HARRY POTTER

Sanford’s Theatre West End is set to premiere its student-led showing of “Puffs,” based on the Harry Potter series of children’s books.

The prequel series has tried to follow the Harry Potter playbook—but neglects the original franchise’s most spellbinding features.

Film Review - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows, from left, Jessica Williams, Callum Turner, Jude Law, Fionna Glascott, Dan Fogler and Eddie Redmayne in a scene from "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore." “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” which Warner Bros. released in 4,208 locations in North America, also carries a $200 million production price tag. The eight Harry Potter films were responsible for over $7.7 billion in box office, while the first two “Fantastic Beasts” films made $1.5 billion total. As with previous “Fantastic Beasts” films, however, “Dumbledore” has more hope internationally. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” $43 million.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” got off to a less than magical start in its first weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters.

The third of five planned Harry Potter prequels concerns a rigged election.

A new 10-part series on Showtime, "The First Lady," explores the private lives of some of the most revered public figures in American politics. CBS News' Lesley Stahl sits down with Michelle Pfeiffer (who plays Betty Ford), Viola Davis (Michelle Obama), and Gillian Anderson (Eleanor Roosevelt) about how they approached the roles of women who used the often-hidden power of their positions to change the course of history.

You won’t need to grab your broomsticks or Floo powder to travel into the magical world of Harry Potter.

Mr Putin referenced the Harry Potter author during a speech condemning "cancel culture" in the West.

The Lavender Brown actor announced her pregnancy in December and tested positive for COVID-19 last month.

MEGACON will take place May 19-22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Hello, Dobby: Dobby, an aardvark calf, snuggles with its mother, Omi, at the Chester Zoo. (Chester Zoo)A zoo in the United Kingdom is celebrating the birth of an aardvark for the first time in the facility’s history. >> Read more trending newsThe Chester Zoo announced the birth of the aardvark in a news release. The calf, born on Jan. 4, was nicknamed Dobby because it resembles the house-elf character in the “Harry Potter” franchise, the BBC reported. Read the full story of our new addition to the zoo family 📰⬇️https://t.co/mLMbYK71JH — Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) February 11, 2022The sex of the calf has yet to be determined, the zoo stated in its release.

Michelle Hurd and Jeri Ryan star in an original audio drama, "Star Trek: Picard - No Man's Land."

Theater Harry Potter Actor FILE- A sign for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" hangs at the Broadway opening at the Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 22, 2018, in New York. The actor playing Harry Potter has been fired from the Broadway production following a complaint by a co-star about his conduct. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) (Evan Agostini)NEW YORK — (AP) — The actor playing Harry Potter has been fired from the Broadway production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” following a complaint by a co-star about his conduct. Producers said Sunday night that, after an independent investigation of the incident, they decided to terminate the contract of James Snyder. “We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’” the statement by producers said.

The actor playing Harry Potter has been fired from the Broadway production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” following a complaint by a co-star about his conduct.

The actor playing Harry Potter has been fired from the Broadway production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” following a complaint by a co-star about his conduct. Producers said Sunday night that, after an independent investigation of the incident, they decided to terminate the contract of James Snyder. Snyder did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Producers did not provide any details about the misconduct complaint by co-star Diane Davis.

Fans called out HBO after a photo of young Emma Roberts wearing Minnie Mouse ears mistakenly appeared in the "Return to Hogwarts" special.

During the "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" reunion, the Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy actors discussed their long friendship.

The special doesn't offer particularly new insights but is sure to tug on fans' heartstrings.

Putin has frequently used public appearances to take conservative position on culture war issues that he sees as Western, liberal viruses spreading in Russian society.

Few villains are as mysterious or elusive as He Who Must Not Be Named, so even those who have read the "Harry Potter" series can learn more about him

HBO Max is giving fans of the “Harry Potter” film franchise a look at the epic’s cast reunion special. >> Read more trending newsThe trailer for “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” shows what happens when the film series’ original cast gets together to reminisce about growing up in front of the camera. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, sat down and talked about their experience being part of cinematic history. “And there’s something so joyous about seeing everyone and being like, it wasn’t though.”Grint told Watson and Radcliffe that “We’re family. “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” will stream starting Jan. 1 on HBO Max.

The leagues believe a name change will help "distance" themselves from J.K Rowling's beliefs.

It’s been 20 years since Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson became Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. >> Read more trending newsAfter eight films and two decades, the cast of the iconic film franchise is getting back together along with the rest of the cast. A new teaser trailer for “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” has been released, with Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis and Mark Williams receiving invitations to the special. Fans of the series will also spot a similarity between the letters the actors received and those that are received by new students of the school of wizardry. “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” will air on HBO Max on Jan 1, Yahoo Entertainment reported.

LOS ANGELES — Actor Helen Mirren has never appeared in the Harry Potter film franchise, but she is stepping into the magical world as she hosts “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses” on television. >> Read more trending newsMirren will host the weekly four-part series, which starts Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on TBS and Cartoon Network, the Associated Press reported. The quiz show will feature contestants representing houses from Harry Potter who answer trivia questions about the famous novels-turned-movies to win a championship trophy and prizes. Mirren has never hosted a game show but is known for her acting roles in movies like “The Queen” and “Gosford Park.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 29 Photos: Dame Helen Mirren through the years CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Actress Helen Mirren attends the screening of "Girls Of The Sun (Les Filles Du Soleil)" during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2018 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)©2021 Cox Media Group

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will appear in an HBO Max special next year celebrating the film franchise. Rowling will be featured in archival footage, but will not join in person.

The retrospective will feature interviews with many of the film's actors and a look at the making of the series.

The retrospective special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts,” will air as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" premiered on Nov. 16, 2001. To celebrate, we're dusting off our Pensieve and revisiting NPR's coverage from 20 years ago.

Its been 20 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone — check out what stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are doing now!

Chris Columbus previously said Robin Williams wanted to play Lupin. He told Insider David Thewlis was "great," but Williams would've been "brilliant."

Grab your wand, cloak and a Nimbus 2000, because we’re taking off on a broomstick ride to Hogwarts.

Sometimes, the bad or scary things are what they seem. In those cases, what do we parents do?

Harry Potter star collapses: Tom Felton is carted off the 18th green during an exhibition match that precedes the Ryder Cup competition. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the lovely well wishes, as of recent,” Felton, 34, said in the post. >> Related: ‘Harry Potter’ actor Tom Felton collapses during Ryder Cup exhibitionFelton was watching a practice round for the Ryder Cup golf competition at the Whistling Straits course in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, when he collapsed Thursday, WTMJ reported. Felton then broke into song: “Don’t you worry, girl, Tom will be doing fine / So, don’t you worry, Tom will be doing fine.”Felton was representing Europe in the Ryder Cup Celebrity Match, which is held the day before the U.S. and Europe begin the Ryder Cup, WTMJ reported. The exhibition pits U.S. and European teams consisting of sports and film stars against each other, the television station reported.

Harry Potter star collapses: Tom Felton is carted off the 18th green during an exhibition match that precedes the Ryder Cup competition. (Ashley Landis/Associated Press )SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Actor Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, was carted off a golf course on Thursday after experiencing a medical incident. >> Read more trending newsFelton, who turned 34 on Wednesday, was watching a practice round for the upcoming Ryder Cup golf competition at the Whistling Straits course in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, WTMJ reported. According to The Associated Press, Felton collapsed at the 18th hole. A spokesperson for the PGA of America said in a statement, “In today’s Ryder Cup Celebrity Match, actor and musician Tom Felton experienced a medical incident on the course while participating for Europe.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — (AP) — British actor Tom Felton, known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” movies, collapsed while playing a celebrity golf exhibition Thursday at the Ryder Cup. Ryder Cup organizers said only that Felton experienced “a medical incident” at Whistling Straits and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was helped to his feet, placed on a stretcher and driven away in a golf cart. Felton was representing Europe in the celebrity match, which is held the day before the U.S. and Europe start the Ryder Cup. He has appeared in a number of movies, most notably eight films in the “Harry Potter” series.

'Fantastic Beasts 3' FILE PHOTO: Eddie Redmayne (R) and Jude Law (L), stars of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald, surprise fans at platform 9 3/4 during 'Back to Hogwarts' day celebration at Kings Cross Station on September 1, 2018 in London, England. The pair will be back together next year for "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore." (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros)Fans of the Harry Potter universe will now know all of the secrets of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. >> Read more trending newsWarner Bros. has announced that the latest in the “Fantastic Beasts” series will be called, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” and the film will be in theaters on April 15, Easter weekend, Deadline reported. #FantasticBeasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in theaters April 15, 2022. pic.twitter.com/l27HbuwW9f — Fantastic Beasts (@FantasticBeasts) September 22, 2021It was originally set to premiere on July 15, but its release was moved up, Variety reported.

BEIJING — (AP) — Universal Studios announced Monday that its first theme park in China will open in the country's capital in September. The company set the opening date for Sept. 20, according to a statement and video posted on the Chinese social media site Weixin. Under construction since 2016, the theme park has received strong backing from Beijing authorities, including the extension of one of the city’s main subway lines to the site. The Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Kung Fu Panda film franchises feature heavily, along with the Minions from the “Despicable Me” movies. The coronavirus pandemic curtailed a rapidly growing demand for domestic travel and tourism, but new cases of domestic transmission have been falling, feeding optimism in the tourism sector.

Britain Harry Potter Fire Firefighters at the scene after a fire at the Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh, Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. An Edinburgh cafe where author J.K. Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books has been damaged in a fire. The Elephant House in the Scottish capital was blackened by a blaze which broke out at the patisserie next door on Tuesday. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP) (Andrew Milligan)LONDON — (AP) — A cafe in Scotland's capital where author J.K. Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books has been damaged in a fire. The Elephant House is a regular stop for Harry Potter fans and long bore a sign declaring itself as the “birthplace” of the fictional young wizard.

A cafe in Scotland's capital where author J.

Since 2010, Harry Potter has been a constant wellspring of content for themed entertainment. It wasn’t long after Universal welcomed a record-breaking number of guests...

International condemnation grows towards a Hungarian law banning depiction of homosexuality to under-18s.

Robinson presided over such bestsellers as J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" novels and Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" series.

The children's publishing giant announced that Robinson died Saturday, but did not immediately provide a cause. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dick Robinson," Scholastic's board of directors said in a statement. "Dick was a true visionary in the world of children’s books and an unrelenting advocate for children’s literacy and education with a remarkable passion his entire life.”Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Harvard College, Robinson was the son of Maurice R. Robinson, who founded Scholastic in 1920. The younger Robinson was named president of Scholastic in 1974, CEO in 1975 and board chair in 1982.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Wednesday evening.

Hot Butterbear will now be available year around at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter NY Butterbeer Apron Harry Potter New York to bring Butterbeer to New York City for the first time. >> Read more trending newsStarting next month, fans who apparate to New York will be able to visit the Butterbeer Bar, which will serve food and drinks based on the Harry Potter concoction. On the bill of fare: draft Butterbeer, bottled Butterbeer and even Butterbeer ice cream. Studio Tour London and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. This is the first time it’s officially been available in New York City and will be sold at the official Harry Potter store that opens June 3.

British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show “Peaky Blinders” and the “Harry Potter” movies, has died.

Versatile British actor Paul Ritter, whose roles ranged from a hapless suburban patriarch in sitcom “Friday Night Dinner” to a Soviet engineer who helps cause a nuclear disaster in “Chernobyl,” has died at 54.

Many have also pointed to the Harry Potter series as a catalyst for them to deal with bullies and grief. An unbreakable vowAside from Rowling, WarnerMedia also faces a challenge from a deal it struck with NBCUniversal in 2016. The agreement, worth in the north of $250 million, allows the Comcast-owned NBC to show all of the Harry Potter films on cable until 2025. This allowed HBO Max to launch last May with all of the Harry Potter films in its digital library. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

click image Photo courtesy LeakyCon/FacebookAttendees at LeakyCons in days of yoreHarry Potter fandom expo LeakyCon in Orlando has been postponed for yet another year because of pandemic-related concerns.The convention, a weekend full of colorful costumes and fantastical fiction and myth, along with a Dementor or two — just to clarify, we're not talking about CPAC, that one sadlyhappen — was set for the Orange County Convention Center in June. The new date for LeakyCon is July 29-31, 2022, still at the Convention Center.Guests who were confirmed for the now-postponed 2021 event included actors Devon Murray, Josh Herdman and Stanislav Yanevski.Tickets for LeakyCon 202o or 2021 can be rolled forward to the planned 2022 convention. Refund requests will be honored through Friday, April 30.LeakyCon Denver is still a go for October as of this writing.

Harry Potter fans can now add a little Hogwarts to their homes with a new collection of Lego sets. [TRENDING: Video shows officer slamming student | Man shoots at ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend 94 times | These men are paying $55M to go to space station]Harry Potter-themed Lego sets. (Image: LEGO) (WKMG)Lego is also offering an immersive soundtrack for Harry Potter fans to get lost in as they relax and recharge while building. Make some room for Mickey and Minnie because once you finish building these sets, you’re going to want them on display. Mickey Mouse-themed Lego set.

Early development efforts are underway at HBO Max for a Harry Potter live-action series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The publication cited sources who said executives have had multiple conversations with possible writers to explore ideas. They have considered broad ideas as part of early exploratory meetings. They don’t yet have a writer or any talent attached to the project. HBO Max, Warner Brothers, and creator J.K. Rowling control rights to Harry Potter, but the franchise has complex rights issues that could be a factor.

1/26: CBSN AM Senate receives President Trump's article of impeachment; "Harry Potter" TV series may be in the works

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Attention witches and wizards, a new live-action Harry Potter series could be coming to HBO Max. "There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform," representatives from Warner Bros. and HBO Max told CNBC in a statement. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling has spawned spinoff books, 10 box-office features and theme park lands at Universal Studios in Florida and California. The author has come under scrutiny for comments made about the trans community and has faced backlash from even the most loyal of Harry Potter fans.

A blind girl had the most magical Christmas after receiving a special set of books. A fan of the Harry Potter books, 7-year-old Emrie was delighted to receive the full series in braille for Christmas. Emrie started reading the Harry Potter books with her dad at night but recently stopped because she wanted to read them for herself, according to News.com.au. “They have recently stopped reading them because Emrie wants to read them herself, she wants to put her finger to the paper and fly through Hogwarts too. Emrie’s aunt decided to raise money from followers on Instagram to be able to purchase her a set of books.

While that may result in saved lives for Southern California’s theme parks, it’s meant months of no income. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Sweets & Treats kiosk is open on select days until further notice. For Universal, butterbeer has proven to be a major attraction and a must-try for nearly every tourist visiting the Wizarding World. The three-story, 20,000-square-foot retail experience will offer exclusive merchandise including wands, and numerous food and beverage offerings.Last year, the Warner Bros. Each major new investment means ongoing negotiations with Warner Bros., which Universal must keep happy.

Now fans of Harry Potter can enjoy an incredible new LEGO Harry Potter set that brings the Wizarding World’s Diagon Alley to your home. Harry Potter Diagon Alley LEGO set (LEGO)The more than 5,000 piece set features the iconic hidden wizard street with stores like Ollivander’s wand shop, Flourish & Blotts bookstore and the colorful Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes joke shop. Diagon Alley is the biggest set I’ve designed to-date and I am really proud of how it has come together" said Marcos Bessa, LEGO Harry Potter design lead. Marcos Bessa, LEGO Harry Potter design lead (LEGO)“On the inside of the model there is so much to discover. True Harry Potter fans can also check out the Hogwarts Castle, astronomy tower, or Hedwig owl sets.

I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself, was the first star to make a statement on the matter. His thoughts were long, but to many “Harry Potter” fans, his words were very comforting. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.”Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, tweeted out in support of the trans community. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.

Having Harry Potter himself read them to you, of course! J.K. Rowling is gathering up some of her famous muggle friends to bring fans the ultimate Harry Potter quarantine entertainment. The entire first book in Rowling’s wizarding series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” will be available for fans to listen to, and each chapter will be read by a different celebrity once a week, starting off with Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter. The site is full of puzzles, quizzes and articles that focus on everything Harry Potter and Hogwarts. You can watch a video of Radcliffe reading chapter one of the book here, or listen to it on Spotify.

Luckily for us, there are tons of films that have gone on to become major movie franchises, with sequel after sequel bringing back some of the most beloved characters of all time. So, if you want to take a break from binging “The Office” for the 10th time and want to dig in to some classics, consider watching these movie franchises from front to back. ‘Star Wars’Writer and director George Lucas created a movie about a team of rebels fighting evil in a galaxy far, far away, and it’s gone on to become one of the most influential movie franchises of all time. ‘Toy Story’A lot of the movie franchises are for teens and adults, but the “Toy Story” movies are great because the entire family can enjoy them. ‘Marvel’Anyone who has gone to see a Marvel movie knows that there are a ton of them.

So when he decided to open his first food establishment, it made sense to him to model it after his favorite wizarding world. Daniel sets up his pop-up magical restaurant outside the food court and Sandra just opened her own clothing store, Fashion Craving, inside the mall. Food Wizards specializes in hand-pattied, all-beef wizard burgers topped with their signature sauce, served with fries and named after their favorite witches and wizards for $7.99. They also offer loaded fries and loaded tots for $6.99, sweet potato fries for $3.99 chicken tenders for $6.99 and chili for $4.99. Food Wizards, 10401 US-441 in Leesburg, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling is facing backlash after tweeting support for a researcher who has a history of making transphobic comments online. #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 19, 2019In March, Forstater publicly opposed a potential update to the U.K. "Trans women are women. Trans men are men. "Trans men, trans women, and non-binary people are not a threat, and to imply otherwise puts trans people at risk.

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling is facing backlash after tweeting support for a researcher who has a history of making transphobic comments online. #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 19, 2019In March, Forstater publicly opposed a potential update to the U.K. "Trans women are women. Trans men are men. "Trans men, trans women, and non-binary people are not a threat, and to imply otherwise puts trans people at risk.

The third installment in the five-movie "Fantastic Beasts" franchise has a release date and a new screenwriter. While the previous two films, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and "The Crimes of Grindelwald," were solely scripted by "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling, the author will be getting co-byline with Steve Kloves, who helped adapt the original "Harry Potter" books into films. It's not entirely surprising that Kloves has been added as a writer for "Fantastic Beasts 3." Critics painted "The Crimes of Grindelwald" as having "glimmers of the magic" from the original "Harry Potter" films but not being quite as enchanting as its predecessors. Not only that, but "The Crimes of Grindelwald" had the lowest box-office haul in the U.S. and internationally of any "Harry Potter" film.

Butter Beer Fudge Ingredients:Butterscotch Layer:2 tablespoons butter1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk3 cups butterscotch chips (reserve remaining for topping)White layer:1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk teaspoon vanilla1 cup white melting chocolate or white chocolate chips Directions:1. Butterscotch layer; in a sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter, then add butterscotch chips and condensed milk. White layer; in another sauce pan, add condensed milk and white chocolate. Pour on top of butterscotch layer and use a knife to swirl into the butterscotch layer. Use any remaining butterscotch chips to sprinkle on top.

J.K. Rowling, world-famous author of the "Harry Potter" series, says young people should avoid visiting or volunteering in orphanages when they go traveling. Rowling was speaking at the 2019 One Young World summit in London on Thursday to launch a new campaign, #HelpingNotHelping, by her children's charity Lumos. "Don't volunteer in orphanages," she said, adding that young people should also not visit these institutions. If young people did have money to give when they traveled, Rowling advised them to give it to local businesses as this better helped communities. "We are looking to educate people because changing mindsets is going to make the difference," she said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – At least a dozen riders were rescued from the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios, according to Orlando fire officials. Universal officials said a technical glitch "caused the ride to come to a safe stop." Fire officials said they were attempting to rescue 12-15 riders from the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts just before noon. Local 6 news helicopter Sky 6 flew over the park as fire trucks were parked outside of the 3D ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. Universal officials said just before 1 p.m. guests on the last vehicle of the ride were removed from the ride.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As expected, Universal Orlando on Thursday announced that it will be hosting a second Harry Potter event for its fans. [MORE: Local 6 Theme World | Celebration details | PICS: Diagon Alley ]The park used Twitter to tease fans and make the announcement. According to Universal, beginning January 30, 2015, a three-day event will kick off, including "A Celebration of Harry Potter" Expo, Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and more. The first celebration drew tens of thousands of people in January while Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley was still being built. Local 6 has heard Universal is now considering making the party an annual event.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Three weeks before the opening of Universal Orlando's brand new attraction, Diagon Alley to the public, the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride is still going through technical rehearsals. [LOCAL 6 THEME WORLD: Stars hit red carpet at Diagon Alley | 6 things may not know about Diagon Alley | Diagon details | READ: Ride revealed ]On Thursday, Local 6 saw the lap bars are being checked and the amazing animations being played out. Universal Studios Creative Director Thierry Coup says this is all normal every time they open a new ride with this type of technology. Harry Potter fans helped increase attendance by 50 percent at Universal Orlando Resort in the past few years. Now the question is whether a second Harry Potter park opening July 8 will keep numbers going up.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Despite video animation discovered on its website earlier Friday, Universal Orlando said the official opening date of Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has not yet been announced. [LOCAL 6 THEME WORLD: Potter opening date mystery | Diagon details | READ: Ride revealed | WATCH: Hidden animation implies opening date]A hidden flash animation (see video above) spotted earlier in the day on the Universal Orlando website implied an apparent opening date of June 30 for the newest addition to the Harry Potter park at Universal's Islands of Adventure. "We have not yet announced the official grand opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley," Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said in an email to Local 6. Universal Orlando won't answer questions about when the attraction will open or when the opening will be announced. Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Even though there are no more new books and no more new movies, Harry Potter's legacy lives on. A new website for fans of the boy wizard will be ready to go in about a month. It's called Pottermore, and the creators of the site announced Thursday that it'll launch in April, about six months earlier than first planned. Right now, the site only features a short video from author J.K. Rowling, thanking fans for her support, and revealing some clues about Pottermore. Rowling says the site will feature an interactive reading experience, where you can go inside the Harry Potter novels like never before, including new characters and settings.