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New Harry Potter series launches casting call

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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.

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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.

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Woman Accused of Shooting at Rihanna’s Home Pleads Not Guilty

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Woman Accused of Shooting at Rihanna’s Home Pleads Not Guilty

A Florida woman accused of opening fire at the Los Angeles home of pop star Rihanna has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and multiple related charges.

Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, entered her plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court, denying allegations that she tried to kill Rihanna and others during the incident on 8 March at the singer’s mansion in Beverly Crest.

Prosecutors allege Ortiz fired a semiautomatic rifle at the property, targeting not only Rihanna but also her partner A$AP Rocky, their three young children, and others present at the home and a nearby residence. No injuries were reported.

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According to court documents, the victims listed include Robyn Fenty and Rakim Mayers—the legal names of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky—as well as Rihanna’s mother and several additional individuals.

Ortiz faces a range of serious charges, including attempted murder, 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Each assault charge corresponds to an individual allegedly targeted during the incident.

Authorities say Ortiz drove to the residence, fired multiple shots, and then fled the scene. She was later arrested at a shopping centre in Sherman Oaks after her white Tesla was located approximately eight miles away.

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She remains in custody with bail set at $1.875m (£1.4m) and could face life imprisonment if convicted. A judge has also barred her from practising as a speech pathologist in California.

Ortiz is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on 8 April. Her legal team has not publicly commented on the case, and representatives for Rihanna have yet to respond.

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BTS Comeback Concert on Netflix Draws 18.4 Million Global Viewers

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BTS Comeback Concert on Netflix Draws 18.4 Million Global Viewers

A livestreamed comeback concert by K-pop superstars BTS attracted 18.4 million viewers worldwide on Netflix, highlighting the group’s enduring global influence.

The one-hour performance marked the first time all seven members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—had performed together since October 2022, when they paused group activities to complete mandatory military service in South Korea.

Held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, the free concert drew about 104,000 attendees, according to entertainment giant Hybe Corporation—below earlier projections of 260,000.

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Despite the slightly lower turnout, the event marked the launch of the group’s sold-out 82-date world tour and was streamed live to audiences in more than 190 countries. Only around 22,000 fans gained access to the main venue, while others watched via large outdoor screens set up nearby.

The broadcast quickly climbed to the top of Netflix rankings in 24 countries, underscoring the group’s massive international reach. The concert also forms part of Netflix’s broader push into live programming, following major events such as the 2024 boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which reportedly drew over 108 million viewers.

Security was tight, with around 7,000 police officers deployed, including specialised units equipped with anti-drone systems to manage the large crowds.

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Financially, the comeback is expected to be significant. Analysts estimate that BTS and their label could generate over $1bn (£740m) from reunion-related activities, including touring, merchandise, album sales, and streaming. The group remains the primary revenue driver for Hybe, which saw profits decline during their hiatus.

However, investor expectations appeared to shift after the event, with Hybe’s shares dropping by 15.5% on Monday despite months of gains leading up to the reunion.

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OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies at 43

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OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies at 43

Leonid Radvinsky, the owner of OnlyFans and a key figure behind its rapid global rise, has died at the age of 43.

The Ukrainian-born entrepreneur, who grew up in Chicago, passed away peacefully following a prolonged battle with cancer, the company confirmed in a statement, requesting privacy for his family.

Radvinsky acquired OnlyFans in 2018 from its UK-based founders and oversaw a period of extraordinary growth that reshaped the online content landscape. Originally launched in 2016, the platform allows creators to share photos and videos while earning income through subscriptions, tips, and personalised content requests.

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Its popularity surged dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions turned to digital platforms for income and entertainment. Within three years, Radvinsky’s success with the platform earned him a place on Forbes’ billionaire rankings.

Although creators on OnlyFans produce a wide range of material—from fitness tutorials to cooking content—the platform became best known for adult content and its direct creator-to-fan monetisation model. The company retains a 20% commission on all earnings generated on the platform.

By 2024, OnlyFans had grown into a massive digital enterprise, generating $1.4 billion in revenue from transactions exceeding £7 billion. It also reported more than 377 million subscribers and approximately 4.6 million creators, according to its latest filings.

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However, the platform’s expansion also brought regulatory scrutiny. In 2024, Ofcom investigated concerns about potential underage access to explicit content. While the probe was ultimately dropped, the regulator fined the company about £1 million for failing to provide accurate information about its age-verification systems.

Earlier controversies included allegations that the platform did not adequately address illegal material. In response to mounting pressure, OnlyFans announced plans in 2021 to ban sexually explicit content, only to reverse the decision days later after strong backlash from users and creators.

The company has also faced legal challenges from users who claimed they were misled into believing they were communicating directly with creators, when in some cases third-party operators were involved. These cases have so far been unsuccessful.

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Radvinsky, who held a degree in economics from Northwestern University, lived most recently in Florida. Beyond OnlyFans, he invested in technology ventures through his firm, Leo.com, and was involved in philanthropic efforts, including donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

According to Forbes, his net worth was estimated at $4.7 billion. He had also been exploring a potential sale of OnlyFans in the past year, signaling possible changes in the company’s future direction before his passing.

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