Latest news with #DeathlyHallows
The Age
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Is Brisbane's new Harry Potter forest experience worth the galleons?
In case you missed it, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has set up beside Mount Cotton's Sirromet Winery from tonight June 20 until July 27. For Potterheads and fans of Fantastic Beasts it's a pretty enticing brief. Basically, it's a walk through a real-life forest featuring all the most iconic scenes from the film franchise set to a nostalgic soundtrack with plenty of photo opportunities. The experience has toured across the world with a reputation for selling out. So, will Brisbane's take live up to the hype? We headed to the opening night to find out. Now, it's best to get on the record up front that we are not the biggest Potterheads. Yes, we've seen the movies and read (some) of the books. But on a scale of muggle-status to having a Deathly Hallows tattoo, we sit somewhere in the middle. The drive to Mount Cotton takes about 45 minutes from inner-city Brisbane, so don't forget to factor that in. We were pleased to find the parking process super straightforward with heaps of signage to navigate the property in the dark. From the get-go we were serenaded with Hedwig's Theme as we wandered through lantern lit entryways. The experience begins in an outdoor food court where we fuelled up with Harry Potter classics like butter beer and not-so-classics (chicken tenders and chips). At an eye-watering $24 for three mediocre chicken tenders and a handful of chips, we would recommend eating before the event. But, novelty bites like cake pops that reveal which Harry Potter house you're in are worthy of the splurge.
Sydney Morning Herald
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Is Brisbane's new Harry Potter forest experience worth the galleons?
In case you missed it, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has set up beside Mount Cotton's Sirromet Winery from tonight June 20 until July 27. For Potterheads and fans of Fantastic Beasts it's a pretty enticing brief. Basically, it's a walk through a real-life forest featuring all the most iconic scenes from the film franchise set to a nostalgic soundtrack with plenty of photo opportunities. The experience has toured across the world with a reputation for selling out. So, will Brisbane's take live up to the hype? We headed to the opening night to find out. Now, it's best to get on the record up front that we are not the biggest Potterheads. Yes, we've seen the movies and read (some) of the books. But on a scale of muggle-status to having a Deathly Hallows tattoo, we sit somewhere in the middle. The drive to Mount Cotton takes about 45 minutes from inner-city Brisbane, so don't forget to factor that in. We were pleased to find the parking process super straightforward with heaps of signage to navigate the property in the dark. From the get-go we were serenaded with Hedwig's Theme as we wandered through lantern lit entryways. The experience begins in an outdoor food court where we fuelled up with Harry Potter classics like butter beer and not-so-classics (chicken tenders and chips). At an eye-watering $24 for three mediocre chicken tenders and a handful of chips, we would recommend eating before the event. But, novelty bites like cake pops that reveal which Harry Potter house you're in are worthy of the splurge.
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Desire, dissent, and the female gaze: Why women write so much fanfiction
When I was 11, I found the 'cool kids' in my bus discussing their favourite theories on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on the way back from school. Desperate to join their conversation, I borrowed the first Harry Potter book from the library — unaware that it would change the course of my life. Over the next few years, I would read the series again and again and again. I would become what they call 'a fangirl', and I would wear the badge with pride. At the time, I was going through puberty in an all-girls school, and I knew I must pick a fictional man to fall in love with soon. I picked Ron Weasley (I was 'not like other girls', clearly). And I got to work, scouring the internet so I could learn everything about this Great Love Of My Life™. Inevitably, one day, I wound up on and read a fanfic where Ron and Hermione do more than kiss— gasp! (The kids would call this 'a canon event'.) Naturally, my brain exploded. I had discovered something rather magical. A sprawling, underground library full of stories where anything could happen. My favourite characters could slip off their narrative leashes and be free. They could fall in love with someone else, rewrite their endings or just have really graphic sex in the restricted section of the library, and no one would bat an eye. But the real kicker: not only could I read these stories… I could write them. I could take these characters, so beloved and so familiar, and use them as puppets — my puppets. (When it comes to teenage girls, give them the chance to play God and trust me, they will run with it.) At 22, I found myself studying 'Fandom Studies' as part of my college degree (yes, that's a real area of study — God bless English Lit). Reading what the scholars have to say on the subject compelled me to revisit my own childhood in an attempt to understand why fanfiction meant so much to me. Was it just because it ushered in my sexual awakening? Or did it also lay the foundation for me to become a writer? My boyfriend at the time had never read fanfiction and didn't get its appeal. This got me thinking — was there something specific about being a woman that made fanfiction so compelling to me? Turns out, the answer is a resounding yes. From the female lens Women drastically dominate fanfiction. More than 80% of people who read and write fanfiction on Archive of Our Own (AO3), the most popular fanfiction site, are women. In fact, more of its users identified as genderqueer (6%) than as male (4%). Why is that? For one, some scholars speculate that women are more inclined to write for free. Since fanfiction violates copyright by reimagining others' intellectual property, hosting platforms prevent writers from receiving any monetary compensation. Most AO3 authors are okay with that and take pride in being a part of the platform's anti-capitalist 'gift economy' based on exchange and collaboration. Men, however, are not likely to write for free, suggests American author Camille Bacon-Smith. Women, on the other hand, already engage in several acts of unpaid labour and can perhaps see the value of such writing. Historically, 'anonymous' has always been a woman. Even literary icons like Jane Austen, Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelly published their early novels anonymously or under the mere title of 'lady'. While things changed for the better over time, books written by women are still priced lower than those written by men, a 2018 study found. It also noted, 'the more female a genre, the cheaper the books.' In this context, one can fairly assume that the genre with the least monetary value (fanfiction) should come to be the most female-dominated of them all. A place to rewrite rules Women may also take to fanfiction because it's inherently transgressive. Popular media is often from the male perspective — written, directed or produced by men. The transformative nature of fanfiction provides a means to subvert dominant cultural narratives as well as patriarchal or heteronormative ideas within media. Captain America and Bucky can be #couplegoals, Hermione Granger can be black, and your favourite member of One Direction can be in a wheelchair. Despite being a straight cis-het woman myself, I have found myself reading lots of slash fanfiction (stories of romance/sex featuring two characters of the same gender, typically straight, typically male). This baffled me till I read what Mel Stanfill, one of the researchers behind the 2022 AO3 survey, told Refinery29: 'Slash allows women to explore sexuality without the baggage of identification and the gender norms they are subjected to in real life'. The act of reimagining familiar stories invites alteration of not just gender roles, but also those of race, power and reality itself. For women and other marginalised groups, the freedom to craft a story on their own terms, without commercial barriers and away from scrutiny and judgement, is a kind of escapism they would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Owning desire Another popular idea is that fanfiction is just 'porn' for women. To be fair, while not all fanfiction contains romance or erotica, a lot of it does. The same things have been said (usually by a man, accompanied by a scoff and a smirk) about the modern BookTok romance novel. However, the idea of some kind of 'porn for women' is not just brilliant, but also important. And it's been around for ages (think — Mills & Boon). In a world where female desire has been routinely either erased or presented as 'forbidden' (even in its most straight-cis-vanilla-hetero-'normal'-form), fanfiction is where these desires (however kinky) can go to breathe. This is perhaps why some of the most successful fanfictions on the internet are not just based on romance but on sex. Psychologist Leon F Seltzer has written how men are hard-wired to receive visual cues as sexual impulses, but most women are not. Women require stimulation in the mind to become aroused. 'If there's such a thing as porn for women, it's the romance novel,' he wrote in a 2012 article. Dr Helen Wyatt, a sex therapist, notes how, for women, getting into a state of arousal means first feeling safe. Mainstream porn, which centres heavily around the male gaze, can be jarring or even disturbing to watch. In contrast, the gradual lead-up to sex in most erotic fiction, combined with the personal investment readers have in characters, helps them feel safe and therefore uninhibited. In fanfiction, the world, the backstory and most importantly, the characters are already achingly familiar. And it is therefore one of the safest places to explore desire. Women read and write fanfiction for a variety of different reasons. Many, like me, found themselves entrenched in a fandom, hungry for more material. Many others have used it as a space for escapism, dissent, power, sexual release or a combination of all these things. It can be collaborative or it can be anonymous — you get to choose. It is vast and nebulous and uncensored. There's no one to watch, judge, or police you. But the magic of it boils down to that feeling I had when I was 13, reading my first bit of Romione (that's Ron + Hermione, for the uninitiated) smut — the feeling of entering a text, deconstructing it and making it my own, dabbling in a world of infinite narrative possibility. A world with no rules, except the ones you decide should exist.
Metro
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
All of the stars cast in Harry Potter TV reboot so far
The Harry Potter cast is taking shape for HBO's upcoming TV adaptation. Next month marks 14 years since the final part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hit the big screen and brought the film franchise to an end. A decade and a half later, a TV reboot is on the way in a move that isn't without controversy, given JK Rowling's comments about the trans community. There are still some big names already confirmed for the cast, and a trio of young stars ready to make their names as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The casting news is still rolling out too, as Deadline has reported that The Crown's Bertie Carvel is being lined up to play Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. HBO hasn't addressed that particular rumour yet, but there are several roles which have already been announced – so let's break them down. John Lithgow was the first name to be attached to the Harry Potter series when he let slip he had been cast as Albus Dumbledore. He'll be playing the Hogwarts headmaster played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original films. 'It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid,' he previously told Screen Rant. 'But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.' Paapa Essiedu has some big shoes to fill as Severus Snape, following on from the late, great Alan Rickman. There has been plenty of conversation around Essiedo too after his previously support of LGBTQ+ rights, which JK Rowling has said wouldn't impact his role despite 'beliefs that differ from her'. Away from Potter, he's best known for his roles in the likes of I May Destroy You, Gangs of London and Black Mirror. Stage and screen actress Janet McTeer has been cast as Minerva McGonnagal in the series. The role was originated by the late Dame Maggie Smith, but Janet will be hoping to put her own stamp on the role. Across film and TV, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress has appeared in the likes of Wuthering Heights, As You Like It, The Menu and Ozark. Finding the right Harry Potter is vital for the new series, and show bosses think they've done just that with Dominic McLaughlin. Daniel Radcliffe's successor has some acting experience, having appeared alongside Game of Thrones' Indira Varma in a Shakespearean production of Macbeth. He's also set to star in the ensemble cast for Sky film Grow, a comedy including Bridgerton's Golda Rosheuvel. Following in Emma Watson's footsteps as Hermione Granger is Arabella Stanton. She's no stranger to playing a clever clogs with magic powers, having portrayed Road Dahl's character Matilda Wormwood on the West End. Last year, she appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skate musical Starlight Express as Control. Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley, rounding off the iconic young trio. Like Rupert Grint before him, Alastair is a true newcomer – thus far, he's only had a fleeting appearance in a Jersey Royal potato advert. Fans will be looking forward to seeing him bring the same cheeky charm to Ron as his predecessor, while putting his own stamp on the character. Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost has the unenviable task of stepping into the late Robbie Coltrane's enormous Hagrid-sized boots. He'll be playing the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper – and later professor – in the film, and he's promised he was 'never going to try' and imitate the late actor. ''I'm going to try and do something, not 'different'' I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia,' he told Collider. 'I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can't wait.' David Bradley left a lasting impression as sneering and grumbling Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch. For the HBO series, Paul Whitehouse will be the one roaming the corridors with Mrs. Norris in hand. From The Fast Show and Gone Fishing to Alice in Wonderland, The Death of Stalin and Corpse Bride, he's already built an impressive legacy. Quirinus Quirrell only appears in the Philosopher's Stone, but he plays a vital role in the Harry Potter franchise. Getting the nervous and jittery Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher right is an important one, and Luke Thallon follows on from Ian Hart in taking on the role. It will mark his TV debut, although he's had plenty of experience on the West End in the likes of The Room, Family Voices and Patriots, while he reprise his role from the latter on Broadway. There are still so many key characters yet to be officially cast – and Lord Voldemort is among them. More Trending There are a couple of names in the running, with reports suggesting Cillian Murphy could follow in Ralph Fiennes footsteps, while Tom Hiddleston has also been linked. Warner Bros TV boss Channing Dungey told Deadline in April that they were 'still weighing a couple of different options' for the villain. View More » Other as yet unconfirmed casting reports include Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, with Robert Hardy previously playing the Minister of Magic on the big screen. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I was wrong about the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake MORE: Harry Potter legend confirms comeback as iconic film character after 14 years MORE: Former Harry Potter child star's dad issues warning after fans admit 'concerns'
Western Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Western Telegraph
Freshwater West: Pembrokeshire beach a surfers' paradise
Freshwater West Beach, located on Wales' exposed west coast, has been a backdrop for several films, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the Harry Potter film, the beach was where Dobby the house elf died and was buried. There was even a gravestone for the character, which became a pilgrimage site for fans. The sandy beach, backed by the extensive dune system of Broomhill Burrows, is a surfers' paradise, with the best waves in the county. A Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority spokesperson said: "Freshwater West is a popular beach throughout the year with surfers, dog walkers, and families. "The Dobby's grave memorial has been enjoyed by many who have made the pilgrimage to the Pembrokeshire site over the years. "However, the increasing numbers of visitors has brought a greater pressure on the wider environment and facilities. "Therefore, we have taken the decision to relocate the memorial to a more sustainable location to ensure it doesn't damage the wider environment and to help keep Freshwater West a special place for people and nature." The south-westerly facing beach is suitable only for experienced and strong swimming surfers due to the strong rip currents. The beach also offers activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. The beach is dog-friendly, allowing dogs all year round. Facilities include toilets and parking, although parking can be limited when the waves are good. From spring to early autumn, the Café Mor operates out of the southern car park. Freshwater West Beach is also a place of historical significance, once used by smugglers to stash their loot. The thatched shack on the foreshore was a rebuilt shelter used for drying a type of seaweed used for making Lavabread, a Welsh specialty. In 2015, the beach was used as a location for the film "Their Finest," starring Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin, where it portrayed Dunkirk. Visitors are advised to check tide times to ensure they have enough beach space and do not get cut off by the incoming tide. The fragile dunes mean camping and barbecues are not allowed.
