Coming out next July right behind the release of Transformers, is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This book was by far the most enjoyable storyline yet in the Harry Potter series. I became a fan of the books after taking my 4 year old to see the movie. I promptly picked up the books in a valiant effort to be the supportive dad, and then became a fanboy like so many other parents and children alike.
The Scotsman got wind of these:
HARRY Potter fans have been given a sneak preview of the latest movie with the release of the first stills from Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film in the series based on JK Rowling’s books.
In one image, Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays the young wizard, is seen crouching in an grimy alleyway as he attempts to defend himself from an attack by the Dementors.
These are the first official releases by the studio aside from a home video someone caught of a fight scene that hit the net.
Radcliffe is going to be having a hell of a time keeping up with the Potter role considering he is supposed to be 15 in this book, only 16 in the next (due out in 2008) and he is growing up really fast. He hardly looks a thing like the innocent little boy from 5 movies ago. This is largely the reason behind the accelerated release schedule for the movies. Interesting thing to note, J.K. Rowling has written into the books that Harry and Ron have grown considerably in a “growth spurt” over the summer.
In another [picture], Imelda Staunton, who plays Dolorees Umbridge, the latest teacher of the dark arts, stands in Hogwarts school wearing a pink tweed poncho. Maggie Smith, as Minerva McGonagall, clasps her arms round Emma Thompson, looking uncharacteristically frumpy as Sybil Trelawny.
The Character of Delorees Umbridge is a wonderful example of the evil person you love to hate. She embodies that one mean teacher no one ever liked who dished out particularily nasty punishments.
Other notable things from the Scotsman’s report:
– David Bradley is also back as Argus Filch
– Town of Hogsmeade created at Leavesden Studios
– Scotland filming locations include Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Glen Etive
– Radcliffe films Harry’s first kiss with Cho Chang (Katie Leung) and says “We probably got it on the 30th take. My God, it was fun,”
– Helena Bonham-Carter to play DeathEater Bellatrix Lestrange
– Emma Watson gets straight As just as her character Hermione would
– Other notables returning include Robbie Coltrane(Hagrid), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Ralph Fiennes(Voldemort), Gary Oldman(Sirius Black), Alan Rickman(Snape) and Julie Walters (Mrs Weasley)
– George Harris will premier as Kingsley Shacklebolt, a shifty member of the Order
And one supporting cast member who will be getting the most attention will be Evanna Lynch, 14, who was picked from among 15,000 candidates in a contest to play Harry’s ally Luna Lovegood.
I can hardly wait for this to come out.
