There have been a few bits of news in the Harry Potter universe  lately that are worth sharing.

1) Potter is headed to the stage.

J.K. Rowling is collaborating on a stage play about Harry's early life on Privet Drive before he learns about his wizarding heritage.  It is currently set to open in 2015.  Regarding the project, Rowling said:

"Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production, but Sonia [Friedman] and Colin [Callender]'s vision was the only one that really made sense to me, and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry's story to the stage. After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase."

This is probably not the first project that comes to mind when I think of areas of the Potterverse that I'd like to see expanded, but since it's in Rowling's capable hands I'm excited to see how it turns out.  I sense a trip to London coming up.  Click for the full article.


2) J.K. Rowling is writing a new set of movies set in the Potter world.

This new set of movies is based on Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  The movie will not feature Harry, Ron, or Hermione, unfortunately, but Rowling herself is penning the screenplay, so I'm sure Potter fans will flock to the theaters.  It is said to be set in New York City 70 years before the events in the first Harry Potter book occur.  Rowling's said:

It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them into a film. I thought it was a fun idea, but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author of Fantastic Beasts, realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt. As hard-core Harry Potter fans will know, I liked him so much that I even married his grandson, Rolf, to one of my favourite characters from the Harry Potter series, Luna Lovegood.

I'd rather have had a series based on the original founders of Hogwarts, detailing their magical genius and clashing philosophies, culminating in Slytherin's leaving the school for good, leaving a curse on the school in the form of the chamber of secrets...  but this will do.  Click for the full article.


3) Harry Potter mega-fan creates impossibly cool Ministry of Magic website.

This guy is my hero.  I have nothing further to say.  Enter the website here.