Hi guys, it’s Hanako, the Potter Geek returning to Black Geekdom after a long absence (caused in large part to Warner Bros. decision to postpone the release of Half-Blood Prince to this summer). But anyhoo! Now that the release is less than 4 months away and Deathly Hallows has begun filming, it’s time to update you all on what’s going on in the Potterverse. (Warning: this post will contain casting information and potential movie spoilers).

Half-Blood Prince
Finally! We are getting closer to the long-awaited release of Half-Blood Prince, which will open in theaters and IMAX on July 17, 2009. Recently, the Japanese International trailer was released, and it can be viewed here.

Other videos:
International Featurette
Regal First Look

You can also find out current HBP information by visiting the official website.

Deathly Hallows
Release dates:
Part 1 – November 19, 2010
Part 2 – July 15, 2011

Casting News: Recently, the casting of several key characters have been confirmed, suggesting that Warner Bros. will try with the final two movies to make up for the mistakes/omissions they made in the first 5 (or 6, depending on how HBP turns out). DH see the return of Dobby the House-Elf, along with Mr. Ollivander and (possibly) Fleur Delacour. Other casting notables include Bill Weasley (finally!), Mundungus Fletcher, Xenophilius Lovegood, Aberforth Dumbledore, and Reg Cattermole, among others.

With the casting news has come confirmations of several key scenes being filmed, including the much-debated Epilogue, Malfoy Manor, Shell Cottage, and possibly the Bill/Fleur wedding.

With the casting of these characters with small yet significant roles, as well as some of the key scenes that made DH the best book in the series (in my humble opinion, of course), it seems as though WB will use the two-movie arc to fully play out the final chapter in Harry’s story, which is as it should be.