Yesterday, Brendan Gleeson, who plays Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter movies has celebrated his 52nd birthday and Robbie Coltrane, our beloved Rubeus Hagrid turns 57 today. Happy birthday! Cheers!

Mike Newell, the director of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is celebrating his 65th birthday today. Happy birthday to him!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows covers have been revealed today.
US Cover: Front view; Full view; Interactive image;
UK Cover: Children cover (full view; front view); Adult cover (full view; front view);
Bloomsbury has announced that the UK version of the book will be 608 long. Summaries of the books have also appeared on the British covers.
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety , and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him…
In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.
Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing – if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfil the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him with?
Also, the editor of the American edition, Arthur Levina has appeared on The Today Show and briefly discussed the cover, saying that the cover has more art on it than ever before and mentioning that he didn't cry, but "sobbed" when he read the book.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows audiobook is now available for pre-order. To do so, follow this link. You can also listen to some excerpts from the Harry Potter audiobooks, read by Jim Dale.

Adrian Rawlins, who played James Potter in the Harry Potter movies is celebrating his 49th birthday today, while Julian Glover, the actor who recorded the voice of Aragog is celebrating his 72nd birthday! Happy Birthday to them! Cheers!

The soundtrack for the fifth Harry Potter movie is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com, it is set to be released on July 10. The score for the Order of the Phoenix movie will be composed by Nicholas Hooper. The price on Amazon.com is $18.98 and you can pre-order the soundtrack here.

A short video interview with Jason Isaacs has appeared online. The actor who portrays Lucius Malfoy talks about his role in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie, his appearance and possible scenes for the DVD. You can watch it here and here.

It has been confirmed by Listening Library that the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows audiobook (featuring Jim Dale as the narrator) will be released on July 21, 2007. It is set to run 21 hours, and the price will be $79.95. It has also been informed that though the first run number is still unknown, it will be definitely bigger than for Half-Blood Prince.
The UK version, narrated by Stephen Fry will also be released on July 21, 2007.

A new picture from the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game has been released by EA. The picture shows Sirius Black, you can view it here. The game comes out a week before the OOTP movie.

Images of the new Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy action figures have been revealed by Cards Inc. The action figures are due a week before the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie. You can view the pictures at TLC:
 - Ron
 - Hermione
 - Hermione's Patronus
 - Draco
 - Proclamation Sign

Last night Daniel Radcliffe appeared on a UK talk show: Friday Night With Jonathan Ross. He discussed Equus and the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie. You can download the interview at MuggleNet, however, beware of the contents that are not suitable for younger children.

The son of J.K. Rowling, David Rowling-Murray is celebrating his 4th birthday today. We wish him to have a wonderful birthday! 

It has been confirmed today by Warner Bros., that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are all now signed for the last two movies - Half-Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows. You can read the full press release here.
Daniel Radcliffe remarked, "Playing the role of Harry Potter has been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity."
Emma Watson stated, "I could never let Hermione go--she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films."
Rupert Grint offered, "Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life and not just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I'm really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with my 'Weasley family' and, of course, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."

Leilah Sutherland, the actress who played Alicia Spinnet in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is celebrating her 22nd birthday today. Happy birthday to her!

The Hogwarts Express, used in the Harry Potter movies, has been vandalized by six youngsters recently. The group broke into the West Coast Railway and used emergency hammers to smash the windows. £50,000 worth damage was made. You can read an article about it here.
The gang of six youngsters was spotted by nearby residents as they made off.
Patricia Marshall, managing director of West Coast Railway, said: "It will take at least a month to repair, because so much damage was caused."

Gary Oldman is celebrating his 49th birthday today. Happy Birthday to him! Cheers!