Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Q and A: Week of Nov. 28
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| Bill Pullman with Marcia Gay Harden, photo by James Dittiger |
A: Bill is headlining TNT’s Mystery Movie Night by starring in “Scott Turow’s Innocent,” which is the sequel to “Presumed Innocent,” picking up the lives of Rusty and Barbra Sabich two decades later. The movie opens with Rusty being accused of murdering his wife, mirroring the accusation he was cleared of years before with his mistress.
You can catch your favorite stars this winter in crime-novel adaptations of books by authors like Scott Turow, Mary Higgins Clark, Sandra Brown and more. While Bill himself is not a big television watcher, he loves the artistic opportunities it presents to actor and viewers, telling me: “I like the image of people on their sofas on a winter night just getting down with a good, compelling thriller. Makes me want to watch more television.” Check your local listings for the date and time of each movie’s airing during TNT’s Mystery Movie Night series ("Scott Turow's Innocent" premieres tomorrow night, Nov. 29, at 9 ET/PT). Come back here tomorrow to read my entire interview with Bill.
Q: I was reading that Universal is going to pull the “Harry Potter” movies from the shelves soon. Is this true? — Andrew R., via e-mail
A: On Dec. 29, Universal is indeed pulling “Harry Potter” movies from the shelves — right after the Christmas rush — and offer them only on a sporadic basis, like Disney has done with its animated classics. If you can, I’d hold off on buying the eight-disc boxed set featuring years one through seven. It contains only the movie discs with no special features or extras. At the end of 2012, Universal plans to release a more comprehensive boxed set of all eight movies, with the extras and special treats we’ve all been waiting for.
Q: What is the lovely Annabeth Gish up to lately? I loved her on “The X-Files.” — Gabrielle V., Portland, Ore.A: Annabeth is starring alongside Pierce Brosnan in A&E’s miniseries “Bag of Bones,” which is based on the Stephen King novel. In the miniseries, best-selling novelist Mike Noonan (Pierce) can’t stop grieving after the death of his wife, Jo (Annabeth). A dream inspires him to return to the couple’s lakeside retreat in western Maine. Of course, mysterious things are going to happen. Check back here next week to read my full interview with Annabeth about her role in this series, which premieres Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Q: I loved Sheldon’s “Soft Kitty Song” on “The Big Bang Theory.” My roommate told me I can buy the Soft Kitty stuffed animal. Please tell me this is true! — Paula F., Youngstown, Ohio
A: Just in time for Christmas, Stylin Online is offering the official Soft Kitty cat and T-shirt for all you “Big Bang” fans. From episode “Pancake Batter Anomaly” comes one of most memorable moments in the history of the show. An ill Sheldon explains to Penny that his mother used to sing him a song as a child whenever he became sick. The song goes: “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur, happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.” The stuffed cat will sing you the “Soft Kitty Song” from the show, and it’s available at stylinonline.com/softkitty
Universal's Wizarding World Surprise
Universal Orlando Resort surprised guests who attended the midnight film screening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” at AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with something they could only have dreamed of – exclusive, complimentary access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Immediately following the film, these select guests had The Wizarding World of Harry Potter all to themselves from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Moviegoers were notified of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity following the film. After celebrating in the theaters, more than 3,000 excited guests walked a red carpet to the place where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter films will live on. During their visit, guests experienced the wand choosing them at Ollivanders, tasted Butterbeer, toured Hogwarts castle and enjoyed many other experiences found only at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
New Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer!
Warner Brothers has released another new Deathly Hallows, Part 2 trailer. Click the pic below:
MTV's Harry Potter World Cup
NEW YORK – JUNE 16, 2011 – With the final installment of the Harry Potter film series headed to theaters this summer, MTV News is launching the Harry Potter World Cup, a month-long tournament that will have fans voting online to lay to rest, once-and-for-all, the question, “Who is the greatest Harry Potter character of all time?” Will Harry, Ron and Hermione remain fan favorites or will Voldemort, Draco Malfoy or another villain slink through to victory? 64 will compete, but only one will emerge as the Wizarding World's Champion — and it’s up to you.
As announced by James and Oliver Phelps (the Weasley twins), the Harry Potter World Cup will launch on Monday, June 20th with an intensity and fierceness rivaled only by the most extreme Quidditch matches ever seen. Round by round, the single-elimination event will unfold online with fans championing, fighting and voting for the character they believe is the greatest in J.K. Rowling’s epic fantasy series. The two finalists will be announced on Monday, July 11th, kicking off a championship round just days before the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
The winner will be revealed during MTV News' livestream coverage of the film's red carpet premiere in New York City. In addition to voting online at MoviesBlog.MTV.com, fans are also encouraged to utilize the official Twitter hashtag #mtvpottercup to spread the word about voting.
Each round will feature new videos and articles from Harry Potter stars, experts and fans handicapping the race. To view the Harry Potter World Cup bracket click here.
The Harry Potter World Cup Tournament Voting Schedule is as follows:
Round 1 – Monday, June 20th through Sunday, June 26th
Round 2 – Monday, June 27th through Thursday, June 30th at Midnight
Sweet 16 – Friday, July 1st through Tuesday, July 5th at Midnight
Elite 8 – Wednesday, July 6th through Thursday, July 7th at Midnight
Final 4 – Friday, July 8th through Sunday, July 10th at Midnight
Championship Round – Final 2 announced Monday, July 11th. Voting will continue up until the New York City premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Tags: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog
Q and A: Week of August 2
A: Star Dylan McDermott (pictured, photo credit Richard Foreman) told me: “We looked at the first season to see what worked and what didn’t work. We decided to make the show a little lighter in tone, added more humor, and the introduction of Alex Rice as my love interest. We’ve opened it up to a wider audience. It’s still gritty and dark, but adding and making changes opened up the show a lot.” (Read my entire interview here.)
Q: I can’t believe Melina Kanakaredes is leaving my favorite show, “CSI: NY.” Who will they get to replace her? — Maggie F., Portland, Maine
A: After six years, Melina is hanging up her handcuffs, and television vet Sela Ward is stepping in to take her place. “We are delighted to have Sela joining ‘CSI: NY,’” ’showrunner’ Pam Veasey announced in July. Ward will play an “experienced investigator from Washington, D.C., whose work is driven by her empathy for the victim.”
Q: Is it true that Steve Carell is leaving “The Office”? Why? The office will be so empty without him! — David G. in Pennsylvania
A: It’s sad, but true. Everyone’s favorite worst boss will be leaving the show when his contract expires in May 2011. He explained to E! Online that he just felt it was time. But don’t worry, as Steve explains: “It certainly doesn’t mean the end of the show. I think it’s just a dynamic change, which could be a good thing, actually. Add some new life and some new energy. I see it as a positive in general for the show.”
Some good news on the casting front, though, is the return of Amy Ryan as Holly for eight episodes, as well as Melora Hardin as Jan (no word as of yet on how many episodes). I can’t wait to see how Michael handles this one!
Q: I have been a fan of Natasha Henstridge since “Species” (who could forget that role?), and really liked her on the now-canceled “Eli Stone.” What does she have coming up? — Greg D., via e-mailA: Natasha has been pretty busy since playing Taylor Wethersby on “Eli Stone.” The beautiful blonde, who turns 36 on Aug. 15, recently starred in “You Lucky Dog” opposite Harry Hamlin (who I’ve redeveloped my crush on since watching “Clash of the Titans” again). She also starred in the film “The Perfect Student” and starred in the TV miniseries “Impact” with David James Elliott ("Scoundrels”).
You can catch her on Sunday, Aug. 8, in the Lifetime Original Movie “The Devil’s Teardrop,” a mystery/thriller based on the best-selling book by Jeffery Deaver. She plays a special agent assigned to catch a serial killer who’s on the rampage in Washington, D.C. Natasha co-stars with Tom Everett Scott ("That Thing You Do”) and Rena Sofer ("Just Shoot Me!”). Stay tuned — my full interview with Natasha is coming soon!
Q: Does Jeanne Cooper, who plays Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and The Restless,” have a son or two in show business? If so, who are they? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.
A: The Grand Dame of daytime television does indeed have children who are actors: daughter Caren, son Collin and, most famous, son Corbin Bernsen (of “L.A. Law,” “Major League” and “Psych” fame). Jeanne’s husband (now deceased) was TV producer Harry Bernsen Jr. They divorced after 23 years of marriage, but reportedly remained best friends until his death in 2008. Corbin, 55, plays the recurring part of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he directed Jeanne, 81, in the films “Carpool Guy” and “Donna on Demand,” as well as many other projects.
Q: I watched “Stargate: Atlantis” from the beginning, and really like one character who wasn’t in the show for the entire run of the series. Can you give me more information on Rainbow Francks? Also, is he related to Canadian actor Don Francks? — June J., Holberg, B.C., Canada
A: Rainbow Sun Francks, 30, is indeed the son of Don Francks, as well as the brother of actress Cree Summer (who is best known for her role in “A Different World”). You can catch him this summer in the CBS police drama “The Bridge,” which airs Saturdays. He guest-stars in the ninth episode of this first season. The show, which originated in Canada, already aired his episode (titled “Never Let Me Down Again”) in April, but you might be able to catch it online or in reruns.
Q: Can you tell me if Jill from “Wipeout” is the same girl on the Mercury car commercials? — Burton L. in N.Y.
A: “Wipeout” co-host Jill Wagner is indeed known as the “Mercury Chick” for her commercial and print ads for Lincoln-Mercury (since 2005). The 31-year-old North Carolina native also has appeared on “Blade: The Series,” “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Bones.”
Q: I would love to know what my favorite ’90s star, Jason Priestley, has been up to lately. The most recent thing I’ve seen him on is “Side Order of Life.” — Trisha J., via e-mailA: Jason, who turns 41 in August, still acts here and there, but he has really turned his attention to directing. He caught the directing bug while working on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and has since directed shows such as “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “The Lake” and the new “90210.” Currently he is guest-starring on the new ABC series, “Scoundrels,” which airs Sunday nights.
I spoke with series star Leven Rambin recently (see the interview here), and she told me she was thrilled to work with Jason. “He was so fun. He just came in and really embraced it and really got the joke of the character. The character is like an ’80s washed-up TV star who is now doing a reality-hosting type of show. He came in and was such a pro, and I got along with him really well.”
Q: After Farrah Fawcett passed away, I was watching an interview with her best friend, Alana Stewart, and she mentioned their shared Texas ties. Where is she from? — Janice, Fort Worth, Texas
A: Farrah hailed from Corpus Christi, Texas, which is in the southern portion of the state along the Gulf of Mexico. Alana is from Nacogdoches, Texas, which is toward the east and closer to the Louisiana border.
Q: I absolutely adore the “Harry Potter” series and am so sad to see it come to an end. What do the stars of the series have planned for the future? — George K., Casper, Wyo.
A: I had the chance to speak with the stars when they were in Orlando for the opening of Universal Studio’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe will be starring on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and he hopes to continue to hone his singing and dancing skills. Rupert Grint is going the indie route: His new film, “Wild Target,” recently opened, and he’s in preproduction for “Eddie the Eagle.”
Tom Felton might have a bit of revenge in his future. When I asked him about his speech being interrupted at the MTV Movie Awards by Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, he joked: “I just wanted to thank my mum — it took me four tries to get it out! Hopefully one day Will Ferrell will have a big lifetime acceptance speech, and I can swing down from the rafters and mess his speech up.”
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Press Day Pics Are Up
For all the Press Day goodness with the Harry Potter stars at the opening of Universal Studio's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out my Flickr gallery: http://tiny.cc/cepotter.
VIDEO: Harry Potter Stars Visit Wizarding World Harry Potter
MILD SPOILER ALERT!
© Universal Studios, All Rights Reserved
HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
© Universal Studios, All Rights Reserved
HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Potter Stars Tour Wizarding World
This morning, Harry Potter film stars Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, and Oliver and James Phelps began their sneak peek tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by entering Hogsmeade. The group was invited to Universal Orlando Resort for a first-look at the immersive environment, and spent the day visiting many of the iconic locations made famous in the popular Harry Potter series. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort grand opens on June 18.
Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort
© 2010 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Cracks Open its Doors
(from the Orlando Sentinel blogs)
Muggles have invaded the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Those mere mortals attending the Orlando International Pow Wow, a travel and tourism industry group, were invited Monday to glimpse parts of the new attraction that’s set to have a grand opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on June 18.
What they saw: the high level of detail throughout the area, inside and out, which is designed to reflect the vision of the Harry Potter filmmakers. What they didn’t see: the mobile portion of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the new dark ride still shrouded in a bit of secrecy. Folks did get a gander at the extensive queue of Forbidden Journey, which is housed in the signature piece of WWHP architecture, Hogwarts castle.
And they were able to swig butterbeer, pumpkin juice or Hog’s Head Brew, all made especially for Universal Orlando.
More new details of the attraction were on display. Visitors could explore Ollivanders and purchase a wand or buy candy from Honeydukes or any number of souvenirs from the Potterverse.
Hagrid's Hut — Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Have you seen Hagrid's Hut? Here's a new image from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando (opening June 18).
(© Universal Studios, All Rights Reserved)
Don't miss the new video of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — see it here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grand Opening June 18
(all photos © 2010 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.)
SPOILER ALERT!!!
If you don't want to know anything about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Orlando, then read no further.
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 25, 2010) – One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort – is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects – and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine…
…meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
…soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
…being swept into a Quidditch match
…feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
…exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
…living adventures you’ve only been able to imagine – until now.
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
“Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they’ve only read in the books or seen in the films,” said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:
· Dumbledore’s office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
· Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
· Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
· Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
· Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.
The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It’s a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
“We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”
The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series—and the future of theme park entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
* Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
* First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
* Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction’s score
* The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
* Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
* Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
* Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
* You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom
For the latest news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
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