NEWS OF THE WEEK: J.K. Rowling on New Harry Potter Cast: 'I Couldn't Be Happier'

J.K. Rowling has broken her silence on the new stars of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, saying: 'All three are wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' Her comment came in response to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who praised the newly announced leads. Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. The trio were selected from over 32,000 auditions across the UK and Ireland. Filming begins this summer, and the series—spanning seven seasons—is set to air on HBO with a reported budget of £75 million per episode.

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Geek Tyrant

27 minutes ago

• Geek Tyrant

Review: Danny Boyle's 28 YEARS LATER is Wickedly Unhinged with Punk Rock Energy — GeekTyrant

Danny Boyle isn't interested in giving you a comfortable horror experience, and that's exactly why 28 Years Later hits so hard. The third entry in the rage virus saga is raw, relentless, and absolutely unhinged in the best ways. From its opening moments, this film announces itself with punk-rock energy and doesn't let up. It's not here to deliver a safe, by-the-numbers sequel. It's here to shove your face in the mud, rip your heart out, and somehow, make you feel something in the middle of the chaos. I loved this movie! Boyle, working again with writer Alex Garland, doesn't just return to the world of 28 Days Later , he reimagines it and gives audiences something unexpected and insane. The film centers on a remote island community still under quarantine almost three decades after the virus first broke out. A father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes his 12-year-old son, Spike, on a dangerous rite of passage into the mainland, a place where rage-infected monsters roam, and survival is a brutal art form. Right away, you're immersed in a world where violence is routine, and childhood has no place. Spike's father pushes him into danger, and it proud when Spike makes his first kill. Their dynamic never feels manipulative; instead, it's a rugged portrait of a parent forging a warrior out of a child, no matter the cost. It's a wild coming-of-age film! It's seriously a coming-of-age story soaked in blood. Spike's first mission is as intense and traumatic as anything the franchise has shown us, but what's striking is how normalized it all is. Boyle doesn't flinch. The horror here isn't just the infected, it's watching a kid be molded into a survivor in a world that no longer allows innocence. Alfie Williams, who plays Spike, gives a performance that's honest and gripping. It's a quiet kind of emotional power that cuts through the carnage. Things shift gears when Spike returns from his first venture into the mainland. His mother is sick and he's terrified and desperate, so the boy sneaks her out of their community to find a rumored doctor deep in the mainland. What follows is a harsh but strangely beautiful survival journey. We're treated to stunning Northern English landscapes, quiet forests, rolling hills, decayed towns, all crawling with the danger of the infected, and they are just as terrifying as ever as they have evolved in different ways. One thing that makes 28 Years Later so fascinating is that it's more reflective than the previous entries, interested not just in jump scares or chase sequences, though it has pl;enty of those moments, but in the emotional scars left behind. Ralph Fiennes plays the mysterious doctor, a figure we assume will be deranged but turns out to be one of the film's most humane characters. His scenes with Spike offer something rare in this franchise… tenderness. But in a dark, twisted, and WTF way. Visually, the film is awesome. I love Boyle's energetic and unique film style that blends handheld chaos with painterly wide shots, giving the movie both immediacy and eerie beauty. The editing occasionally cuts in archival-like footage and surreal imagery, turning parts of the movie into something that feels like a fragmented memory of a civilization that's long gone. Add the gritty sound design and a moody score, and you've got a cinematic experience that feels alive and constantly on edge. Not everyone will be on board with where this movie goes. Some narrative choices are flat-out bizarre. The third act especially takes some wild swings that are sure to divide viewers. The ending of the film especially was so unexpected and insane, but I loved the film for that! I loved the ending! 28 Years Later doesn't care about playing it safe. It's a bold evolution of the franchise that asks more from its audience emotionally, intellectually, and viscerally. And if you're willing to go along for the ride, it rewards you with an amazing cinematic experience. Ultimately, this isn't just a great horror sequel, it's a standout in the genre. Boyle and Garland have crafted a film that's ferocious, unpredictable, and unexpectedly moving. It's a blood-soaked elegy for a world that's fallen apart, and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, a sliver of humanity can still shine through.

Yahoo

an hour ago

• Yahoo

Campaign shines light on women and girls in football

Shannon Ghee is backing the campaign (Image: Powerleague Cardiff) A new campaign is shining a light on women and girls in football. Powerleague Cardiff has launched She's Got Game in response to research showing that 46 per cent of women and girls in the UK have felt judged or excluded for wanting to play football. Advertisement The initiative aims to celebrate, support, and promote female players across Wales and the UK. Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, said: "This survey confirms what we've long believed, that women and girls in Cardiff and across the UK are not only passionate about football, but ready to play. "Yet too many still face barriers that simply shouldn't exist. "At Powerleague, we're committed to breaking those down by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive, no matter their background or ability. "Football should be for everyone, and we're proud to be part of the movement making that a reality." Advertisement The campaign also includes a competition inviting women and girls to share their football skills and favourite moments. Entrants will receive a free off-peak five-a-side pitch voucher and the chance to win one-to-one coaching with freestyle footballer Shannon Ghee. Powerleague Cardiff will also screen live matches throughout the UEFA Women's Euros, offering fans a safe place to gather while encouraging new audiences to take part in the game. Shannon Ghee said: "Football has given me confidence, community, and so much joy, and I want every girl and woman to feel that too. "She's Got Game is about celebrating skill, creativity, and passion, no matter your level. Advertisement "Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, this is your moment to have fun, and show the world what you've got. "I encourage everyone across Cardiff to have a go at a trick, or share their favourite football bit, this summer."

Yahoo

an hour ago

• Yahoo

Beverage company teams up with rock legend to sell cans with his DNA

Liquid Death has teamed up with Ozzy Osbourne to sell empty tea cans containing the rock legend's DNA. The beverage company got the Prince of Darkness to drink from 10 cans of its iced tea, leaving behind DNA from his saliva. The cans were then put up for sale on Liquid Death's website. The 'Infinitely Recyclable Ozzy DNA' cans were retailed for $450, with the casings being autographed by Osbourne. Read More: Band removed from legendary metal group's farewell concert 'Ozzy Osbourne is 1 of 1. But we're selling his DNA so you can recycle him forever,' Liquid Death wrote on Instagram. 'Now, when technology and federal law permits, you'll be able to replicate Ozzy Osbourne and enjoy him for hundreds of years into the future,' the company also wrote on Instagram. Read More: For rock legend who can't walk, farewell show may be true farewell However, not everyone will be able to duplicate the rock star as all 10 cans are now sold out. It is unclear if Liquid Death will make more cans available. Osbourne is roughly two weeks away from his last performance. Back to the Beginning, a benefit concert in Birmingham, England on July 5, will mark Osbourne's final performance both on his own and with his band, Black Sabbath. Read More: Iconic metal band to reunite with original lineup for first time in 20 years The musician will be joined by his bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time in two decades. Tickets sold out quickly, but fans can now purchase tickets to stream the concert online. Proceeds from the show will benefit charities like Cure Parkinson's, the Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice. Country music icon plans to bring luxury hotel to Nashville 'I don't want you there': Rock band's frontman bans Trump voters from shows Drummer fired twice from legendary band calls members 'insane' Rock singer calls brother's claims he sexually abused him 'wildly misleading' Shawn Mendes 2025 tour coming to Boston, where to buy tickets online Read the original article on MassLive.