Casting for Harry Potter, Ron & Hermione For New HBO Remake Open

Sep 10 2024

HBO has officially launched an open casting call for the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in its forthcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series. The search is targeting children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland, with auditions to be submitted via self-taped videos.

he deadline for submissions is 31 October 2024, with filming set to commence in the UK in 2025 and continue into 2026. The series is expected to air in 2026.

This new HBO series is described as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels, with the aim of finding a new generation of actors to portray the iconic trio. The casting call highlights the production’s commitment to inclusive, diverse casting, following in the footsteps of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which cast Noma Dumezweni as Hermione.

The project brings together Succession collaborators Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod as showrunner and director, respectively, with Rowling and David Heyman, producer of the original films, also involved as executive producers.

Aspiring actors are required to submit two videos: one reading a short story or poem (not from Harry Potter), and another discussing a person they are particularly close to.

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Former PN MP Karl Gouder Passes Away

Sep 10 2024

Former PN MP Karl Gouder passed away on Tuesday, just two days after expressing his intention to run for the position of the party’s general secretary.

Authorities not treating the death as suspicious.

PN leader Bernard Grech confirmed the news of Gouder’s death in a Facebook post, offering condolences to his family and friends, and asking for privacy during this difficult time.

Gouder, 45, had revealed his interest in the role of PN general secretary on Sunday in an interview with Times of Malta. This came a week after the current secretary, Michael Piccinino, announced his decision to step down to run as a PN election candidate. Gouder had been the chief operations officer of the PN’s media division and closely supported Piccinino during his tenure.

Before this, Gouder served as mayor of St Julian’s and was a PN MP for six years across three legislatures. He was well-liked for his cheerful demeanor and dedication as an athlete, especially in long-distance running. His leadership at Dar Ċentrali earned him the respect of colleagues, who praised his ability to unite the party’s staff.

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Inquiry Clears Medical Staff in Stephen Mangion’s Death

Sep 10 2024

A magisterial inquiry has cleared the doctors and nurses who treated Stephen Mangion of any wrongdoing in connection with his death. The 500-page report, led by Magistrate Joe Mifsud, found no evidence of negligence or delay by the medical staff at Mater Dei Hospital. According to Times of Malta, Mangion, 55, died of an aortic dissection after collapsing in the hospital’s emergency waiting room.

The inquiry revealed that Mangion delayed seeking medical help for 15 hours despite experiencing symptoms and advice from family members. Additionally, it found that Mangion had not been taking his prescribed medication for high blood pressure, complicating diagnosis. He underwent three ECGs, none of which indicated immediate danger, according to the report.

Addressing public outcry and misinformation spread on social media, Times of Malta reports that the inquiry dismissed allegations that the hospital staff were at fault. The claims, largely propagated by a fake profile, were deemed unfounded.

Magistrate Mifsud called for greater protection of healthcare workers against false accusations and suggested reinstating defamation laws to combat misinformation. Copies of the report were provided to the Attorney General, Health Minister, and Police Commissioner, with the magistrate praising Mangion’s family for condemning the spread of false information.

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Empire State Building Honours Darth Vader

Sep 10 2024

The Empire State Building paid tribute to James Earl Jones, who famously voiced Darth Vader, by lighting up in black and red in his honour. This striking visual display recognized his iconic contributions to film, particularly his role as the villainous Darth Vader in Star Wars. The building’s social media account shared videos of the tribute, captioned with phrases like “Rest in Peace Lord Vader” and “May the Force be with you, James Earl Jones.” This special lighting followed the actor’s passing at the age of 93.

Jones, who passed away recently, was celebrated for his deep, commanding voice, and also voiced Mufasa in The Lion King. The tribute resonated with Star Wars fans and honoured his lasting impact on cinema.

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