Almost twenty-five years ago, newcomers Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were cast to play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in what would become one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. Now, that process begins all over again. HBO has been developing a new Harry Potter TV series, and an open casting call was recently posted that is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities.

The casting call for the Harry Potter series is looking for children who are residents of the U.K. and Ireland and will be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025. “We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” the notice reads. “For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.“

Those who are interested are being asked to submit two short self-tapes. The first involves reading a short story or poem (it makes note not to choose anything from Harry Potter), and the second asks the actors to talk about themselves. “Please prepare a short poem or story of your choosing. It can be from your favourite book, a poem that you love, a monologue from a play or something you’ve created yourself. Please, nothing from ‘Harry Potter’. Please use your own accent. 30 seconds maximum!” the notice reads. “[The second is] a short video telling us a bit about yourself, including your date of birth, height and where you live. In addition, please describe any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to. Please use your own accent. One minute maximum.” The deadline for submissions is October 31st with the series expected to shoot in the U.K. throughout 2025-2026.

It was revealed earlier this summer that Succession‘s Francesca Gardiner had been tapped to serve as writer and showrunner, while Mark Mylod signed on to executive produce and direct multiple episodes. The project was originally developed for Max but made the leap to HBO (along with a variety of other Max shows) in June.

Each season of the Harry Potter TV series is said to cover one of J.K. Rowling’s novels, for a total of seven seasons. While the movies were able to fit quite a lot in, there were plenty of moments cut from the novels that the TV series will finally be able to bring to life. Last year, the studio released a statement saying, “Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.“

The post Harry Potter TV series puts out casting call for Harry, Ron & Hermione: “We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting” appeared first on JoBlo.

THR reports that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to helm Spider-Man 4. This move would bring a little fresh blood to the Spidey franchise, as Jon Watts has directed the last three installments of the series.

The Shang-Chi director was once attached to direct Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but he dropped out a year later. And if we’re not going to be getting the Shang-Chi sequel anytime soon, this leap to Spider-Man 4 is a welcome return to the Marvel family. Cretton is also the co-creator of Marvel’s upcoming Wonder Man series starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers are scripting the new Spider-Man sequel, with THR’s sources saying that the project is expected to shoot early next year. Spider-Man: No Way Home concluded with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) truly on his own after a memory wipe made the world (and those closest to him) forget who he was. It’s unclear which direction the new film will take, but it’s a pretty wide-open slate.

While there was talk that perhaps Tom Holland was done with Spider-Man, the actor confirmed earlier this year that he’s still on board. “The simple answer is that I’ll always want to Spider-Man films,” Holland said. “I owe my life and career to Spider-Man. So the simple answer is yes. I’ll always want to do more.” However, he wants to make sure a fourth installment is justified, especially after the massive success of Spider-Man: No Way Home. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be, but until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect,” he said. “The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.“

The actor added that he’s also involved with the early stages of the development of Spider-Man 4. “This is the first time in this process that I’ve been part of the creative so early. It’s just a process where I’m watching and learning. It’s just a really fun stage for me. Like I said, everyone wants it to happen. But we want to make sure we’re not overdoing the same things.” Holland said. “We’re figuring it out. We’re at that stage where it’s post-strike, so we’re waiting for those scripts to come in. We’re giving the writers the time they need to hit the ground running. But I’ve got a few projects that I’m really excited about and scripts are coming in now and they’re great. I read something the other day that absolutely blew my mind.“

What do you think of Destin Daniel Cretton directing Spider-Man 4?

The post Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton in talks to helm Spider-Man 4 appeared first on JoBlo.

Earlier this morning, talented and beloved screen and stage actor James Earl Jones died in Dutchess County, NY. Jones was 93 years old.

Read more…

Earlier this morning, talented and beloved screen and stage actor James Earl Jones died in Dutchess County, NY. Jones was 93 years old.

Read more…

Very sad news to report today as it has been confirmed that James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93. The actor is best known for providing the iconic voice of Darth Vader throughout the Star Wars franchise, but that’s really only scratching the surface of his incredible legacy. A huge loss.

More to come…

The post James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Darth Vader, has died at the age of 93 appeared first on JoBlo.

Believe it or not, the Sega Dreamcast turns 25 years old today. When I think back on my formative years playing games, and more importantly Tim Walz’s youth, it’s the first console that comes to mind. I’m positive that if I were to go looking through one of my closets right now, I’d be unable to earth mine, on which I…

Read more…

Believe it or not, the Sega Dreamcast turns 25 years old today. When I think back on my formative years playing games, and more importantly Tim Walz’s youth, it’s the first console that comes to mind. I’m positive that if I were to go looking through one of my closets right now, I’d be unable to earth mine, on which I…

Read more…

The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the sci-fi action thriller War Machine, which will be helmed by Patrick Hughes, known for The Expendables III, The Hitman’s Bodyguard and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, has now added more cast members to the film. Alan Ritchson, of the hit Prime Video series Reacher, has signed on to lead the film. The logline reads: “In the final 24 Hours of the world’s toughest selection process, a team of Army Rangers encounter a threat beyond their imagination.“

THR reports that Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Esai Morales and Jai Courtney are all set to co-star in War Machine alongside Ritchson. Additionally, it is also being reported that singer-turned-actor Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), and Daniel Webber (The Dirt) have rounded out the cast of the film. The sci-fi actioner is set to stream on Netflix. It’s been scheduled to shoot in Australia this week. War Machine is being produced by Todd Lieberman and Alex Young of Hidden Pictures as well as Hughes via his banner, Huge Film. Hughes directs from a script that is co-written by him and James Beaufort.

Per THR, “Ritchson is the lead Ranger candidate with James, Courtney, Richardson, Lonsdale, and Webber playing other aspirants who themselves in way over their heads. Quaid and Morales will play commanding officers.” Executive Producers on the film include Valerie Bleth Sharp, Rich Cook of Range Media Partners, Greg McLean of Huge Film. Netflix had purchased the project from Lionsgate — the studio that was previously developing it.

Dennis Quaid can currently be seen in the biopic Reagan. In the lead-up to the film’s release, we had the chance to sit and talk with Quaid and his co-star Penelope Ann Miller, who plays Nancy Reagan. Quaid has made no secret of the fact that he’s always looked up to Reagan and considered him his favorite president. In our chat, he discusses why he was very reluctant to take the role, and also didn’t want the movie to be pure hagiography, a sentiment which is echoed by Miller. In fact, she even reveals that her family actually knew the Reagans, making her casting in the film somewhat fated.

The post Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales, Jai Courtney and Stephen James are set to star in the sci-fi thriller, War Machine appeared first on JoBlo.

It’s always said that you should use your time with the elderly wisely: ask questions, listen to their stories, get advice. Fortunately, one of the great entertainers ever, Dick Van Dyke, is just giving it away for free! Van Dyke recently won the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series for his special Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, tying for the oldest winner ever. But he’s still sharp, proving as such over the weekend.

When asked if he had any advice for those aspiring to have a career as long as his, Dick Van Dyke said, “You have to stick with it. You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions…but you have to stay with it. Be patient if you’ve got the confidence in yourself, and it’s very important to believe that you can do it.” Van Dyke entered the world of television in the mid-’50s before landing him his namesake sitcom in 1961, the very show that won him his first three Emmys. (He would nab another for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series for Van Dyke and Company before winning two Daytime Emmys, one of which came just this year for a guest spot on Days of Our Lives. And yes, for that, he became the oldest man to win that award as well.)

Dick Van Dyke no doubt has one of the most admirable careers you can imagine (that Mary Poppins accent aside). As for what he wants to be remembered for, he chose laughter. “I hope for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.” He added, “I’m looking for work if anybody has,” a perfectly timed joke that proves he is still making us laugh.

As Dick Van Dyke nears 99 later this year, it’s hard to fathom being that consistent for so long. Whether you caught The Dick Van Dyke show on reruns Nick at Nite like I did or first saw him in Mary Poppins or were forced to watch Diagnosis Murder with your grandparents, everybody is familiar with Van Dyke.

What is your favorite Dick Van Dyke show or movie? Drop your pick below – but watch out for that ottoman!

The post Dick Van Dyke shares life advice at age 98 appeared first on JoBlo.

World of Warcraft: The War Within has a lot to live up to. The first in a trilogy of expansions Blizzard has dubbed The Worldsoul Saga and the followup to the stellar previous expansion in Dragonflight, it’s easy to imagine it crumbling under lofty expectations. Luckily, however, The War Within builds wonderfully on…

Read more…