Entertainment
New Harry Potter series launches casting call
HBO has officially launched a casting call for its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, inviting young actors from the UK and Ireland to audition for the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The casting call, confirmed by HBO to Variety, seeks children aged between nine and 11 as of April 2025.
The network has emphasized its commitment to inclusive and diverse casting, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to audition without regard to ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics. The casting process requires candidates to submit two self-tapes: one featuring a short poem or story (unrelated to Harry Potter) and another where they introduce themselves, including details like their date of birth, height, and place of residence. Applicants are also encouraged to use their natural accents in the videos.
The series, which will film in the UK during 2025-26, is expected to span seven seasons, each adapting one of the beloved Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, known for their work on “Succession,” are set to serve as the show’s writer and director, respectively.
In a nod to the original film series, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, expressed his excitement for the new adaptation but indicated he is unlikely to make a cameo, stating, “I think they very wisely want a clean break.”
The original films, which catapulted Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint to stardom, began casting in 2000. Grint, then 12, famously landed his role after responding to an open casting call featured on Newsround. As the new series gears up, it offers a fresh opportunity for a new generation of actors to step into the magical world of Hogwarts.
Entertainment
Robert Carradine, dies aged 71
American actor Robert Carradine, widely recognised for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71.
In a statement, his family shared that Carradine had lived with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and chose to speak openly about his cause of death to help challenge stigma surrounding mental health.
Tributes quickly followed from colleagues and admirers, including his former on-screen daughter Hilary Duff, who reflected on their shared experiences and the impact he had on those around him.
Born on 24 March 1954, Carradine came from a distinguished acting family. He was the son of John Carradine and the younger brother of David Carradine.
Encouraged early on by his brother, Carradine landed his first screen role in The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne.
He went on to build a varied and respected career, including an appearance in Mean Streets directed by Martin Scorsese, and later in Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino.
Across decades in the industry, Carradine remained a familiar presence on both the big and small screen, contributing to projects that resonated with audiences worldwide.
His family expressed hope that sharing his story would inspire understanding and encourage open conversations about mental health, reinforcing the importance of compassion and awareness.
Entertainment
Tributes Pour In as Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Courageous ALS Battle
Eric Dane, widely recognised for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane was celebrated for portraying Dr Mark Sloan — affectionately known to fans as “Dr McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy, as well as family patriarch Cal Jacobs in Euphoria.
The California-born actor revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months championing awareness and support for those living with the condition, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
In a statement, his family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon following what they described as a courageous battle with the illness.
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His loved ones shared that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends and family.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read, adding that he remained grateful for the support of fans throughout his career.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his television journey with an appearance in The Wonder Years in 1993. He went on to portray Jason Dean in Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, while also appearing in films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.
Following news of his passing, tributes from colleagues quickly emerged. Patrick Dempsey, who starred alongside him on Grey’s Anatomy, remembered Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising both his humour and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.
Fellow cast members also paid tribute. Kim Raver recalled his playful wit and impeccable comedic timing on set, while Kevin McKidd shared a simple message of remembrance online.
In his final months, Dane channelled his platform toward advancing public understanding of ALS, leaving behind not only a legacy of memorable performances but also a meaningful contribution to ongoing advocacy efforts.
Entertainment
Tech-Inspired Musician Look Mum No Computer to Represent UK at Eurovision
Electronic artist Look Mum No Computer has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
The solo performer — real name Sam Battle — is known for blending music with technology, building unconventional instruments and composing electronic soundscapes using devices such as modified Furby toys and Game Boys.
Battle first emerged on the music scene in 2014 as the frontman of indie rock band Zibra, which performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2015. Since then, he has focused on his solo project, gaining global attention for his inventive approach to sound creation.
“I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey,” he said after the announcement.
“A lifelong Eurovision fan, I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year. Getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour.”
Based in Kent, the artist has built a strong online presence, amassing around 1.4 million followers across his social media platforms, including his YouTube channel.
His work has drawn widespread interest for its creativity, featuring inventions such as Furby-powered organs, synthesiser bicycles and even flame-throwing keyboards.
“I’ve spent years creating, writing and producing my own visions from scratch,” he said. “I’ll be bringing every ounce of my creativity to the stage — I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised.”
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