel line, it may be releasing distinct sneaker styles corresponding with different Harry Potter characters. If that’s the case, we’re excited to find out whom we can expect to be represented. All we know is that any Hagrid-themed shoes ought to come in extra extra extra extra extra large, and Moaning Myrtle kicks had better be waterproof.

Images: Warner Bros

The post Vans Is Releasing HARRY POTTER Sneakers! appeared first on Nerdist.

Since it was announced in November 2017, fans have been eagerly awaiting more news about the Harry Potter universe’s version of Pokémon Go, named Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

We’ve just gotten our first proper look at the gameplay, as well as more info about the narrative of the mobile game in which you play a member of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force (a new task force formed in partnership between the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards) whose role is to discover the cause of the mysterious magical eruptions in the muggle world and hunt down the lost magical beings known as Foundables.

Revelio gameplay! Here’s your first look at @hpwizardsunite [thread] pic.twitter.com/fLFg118X9N

— PotterMoreMischievous (@pottermore) March 11, 2019

As you can see, it shares format and concept with Pokémon Go as you hunt down magical creatures, but seems to expand on that by also including objects and people, who are all part of a strange phenomenon that the official description teases. “A calamity has befallen the wizarding world, causing artefacts, creatures, people, and even memories to mysteriously appear in the Muggle world. Witches and wizards from across the globe must come together to solve the mystery of The Calamity, overcome the confounding chaotic magic that surrounds these “Foundables,” and return them to their rightful place, keeping them safe from Muggle eyes.”

The Traces help you discover “Foundables”: beasts, objects and people pulled out of time and even memory. pic.twitter.com/p3Vwbs9TEK

— PotterMoreMischievous (@pottermore) March 11, 2019

According to the official Wizards Unite website as a member of this elite task force “you will hone lightning fast wand reflexes, an ability to sniff out the faintest whiff of magical disorder from afar, and proficiency in advanced casting of multiple spells.” There’s no confirmed release date yet, so keep your wands at the ready whilst we wait to discover just when the Statute of Secrecy Task Force will be called to action.

Images: Niantic, Warner Bros.

The post Take a Look at HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS UNITE’s Gameplay and Story appeared first on Nerdist.

Update, 3/12/19: Tom Felton shares ride details!

Universal Orlando’s shared some new details about the upcoming Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and they recruited Draco Malfoy for the task. Actor Tom Felton hosts the above video and talks with Alan Gilmore, the art director from the Harry Potter films who is also working on the ride, which will go into the Forbidden Forest to discover rare magical creatures at speeds up to 50mph. Creatures such as Fluffy, Cornish pixies, centaurs, devil’s snare, and more surprises, including an encounter with a creature that’s never been in the films. And as Gilmore describes, the rider’s experience will be different depending on whether on the motorbike or in the side car of the ride vehicle.

An overview of the ride from the video:

Original post:
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the soon-to-open Star Wars parks in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, has gotten the lion’s share of nerdy theme park news announcements lately. But fans of a certain boy wizard have reason to be excited, too, as Universal Studios has announced plans to expand its own magical Harry Potter world with a brand new ride.

At the The Wizard World of Harry Pottter – Hogsmeade in Universal Orlando, visitors will soon be able to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a brand new roller coaster that opens June 13.

Here we go!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open on June 13, 2019 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/b8ESsK2pvV

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) February 21, 2019

While details are mostly scant, Universal Orlando’s official blog did post a brief description of the ride. The roller coaster will take fans on a ride with Hagrid, the gatekeeper at the wizarding school Hogwarts who lost his magical privileges after being expelled and nurses a fondness for strange pets. In J.K. Rowling’s books and in the film adaptation, the half-giant Hagrid is known for riding a motorbike, a vehicle that gets a big action moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will place you in Hagrid’s motorbike side car and take you on a “thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.”

The ride will replace the park’s other big roller coaster, the Dragon Challenge, which was only lightly themed. It is the second Hagrid-themed coaster in the park, after Flight of the Hippogriff, a kid-friendly ride that mimics Harry Potter’s ride atop Hagrid’s pet hippogriff, Buckbeak, in Prisoner of Azkaban.

So Potter fans, looks like it’s time to gather your wands and start booking your next vacation. Given the quality of the other rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this is bound to be something special.

Images: Warner Bros. 

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We’re not about to question whether you love your dog and treat them well. We know all of your doggos are raised in caring, wonderful homes full of many treats and boops. However, you could be doing even more for them, and honestly more for us, because at this point if you’re not dressing your pupper up like a student from Hogwarts and training them to respond only to spells from Harry Potter, you don’t deserve an “Outstanding” score on your dog-owner O.W.L.

We’ve met a very good dog who responds to curses from J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world before, but this video from Anna Brisbin at her YouTube channel Brizzy Voices is even more magical. It features her dog Remus (REMUS!) a long-haired mini dachshund whose amazing Instagram page says he loves belly rubs and hates full moons (our hearts) dressed in a Gryffindor sweater and tie and obeying a number of famous spells from the books and movies. From obvious ones like playing dead to “Avada Kedavra” to more obscure ones like sticking out his tongue when he hears the snake summoning charm Serpensortia, this is two minutes of pure joy.

Oh. My. God. “Aguamenti” almost broke us. Watching this video must be what it’s like to drink Felix Felicis. Which is why we need all our fellow dog-lovers out there to agree that every pup deserves to receive their own letter from Hogwarts. They’re all good dogs, and they all deserve to receive a magical education.

Featured Image: Anna Brisbin

The post Meet a Cute Dog That Responds to HARRY POTTER Spells appeared first on Nerdist.

For a school full of wizards and witches, Hogwarts was always at its most magical during the holiday season. There’s no place we’d rather celebrate a Christmas feast than in the Great Hall, surrounded by floating lights and the sweet aroma of every cake and cookie we could ever want cooked up by tiny house elves. (#TeamSPEW) We aren’t expecting an owl to arrive this year to invite us to dinner, but we did find another tasty way to celebrate the wizarding world of Harry Potter, with this giant Hogwarts gingerbread house!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Duchess Bake Shop (@duchessbakeshop) on Nov 17, 2018 at 9:13am PST

 

This massive, 100% edible recreation of Hogwarts made only from gingerbread, sugar, and candy, which we learned about at KelownaNow, apparated at the Canadian bakery Duchess Bake Shop in Edmonton. They create a different castle every holiday season, and they say this one was their “most ambitious yet.” You can see them constructing the entire school, which takes up almost three tables, in this timelapse video.

As part of their celebration they even created their very own, Butter Beer-inspired coffee for customers to enjoy when they stop by to see it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Inspired by the #HogwartsGingerbreadCastle our baristas are making a Duchess version Harry’s favourite libation—Butter Beer! This silky steamed milk has notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and lemon, and feel free to add a shot of espresso if you’re so inclined. Stop by and try one this holiday season! #duchessbakeshop #butterbeer

A post shared by Duchess Bake Shop (@duchessbakeshop) on Nov 23, 2018 at 11:05am PST

And because we’re clearly not the only members of S.P.E.W., they are also offering customers a chance to help them “DESTROY” (which we trust means “eat”) the gingerbread Hogwarts after the holidays. All you have to do is bring a pair of socks (aww) to donate to the Bissell Centre, which “provides low-income families with free temporary childcare for children 0 to 6 years.”Eating some delicious sweets, helping kids, and honoring Dobby all at the same time? That’s even better than getting invited to dine at the real Hogwarts.

Featured Image: The Duchess Bake Shop Facebook

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Was Grindelwald lying about Credence’s true identity?

This is the biggest question of them all. Was Grindelwald lying about Credence actually being Aurelius Dumbledore, the lost brother of Albus, so he can emotionally manipulate him to kill the “greatest threat” to Grindelwald’s cause? Or was he telling the truth, suggesting there’s a lot more to the Dumbledore family story than we ever thought? If so, is our crazy theory on how actually right?

What does Dumbledore really know about Credence’s past?

Whether Credence really is Aurelius or not, Albus Dumbledore must know something about his past and real identity. He always has more information than anyone else, and he was going to great lengths to help keep him safe. Is that because he’s his relative or because he cares about saving everyone? Dumbledore is definitely ahead of us and we want in on his information.

How much did Dumbledore know about Leta’s role in her brother’s death?

During their tense meeting at present day Hogwarts, Dumbledore mentioned the rumors about the Obscurial (Credence) being Leta’s lost brother Corvus. They then talked about the deaths of both of their siblings, followed by Dumbledore saying, “It’s never too late to free yourself. Confession is a relief, I’m told. A great weight lifted. Regret is my constant companion. Do not let it become yours.”Did he know exactly what Leta did as a child on that boat because he figured out what her Boggart was all about? Or did he just have a general sense she was angry because of something she did? Is it possible he was actually trying to get her to admit that Newt’s “accident” was really her fault, and Newt took the blame to protect her?

How old is Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter?

McGonagall wasn’t just teaching at Hogwarts in 1927, she was also there in the flashback when Leta and Newt were  students around 1910. So even if she started her teaching career at 19 years old, wouldn’t that make McGonagall about 100 years old when Harry Potter came to Hogwarts? If that’s accurate, she looked amazing for her age.

How do Sacred Vows work? What happens if it’s impossible to keep?

Yusuf Kama made an Unbreakable Vow to kill the person Corvus Lestrange Sr. loved most in this world, but then his son drowned before Yusuf ever got a chance. Didn’t that mean it was a promise that he could not keep? Why then did Yusuf Kama still show signs of having made one on his wrist? Why was he still being bothered by it years after Corvus Junior died? Are Unbreakable Vows self-inflicted magic? Does it stay in effect so long as you believe you have to fulfill it? Does it go away when you realize it’s impossible to?

Who brought Credence to America?

We have a partial answer from the official script for the movie, which says Credence was brought over by his “aunt.” But who was she? Was she really his relative, or just what she was claiming to be? The answer to that question could help us answer every other question we have about Credence’s birth.

Who did Leta say “I love you” to before she died?

Right before Leta died, she turned to say goodbye, and the camera showed us Newt. Leta says, “I love you,” and the next shot shows that Newt is standing right behind Theseus. So who were those final words for? Which Scamander brother did she truly love?

Why does Grindelwald have a glass eye?

He didn’t have it in the first film, but he had it when Dumbledore looked at the two of them as teenagers in the Mirror of Erised. Just an oversight changed after the first movie, or something else entirely?

How does a Blood Pact actually work?

What happens if someone violates it? Is it like an Unbreakable Vow? Is it even possible to go against one, or does it totally prevent you from violating the agreement?

Was Dumbledore’s blood pact with Grindelwald indirectly responsible for Ariana’s death?

If Dumbledore and Grindelwald swore a blood pact that stops them from fighting each other, what happened that night in Godric’s Hallow when the Dumbledore brothers dueled with Grindelwald? Ariana died from a stray Killing Curse. Is it possible it wasn’t “stray” but deflected, because Dumbledore and Grindelwald literally can’t harm one another?

Why are there so many names from ancient Greece and Rome?

Between Theseus and Newt, whose middle name is Artemis, and Tina’s unseen Auror boyfriend Achilles, there were a lot of Greek and Roman names in the movie. We also learned that Credence’s actual name might be Aurelius, the famous Roman emperor. That’s not an accident, but what does it mean? Is this story an analogy to a famous myth? Could it all end like a Greek tragedy?And one bonus question: what are the chances we’ll get answers to all of these in Fantastic Beasts 3?Are there any mysteries we left out? Tell us what question you want answered after seeing the movie.

Images: Warner Bros.

The post 11 Questions We Have After FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD appeared first on Nerdist.

Featured Image: Steven Richter

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We know Professor Snape taught Potions, Flitwick Charms, McGonagall Transfiguration, and the Spinal Tap drummer led Defence Against the Dark Arts, but we never found out who taught Dance at Hogwarts. Is it because the position remains unfilled? If so we have the perfect candidate for the job: the coach responsible for this high school dance team’s incredible Harry Potter routine.The PAC Dance and Advanced Dance teams at Walden Grove High School in Arizona united for one very epic program dedicated to the Boy Who Lived. Led by their coach and choreographer Kristi Lopez, they began with Harry living under the stairs at 4 Drivet Drive, taking him to his house sorting and time at school (including our favorite part where he really “flies” on his broomstick) up to his final showdown with Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Featured Image: ThePac Walden Grove

The post High School Dance Team Performs an Incredible HARRY POTTER Routine appeared first on Nerdist.

With only a month until Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald apparates into theaters Entertainment Weekly released more new images and insights from the film for us to study like we’re getting ready for our O.W.L.S. And while they might not give up any secrets as big as last month’s stunning revelation that Voldemort’s snake and horcrux Nagini was once a person, it’s clear the movie has an even more shocking surprise in store for us–one we think might involve a major betrayal that leads to a death.Here are our biggest takeaways from the new pictures and EW cast interview.1. Newt’s Secret Magical Animal SanctuaryThis underground room we’ve seen in trailers is Newt’s “refuge for injured magical creatures” located in the basement of his London workshop.

See 10 exclusive new ‘#FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ photos: https://t.co/wpSMrNc0LK pic.twitter.com/IvM63gkn9M

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) October 11, 2018

When we meet Newt again, he will already be a huge success from his recently released bestselling book Fantastic Beasts, so why does he need to hide his activities? What kind of animals need secret care? The kind that are dangerous to everyone, or the kind who are dangerous in the wrong hands? And how might a hiding place prove helpful to any wizards or witches that help him in his fight? Also, just how secret is it?2. Newt and Leta’s Past Relationship

#FantasticBeasts exclusive: 10 intriguing new #CrimesofGrindelwald photos https://t.co/tcB7DagePc pic.twitter.com/Lc08fPZvAL

— James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) October 11, 2018

It was hinted at in the first film, but this image of Leta Lestrange at her old Hogwarts desk where she carved “L + N” indicates just how strong her relationship with Newt was. The script for the first film confirmed Newt was kicked out of Hogwarts after taking the blame for something Leta did. Was that the reason for their falling out? Or did it come later, which is that why Newt couldn’t stand to even discuss their relationship before considering what he had sacrificed for her?3. The Lestrange Family Mausoleum Meeting Place

L’unico e il solo ❤🔥 #CrimesOfGrindelwald #AnimaliFantastici #FantasticBeasts #JohnnyDepp pic.twitter.com/vxArJSEeL6

— Julia_O’Brien (@July_Stilinski) October 11, 2018

The trailers have shown Grindelwald speaking to a crowd in an amphitheater numerous timse, but this latest look tells us exactly where he is doing so: an amphitheater beneath the Lestrange Family Mausoleum. Considering Leta Lestrange will play a major role in the film and the evil tendencies of her family, this is not a positive sign that she will fight on the side of good. Obviously the Lestrange family is standing by Grindelwald, so will she decide to join him because she’s loyal to her family? If that does happen, what will Theseus (Newt’s brother) do?4. Armed Brothers in a Graveyard

to curiosa demais pra saber se o theseus vai ficar com o newt e enganar eleou vai estar desde o começo do lado do grindelwaldou do lado do newt enganando grindelwald#fantasticbeasts pic.twitter.com/lLrIJrIcRj

— Eu, Thalia (@supotternatural) October 11, 2018

Grindelwald’s meeting is not the only image from a cemetery; we also see Newt and Theseus at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Based on what we’ve seen in trailers, we think they are going after Grindelwald. Even if they are not hunting the dark wizard down in this photo, the brothers will clearly be working together at some point. Either way, this is yet another major connection to death. Speaking of…5. The Origins of the Dark Mark?

“Vinda Rosier (Poppy Corby-Tuech), an ally of Grindelwald’s from a prestigious wizarding family.”

I LOVE HER SO MUCH ALREADY 💖💖 pic.twitter.com/4v6oI5yBv3— do you think you can hold me? (@depphead_) October 11, 2018

Grindelwald’s most trusted ally Vinda Rosier is giving him a skull and…rope? snake? We’re not positive, but together those items resemble everything you need to make Voldemort’s Dark Mark. When you remember the film’s logo is the Deathly Hallows and that the Elder Wand will help Grindelwald escape, death is all over this movie, a movie Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) said, “Reminds me a lot of The Empire Strikes Back.”We expect a dark, unhappy ending, and an important character dying would be one way to achieve that.6. Queenie’s Secret Mission

#AnimalesFantasticos | De la mano de @EW llegan nuevas imágenes de @FantasticBeasts #TheCrimesofGrindelwald ✨#HarryPotter #FantasticBeasts2 (Part 1) pic.twitter.com/fmTUIKTvdd

— La Cuarta Pared (@4a_pared) October 11, 2018

There’s not much to glean from the image of Goldie in Paris, but that belies the apparent importance of her reason for being there. She has “a mysterious purpose,” but her ability is known to everyone–she’s a Legilimens who can read people’s minds and feelings. That’s a pretty great skill to have when you aren’t sure who you can trust.7. A Shocking Ending No One Expects“I got to the end and my jaw dropped. There was one thing I didn’t see coming,†said Eddie Redmayne about the script. We suspected Warner Bros. revealing Claudia Kim’s role as Nagini  was to hide an even bigger secret, and it seems our instincts were correct. So what might that surprise be? Perhaps Newt will be betrayed by someone, with Leta and his brother as the best candidates to do so, and that someone will die as a result of this stunning development.Whatever it is it has to be big, because if they were willing to tell us about Nagini, what are they still hiding?What do you think these images tell us? What do you expect to happen? Tell us in the comments section below.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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If you are ever at the mall and someone offers you eight bucks to take a survey, say “yes,” not because the pay is great but because you might just get to watch the first footage from what appears to be the new, long-awaited Harry Potter open world RPG that will send players to Hogwarts in the 19th century.

This exciting news (we learned about from Metro) was first announced on Reddit, where a user shared footage they secretly recorded of a game trailer they were paid to watch. It features young wizards dueling, fighting, and exploring Hogwarts’ Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, and other locations, as well as a number of recognizable magical animals seen in Fantastic Beasts.

Leaked Harry Potter game in development by Rocksteady from r/gaming

Obviously that’s Hogwarts and this is a Harry Potter game, but if there was any question as to what that footage shows, the survey also included a write-up about the game:

“Set in the 19th Century (1800’s) Wizarding World, this 3rd person open-world action RPG game centers around your character with unique abilities who has eared a late acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You are a newly arrived 5th year student to Hogwarts that demonstrates a latent gift for magic with a unique ability to track and identify remnants of a pottant ancient power.”

The setting will allow players–who can choose from eight different wizards or create their own on a path of either good or evil–to “embark on a journey through both familiar and never before seen locations to bring to light the truth behind these mysterious occurrences,” in an “all new story separate from the books or films.”

How we got to see this footage is surprising, but the game itself is not. There have been rumors of a new Harry Potter game in development since last year when Avalanche Software, which is owned by Warner Bros., put out a job listing for a Senior Writer with “a deep understanding of British culture and grammatical presentation” to help “create an immersive game narrative.”

New Harry Potter RPG Footage Leaked! pic.twitter.com/ljr5yuXndX

— gaming memes (@GamepIay) October 2, 2018

While Warner Bros. has already pulled the footage from YouTube, that could be for any number of reasons including that it’s simply an idea at the moment and not formally in production. Just because we’ve seen some early footage doesn’t mean we will ever get to play it. Plenty of games, even highly anticipated ones, never get released. We hope that’s not the case here though, because Harry Potter is perfect for an open world RPG.

So until we get any solid announcements about a release date make sure you say “yes” to any and all mall surveys. You never know what kind of magical footage you’ll get to see.

What part of this trailer has you most excited to play the game? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

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The final trailer for The Crimes of Grindelwald introduced us to the human Nagini, the woman who will one day be known as Voldemort’s loyal pet and Horcrux. As if that monumental revelation wasn’t stunning enough, J.K. Rowling‘s coy attempts to tease even more shocking moments might have revealed why she named her Harry Potter prequel franchise Fantastic Beasts. It’s a theory that would explain why, when the world was threatened by a true monster, it needed to be saved by a magizoologist.

One thing Rowling definitively explained is that even though the human Nagini will become a snake she is not an Animagus like Sirius Black or Minerva McGonagall. An Animagus can morph into an animal at will, whereas Nagini is a Maledictus, which is a condition no one wants.

They’re different conditions. Maledictuses are always women, whereas werewolves can be either sex. The Maledictus carries a blood curse from birth, which is passed down from mother to daughter. https://t.co/wYfvPeQFRW

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 25, 2018

It’s a huge and meaningful distinction. An Animagus controls a magical ability; a Maledictus, an entirely new term for the franchise, is a woman afflicted with a magical curse.

That wasn’t the only question Rowling addressed. One thing fans have been debating is why Dumbledore, one of the most powerful wizards of all time, tells Newt in the trailers he can’t personally move on Grindelwald, that it “has to be” Newt who fights against him.

‘I cannot move against Grindelwald.’

He has a reason. Be patient… https://t.co/bVPzjfpKXM

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 25, 2018

We don’t really do “patient.” So what’s the reason? Based on Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s past, it likely has at least something to do with their personal relationship. But Dumbledore could turn to anyone for help; why ask a Hogwarts flunky to fight one of the most powerful Dark Wizards ever? Because Newt is not just any old wizard, he is an expert in a very specific field.

I could write you an essay in response to this, but it would give you the whole plot of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, so not going to… https://t.co/lXJwdMHrmB

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 25, 2018

The answer to that one question would give away the whole franchise, hmm?

…Do you see it? The way these little clues all seem to fit together? Did J.K. Rowling reveal that Gellert Grindelwald is actually a “fantastic beast” himself, which is why Dumbledore specifically recruited a world-class magizoologist to fight him?

If Newt’s particular set of wizard skills are relevant to this fight, what else would he be fighting but a fantastic beast? But what kind of beast though? An Animagus is still a witch or wizard, and Aurors can fight werewolves like Fenrir Greyback, so it’s very unlikely Grindelwald is either of those. If only Rowling had just introduced us to a totally different way for a human to turn into a deadly creature…

That’s right, we think Grindelwald once suffered from the male equivalent of a Maledictus curse (Rowling specified Maledictuses are always women), one he used Dark Magic to not only cure, but control.

We know Nagini will one day align herself with a Dark Wizard. Could this be why she went down that path in the first place, because she turned to Grindelwald to save her from the very fate he avoided? Is this why she remained loyal to Voldemort, because her only hope to escape was the most powerful, sisnister Dark Magic?

That definitely wasn’t Ezra’s biggest shock. ?#FantasticBeasts https://t.co/VCqZmUwsOG

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 25, 2018

YOU DON’T SAY, J.K.

If true, this would also partially explain why Grindelwald was enamored with an older Obscurial in the first film (which turned out to be Credence and not his sister). Grindelwald would already have firsthand experience about the power one can obtain by mastering an otherwise uncontrollable ability–having an Obscurial who survived adolescence and learned to use their Obscurus at will under his control would be an incredible ally.

We might already know what creature Grindelwald was destined to turn into as well, arguably the most dangerous of them all: a dragon. The trailers have featured Grindelwald conjuring up blue flames, which we have also seen in other shots form a :bum bum bum: dragon.

One of the most common questions viewers had after the first movie was how four more sequels would fit under the Fantastic Beasts moniker. Yes, Newt wrote the famous book of the same name, and the first movie involved many magical creatures, but it was clear the story was heading to a much more personal, human story. What would any of that have to do with a bunch of animals? If this theory proves true, that the franchise’s main villain Gellert Grindelwald is actually a dangerous, fantastic beast himself (whose true powers we probably still won’t fully understand after this film), it would explain a lot more than just that. No one will be asking why Dumbledore turned to Newt, why Grindelwald turned to Credence, or why Nagini turned to Voldemort.

And if we’re right, J.K. Rowling won’t have to worry about writing that essay. She just needed to give us the right clues to do it for her.

What do you think? Is Grindelwald an actual fantastic beast? Does he share the an affliction like Nagini’s? Is that why Dumbledore needed Newt to stop him? We want to hear all of your thoughts in the comments below on this theory.

Images: Warner Bros.

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