Luke Evans as Gaston in 2017’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Photo: Disney.
Preview:
Disney is developing a Gaston movie.
The character was last seen in the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
Dave Callaham will write the script.
No-one spins off like Gaston?
If Disney has its way, the boastful, buffoonish character from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be getting his own movie.
Last seen in 2017 live-action take on the fairy tale, there played by Luke Evans, the character is now the focus of development on a new film.
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While the success of that movie –– which also starred Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Josh Gad –– spurred development of a potential spin-off TV series starring Evans and Gad (who was his loyal sidekick LeFou), that didn’t come to pass. But according to Deadline, the studio is energized by the new concept (more on that in a moment).
Gaston (Richard White) in 1991’s animated ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Photo: Disney.
Gaston first appeared in Disney’s original 1991 animated classic (there voiced by Richard White) as an arrogant and ruthless hunter who had unrequited feelings for the main protagonist, the beauty Belle, and ultimately becomes the main adversary of The Beast.
That said, Deadline’s sources have heard that it’ll be a new and original take on the character with a new actor, and that the film will have “swashbuckling” tones to it.
Evans was a great Gaston in the 2017 effort, so whoever takes over the character’s smug mantle will have some big boots to fill. And might the movie go the ‘Cruella’ route and chart where his attitude came from?
When will the Gaston movie be in theaters?
Gaston (Richard White) in 1991’s animated ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Photo: Disney.
With no director aboard yet and zero casting, don’t expect to see this one on screens just yet. Disney has also to yet to officially announce the movie either.
Warwick Davis with the Hogwarts ‘Harry Potter’ train. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
Preview:
HBO’s Harry Potter series has Warwick Davis returning as Professor Flitwick.
Young actors Elijah Oshin, Finn Stephens and William Nash are also aboard.
The show will be on screens in 2027.
While the vast majority of the HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series is brand new casting, the company used the latest “Back to Hogwarts” showcase (a promo event linked to the return of Hogwarts students to the school) to announced that Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the movies, will be back for the show.
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On the new casting front, news arrived that another batch of Hogwarts students and faculty have been added, including Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, William Nash as Gregory Goyle, Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout, Richard Durden as Professor Cuthbert Binns, and Bríd Brennan as Madam Poppy Pomfrey.
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in ‘Harry Potter’ (TV series). Image courtesy of Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
From the looks of the new casting, the series aims to replicate a lot about the movies, while also looking to chart its own course.
Who else has been cast in the ‘Harry Potter’ series?
‘Harry Potter’ TV series cast (from left to right): John Lithgow (Credit: Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (Credit: Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (Credit: Ruth Crafer), Nick Frost (Credit: Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (Credit: Phil Sharp), Paul Whitehouse (Credit: Mike Marsland).
Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby are playing Petunia and Vernon Dursley, AKA Harry’s aunt and uncle, who begrudgingly take the boy in as a baby following the death of his parents at the hands of Voldemort.
The couple –– who dote on overweight son Dudley (who we now know will be played by Amos Kitson) –– make Harry sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and have no time for the magical world he’ll come to be a key part of.
Katherine Parkinson, meanwhile, has scored the role of Molly Weasley, the caring, offbeat mother of the Weasley clan, who come to see Harry as a member of the family).
Bertie Carvel is on board as Cornelius Fudge, the blustering Minister of Magic.
Lox Pratt will be Draco Malfoy (Harry’s main rival at Hogwarts) and Johnny Flynn is playing Lucius Malfoy, his preening, proud father.
We also know that Leo Earley will be Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni scored the role of Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah is playing Lavender Brown, all three of them students at Hogwarts.
Previously, we learned that John Lithgow would be Albus Dumbledore, alongside Janet McTeer (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (as Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (bringing gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to screens), and they’ll make up part of the series regular cohort alongside the young newcomers.
Thallon has nabbed the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key part of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ while Whitehouse is set to play Hogwarts caretaker and grumpy cat owner Argus Filch, who pops up throughout the stories.
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
With production now under way on the series, HBO has at least confirmed that it will be hitting the streaming service in 2027, though an exact date has yet to be revealed.
(L to R) Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
Now we have the first look at McLaughlin in his Hogwarts robes as the show has now entered production, along with a new set of casting choices.
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Probably the best-known names of the latest ensemble members are Anton Lesser, recently seen in ‘Andor’, who has landed the role of wand shop proprietor Garrick Ollivander, and ‘Such Brave Girls’Louise Brealey, playing Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Hogwarts flying instructor and Quidditch referee.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Gardiner scored the job of showrunner after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right writer/producer. Mylod will direct multiple episodes of the series, having worked on the likes of ‘Succession’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.
Who else has been cast in the ‘Harry Potter’ series?
‘Harry Potter’ TV series cast (from left to right): John Lithgow (Credit: Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (Credit: Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (Credit: Ruth Crafer), Nick Frost (Credit: Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (Credit: Phil Sharp), Paul Whitehouse (Credit: Mike Marsland).
Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby are playing Petunia and Vernon Dursley, AKA Harry’s aunt and uncle, who begrudgingly take the boy in as a baby following the death of his parents at the hands of Voldemort.
The couple –– who dote on overweight son Dudley (who we now know will be played by Amos Kitson) –– make Harry sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and have no time for the magical world he’ll come to be a key part of.
Katherine Parkinson, meanwhile, has scored the role of Molly Weasley, the caring, offbeat mother of the Weasley clan, who come to see Harry as a member of the family).
Bertie Carvel is on board as Cornelius Fudge, the blustering Minister of Magic.
Lox Pratt will be Draco Malfoy (Harry’s main rival at Hogwarts) and Johnny Flynn is playing Lucius Malfoy, his preening, proud father.
We also know that Leo Earley will be Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni scored the role of Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah is playing Lavender Brown, all three of them students at Hogwarts.
Previously, we learned that John Lithgow would be Albus Dumbledore, alongside Janet McTeer (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (as Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (bringing gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to screens), and they’ll make up part of the series regular cohort alongside the young newcomers.
Thallon has nabbed the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key part of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ while Whitehouse is set to play Hogwarts caretaker and grumpy cat owner Argus Filch, who pops up throughout the stories.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist J.K. Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
With production now under way on the series, HBO Max has at least confirmed that it will be hitting the streaming service in 2027, though an exact date has yet to be revealed.
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in ‘Harry Potter’ (TV series). Image courtesy of Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(Left) Bel Powley in ’Turn Me On’. Photo: Vertical. (Right) Bertie Carvel in ‘The Crown’ Photo: Netflix / LeftBank.
Preview:
The HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series has added nine new faces.
Bel Powley, Bertie Carvel and Katherine Parkinson are among them.
Francesca Gardiner is running the show.
Having locked in their Harry, Ron and Hermione plus a sprinkling of other casting, ‘Harry Potter’ TV series showrunner Francesca Gardiner and main director Mark Mylod have now found a whole host of other actors to fill some major and minor roles in the series.
Powley and Rigby are playing Petunia and Vernon Dursley, AKA Harry’s aunt and uncle, who begrudgingly take the boy in as a baby following the death of his parents at the hands of Voldemort.
The couple –– who dote on overweight son Dudley –– make Harry sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and have no time for the magical world he’ll come to be a key part of.
Parkinson has scored the role of Molly Weasley, the caring, offbeat mother of the Weasley clan, who come to see Harry as a member of the family).
Carvel, meanwhile, is on board as Cornelius Fudge, the blustering Minister of Magic.
We’ll talk more about the others further down the page…
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Gardiner scored the job of showrunner after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right writer/producer. Mylod will direct multiple episodes of the series, having worked on the likes of ‘Succession’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.
Who else has been cast in the ‘Harry Potter’ series?
This latest batch of casting announcements follows word that Dominic McLaughlin will be Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton has the role of Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout is playing Ron Weasley.
The other new cast announced in the last day or so include newcomer Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy (Harry’s main rival at Hogwarts) and Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, his preening, manipulative father.
We also know that Leo Earley will be Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni scored the role of Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah is playing Lavender Brown, all three of them students at Hogwarts.
(Left) Nick Frost in ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Photo: Warner Bros.
Previously, we learned that John Lithgow would be Albus Dumbledore, alongside Janet McTeer (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (as Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (bringing gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to screens), and they’ll make up part of the series regular cohort alongside the young newcomers.
Thallon has nabbed the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key part of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ while Whitehouse is set to play Hogwarts caretaker and grumpy cat owner Argus Filch, who pops up throughout the stories.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist J.K. Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(L to R) Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin, and Alastair Stout, leads of the new HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
Preview:
The HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series has found its Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have the roles.
John Lithgow is playing Dumbledore.
There is another chosen one.
A chosen three, actually, as now we know who will be following in the high-profile footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the ambitious new HBO series adapted from J.K. Rowling’s novels.
The new actors are Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout.
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Here’s the statement from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and main director Mark Mylod about the new casting choices:
“After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
The process to find the Boy Who Lived and his two best friends has gone on for months and months, following a much-publicized open callout published by the show’s casting director Bevan, which asked for children aged between nine and 11 as of April 2025 who were residents of the UK and Ireland.
The three are mostly newcomers, though McLaughlin has a role in the BBC’s upcoming action adventure series ‘Gifted’ while Stanton played Matilda in ‘Matilda The Musical’ in London’s West End across several months.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Gardiner scored the job of showrunner after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right writer/producer. Mylod will direct multiple episodes of the series, having worked on the likes of ‘Succession’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.
Who else has been cast in the ‘Harry Potter’ series?
Previously, we learned that John Lithgow would be Albus Dumbledore, alongside Janet McTeer (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (as Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (bringing gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to screens), and they’ll make up part of the series regular cohort alongside the young newcomers.
Thallon has nabbed the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key part of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ while Whitehouse is set to play Hogwarts caretaker and grumpy cat owner Argus Filch, who pops up throughout the stories.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist J.K. Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011)
When a company has a property as lucrative and adaptable as the ‘Harry Potter’ novels, you just know it is going to leverage it to the hilt.
That’s certainly the case with Warner Bros. Discovery (as it is known since the big merger), which has so far pumped out eight main movies, three ‘Fantastic Beasts’ big screen spin-offs, theme parks, websites and more merchandise than you can wave a toy wand at.
Yet while there remains plenty of interest in ‘Potter’, the likes of the ‘Beasts’ movies haven’t been performing the way the company might prefer, nor are they setting fans’ hearts aflame.
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As Warners keeps looking for more, what of streaming service HBO Max, which would benefit from some Potter-based TV content?
Back then, there was little information about exactly what it might be. But from the looks of an update on the story via Bloomberg, things are getting closer to reality.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
There are any number of options for a potential ‘Potter show. For a while, there has been talk of adapting successful stage play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, though there are fears it could cannibalize ticket sales (though let’s be honest, having ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+ hasn’t quenched audiences’ desire to see it live).
Assuming Warners were to get author J.K. Rowling’s permission, there’s scope for a brand new story set in the ‘Potter’ universe, following different characters whose fates are not so set in stone (or paper).
But according to the Bloomberg report, the push appears to be for a new streaming series adaptation of the seven original books. The studio apparently been meeting writers and showrunners to hear concepts for a new take on the novels.
Conceivably, the show could run for seven or more seasons –– with one book per season (and possibly more, given that the movie series split the final tome, ‘The Deathly Hallows’ into two).
A series offers plenty of potential to thoroughly re-imagine the stories for a new audience who have grown up on the books and movies since the originals. And with the expanded freedom of streaming series, elements that had to be dropped to avoid mammoth movie running times can be re-instated.
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’
Is JK Rowling aboard?
Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her views on trans people.
It appears Warners is putting A) ahead of B), in talks with the author to secure her agreement (and have her as creative consultant rather than running the show).
WBD CEO David Zaslav is hoping to announce something about the show next week, having worked with HBO boss Casey Bloys to convince Rowling to agree (we’re envisioning the flying Ford Anglia from the second book with a trunk full of cash here) so now it’s a waiting game to see if it happens.
(L to R) Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.’
Other Movies Similar to ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:’
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved autobiographical novel, “Little Women,” has endured for generations for a reason: The story of four sisters — focusing on the fiercely independent Jo — is timeless, and continues to inspire more than 150 years since it was first published. Oscar-nominated writer-director Greta Gerwig is set to release her own take on the material, and as the film’s new trailer proves, it’s an adaptation that appears to do incredible service to the original.
Gerwig has assembled an all-star cast for her version, led by Saorise Ronan as Jo March, an aspiring writer who has loftier ambitions than simply finding a husband. But while Jo is undoubtedly the protagonist, the trailer also offers a more well-rounded look at her siblings Meg (Emma Watson), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and Amy (Florence Pugh).
The trailer is simply beautiful, both intimate and sprawling, and radiates warmth. The care with which Gerwig handles the story is evident, and each character seems to be thoughtfully and perfectly cast — particularly Timothee Chalamet, who plays the dreamy boy next door (and Jo’s would-be love interest), Laurie.
Even minor roles are occupied by top-tier talent, with Laura Dern portraying March family matriarch Marmee, and Meryl Streep appearing as the imposing Aunt March, an inspired — and absolutely flawless — choice. Aunt March is particularly concerned about Jo’s desire to buck gender conventions, a notion with which our heroine vehemently disagrees.
“Women have minds and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty,” Jo says. “I am so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for.”
We can’t wait to see this entire film. “Little Women” opens on Christmas Day.
It’s been ten years since the Harry Potter saga delivered one of its most pivotal sequels. “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” pushed this beloved fantasy saga in a darker direction, complete with a tragic death and new insight into the origins of the wizarding world’s greatest villain. Celebrate this milestone by learning more about the making of the sixth Potter movie.
2. The actor who plays the 11-year-old version of Tom Riddle, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, is the nephew of Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes.
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3. Though roughly 7,000 girls auditioned for the role of Lavender Brown, Jessie Cave was cast despite not attending these auditions. Fortunately for her, she had a recommendation straight from Emma Watson.
4. This is the first film in the series not to feature any Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom scenes, despite the fact that Professor Snape is revealed to have taken over the class early in the film.
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5. Director David Yates said the film’s color and lighting were heavily inspired by the work of Dutch painter Rembrandt. Fittingly, this is the only film in the series to be nominated for the Best Cinematography Oscar.
7.Kevin McKidd was approached to play werewolf villain Fenrir Greyback, but had to decline due to his other commitments. McKidd has since said he doesn’t regret turning down the part, as it would have terrified his children.
9. The set used for Professor Slughorn’s office is a modified version of the same one used for the Trophy Room in “The Goblet of Fire” and the Room of Requirement in “The Order of the Phoenix.”
10. Actor Alan Rickman admitted to feeling a perverse sense of glee over Snape’s role in Dumbledore’s death scene, comparing it to the climax of “Die Hard” and pointing out how his character got to be on the opposite end of a battle involving one character falling to their death.
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11. Narcissa Malfoy actress Helen McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix Lestrange in “The Order of the Phoenix,” but left the project after becoming pregnant.
Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of “Little Women” is the latest in a long line, but it is as intensely personal for her as “Lady Bird.”
A big Vanity Fair spread unveils the first images from the star-studded film and includes interviews with Gerwig and her “Lady Bird” star Saoirse Ronan, who plays Jo March.
“This feels like autobiography,” the writer/director said. “When you live through a book, it almost becomes the landscape of your inner life. … It becomes part of you, in a profound way.”
Like previous adaptations, this version of “Little Women” is chock-full of heavy Hollywood hitters. They include Timothée Chalamet as J Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, Emma Watson as Meg March, Eliza Scanlan as Beth, and Florence Pugh as Amy.
#LittleWomen exclusive: See Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, and more in your first look at Greta Gerwig's follow up film to Lady Bird https://t.co/nciPi5A1dx
Then, there are the more grown-up characters: Laura Dern as Marmee, Bob Odenkirk as as Robert March, and Meryl Streep as the formidable Aunt March.
Of course, the heart of the story lays in the relationship between Jo and Laurie, which brings together “Lady Bird” co-stars Ronan and Chalamet.
“I loved that in ‘Lady Bird,’ he was the one that broke my heart, but I got to break his heart in ‘Little Women,’” Ronan said.
In Gerwig’s movie, the gender fluidity of their relationship is explored. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran even had them swap articles of clothing throughout the story.
“Jo is a girl with a boy’s name, Laurie is a boy with a girl’s name,” Gerwig explained. “In some ways they are each other’s twins.”
She added, “They find each other before they’ve committed to a gende. It wouldn’t be wrong to call Saoirse handsome and Timothée beautiful. Both have a slightly androgynous quality that makes them perfect for these characters.”
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” marked a major turning point for the franchise when it hit theaters 15 years ago. Not only did it bring a new visionary director and newfound level of critical acclaim, it also transformed the series from a whimsical, family-friendly story of child wizards to a darker story about a young man confronting his terrible destiny. So celebrate this big milestone by learning more about the making of the third movie in the Harry Potter series.
2. “The Prisoner of Azakaban” greatly expanded the scope of Hogwarts and the number of castle landmarks seen on-screen. Creator J.K. Rowling gave Cuarón a certain amount of freedom in that regard, but she did veto the idea of adding a graveyard, as she feared it would spoil upcoming books in the series.
3.Ian McKellen was offered the role of Albus Dumbledore following Richard Harris‘ death. He turned it down, not wanting to be faced with the pressure of bringing a second iconic wizard character to life.
4.Peter O’Toole was another major contender for the Dumbledore role, though concerns about his age and the cost of insuring the role caused the studio to look elsewhere.
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5.Michael Gambon eventually won the Dumbledore part, despite the fact that he had never read the books and purposely avoided reading them for the remainder of the series.
6. The rival seeker who battles Harry for possession of the Golden Snitch during the Quidditch match is actually Cedric Diggory. Cedric is played by Joe Livermore in “The Prisoner of Azkaban,” but the part was recast when Cedric took on a much more prominent role in “The Goblet of Fire.”
8. Dudley Dursley actor Harry Melling was nearly replaced after losing a significant amount of weight in between the second and third films. Instead, Melling was given a fat suit for “Prisoner of Azkaban.”
9. “The Prisoner of Azkaban” is unusual in the series in that it features several shots of practical illusionist tricks. Illusionist Paul Kieve was hired to serve as a consultant for the film and coached several of the actors.
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10. “The Prisoner of Azakaban” is the final film in the series with a score composed by John Williams.
11. It’s also the final film in the series to be released on VHS.
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12. WB maintained strict secrecy surrounding the project, including referring to it by the codename “Radiator Blues” during post-production and providing night vision goggles to movie theater ushers to help combat digital piracy.
13. Despite being one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the Harry Potter series, “The Prisoner of Azkaban” is also the lowest-grossing of the eight. Huh.
