[NOTD] News Of The Day 21/04/07

New High Res Image of Trio from Entertainment Weekly

Thanks to WB we now have that new image of the Trio as seen in the new image of Entertainment Weekly magazine that TLC first told you about earlier today. In this image you can see Harry (Dan Radcliffe) walking by the Hogwarts Express train, with a worried looking Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) looking on. You can see this new image, here in our galleries.

Big LeakyMug Announcement At Last!

The LeakyMug is back and this time it's with the announcement that most of you guys sorta, kinda, totally knew was coming. We'll be doing a live LeakyMug at the Prophecy Harry Potter convention in Toronto, Canada on August 2, 2007! And this one's a pajama party, starting at midnight on Friday night. (So, technically Saturday. Yeah, you're confused, so are we. Don't worry, we'll find each other.)

We've recorded a special LeakyMug to talk about and celebrate this announcement, so click here to get it on iTunes, and click here for a direct download. Enjoy! Please also keep in mind that this was recorded WELL before we knew which day DH was set to be released - so it's a tiny bit outdated. Sorry. Hah. The live show is going to be a whole mess'a post-DH talk.

New UK "Order of the Phoenix" Trailer Due Sunday

EW, USA Today Summer Movie Previews Include "Order of the Phoenix"

"Equus" Starring Dan Radcliffe, Richard Griffiths to End June 9; Confirmed for Broadway 2008?

An update for you now on the status of "Equus" the play starring Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon Dursley) currently running in London, England. Noted theater website Whats on Stage.com is reporting today the play will indeed end on June 9, and that both Dan Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths will reprise their roles next year when the play moves here in the States to New York City for a summer 2008 debut. Quotage:

Radcliffe and co-star Richard Griffiths, who plays the young wizard's vile uncle in the Harry Potter films, have agreed to reprise their performances for a Broadway transfer planned for summer 2008, which will be followed by an Australian production.

The article also lays to rest recent speculation that Dan would be replaced in the play by actor Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, the upcoming "Hallam Foe"), as the article states that Dan will continue through with the role as reported previously, and conclude his run in the play in June. The play will then tour in the UK with actor Richard Fleeshman taking on the part. The play's producer is quoted as saying ""We could have replaced Dan and Richard, but the thought of having to do a half-cocked production into the summer didn't thrill us."

The BBC is reporting this same story,here, and Playbill is also claiming confirmation of sorts the appearance of Dan and Richard in the play here when the play moves to Broadway next year citing reports that "Radcliffe and co-star Richard Griffiths have agreed to a May or June 2008 transfer." Please note that we are trying to obtain official confirmation of this information and will update with more on this when we can. Also, no additional information on US additional casting, or venue has yet been announced at this point either, so hang tight for now!

New IMAX OotP Poster

Thanks to sharp eyed TLC reader Justin, we now know of a brand new Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix poster as seen via the IMAX.com website. This poster shows Harry Potter (Dan Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Neville Longbottom (Matt Lewis), Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), and Cho Chang (Katie Leung) as very determined looking members of the DA. You can see a capture of this poster,here in our galleries. As TLC first reported to you earlier today, the last 20 minutes of the IMAX edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be seen in 3-D. This film will be released in both conventional theaters and in IMAX theaters July 13, 2007.

Chamber of Chat: Adobe Site of the Day!

Congratulations go to the Chamber of Chat who was named the Adobe Site of the Day! For those that are relatively new to TLC, the Chamber of Chat is a unique interactive chat world for Potter fans everywhere here at Leaky. The citation from Adobe reads as follows:

"If you're a fan of Harry Potter, stop by the Chamber of Chat and check out the places from the book as Troy Hipolito and Carl Lydon imagine them. Create your own avatar and interact with other visitors by playing interactive games, exploring the castle, or hanging out in the chat room. This site, created with Studio 8 and Photoshop, is heavily moderated, making it a safe place for both teens and adults to interact and share their interest in all things Harry Potter."

Congratulations to Troy, Carl and the whole Chamber of Chat team! If you are interested in learning more about this fun place where you can explore the recently added Slytherin Common room, as well as all the other cool environments such as the pub, the forest, even the Riddle room, as well as practice spells and more, click here. Registration is required, but free. Enjoy!

New PC, PS2 and Wii "Order of the Phoenix" Video Game Images

Two New Photos from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

Final 20 Minutes of "Order of the Phoenix" in 3-D

Last summer TLC told you that the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie was to be shown in regular and IMAX formats, but also that portions of the IMAX film were possibility to be shown in 3-D. The print version of the USA Today newspaper this morning has an article about the IMAX 3-D portion of the fifth film, and continues on to note:

"About 20 minutes at the end of the IMAX version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be converted into 3-D. The film arrives July 13 in IMAX and conventional theaters."

As fans of the Harry Potter series know, the last portion of the book involves a battle at the ministry of Magic including a confrontation between the Wizarding world's two most powerful wizards, Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore, perhaps now on film in 3-D. Wow.

UPDATE: A press release has now been issued from Warner Brothers and IMAX on this, with the following quotes:

"The Harry Potter films are an enormous draw all over the world, and this film should prove to be no different," added Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures International. "The last 20 minutes in IMAX 3D will add a new element of excitement to the Harry Potter experience, making this a must-see for fans of all ages. We're looking forward to a long and very successful run."
...

"We are delighted to once again work with David Heyman and the Harry Potter team, and Warner Bros. Pictures on another memorable Harry Potter movie," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We know that through the magic of IMAX, fans will already feel as is if they are right next to Harry, Ron and Hermione in IMAX's larger-than-life 2D format, and we are thrilled to treat them to an even more immersive experience with the finale of the film brought to you in IMAX 3D."