Wizarding World Gold Has Officially Launched Online

Pottermore has officially merged into the new hub of all things Harry Potter at Wizarding World- the premiere digital home to learn about the latest news from the world of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and Cursed Child.

The reinvented site has kept the original Pottermore features such as quizzes, character analysis, and writing from J.K. Rowling in tact. Fans can still register to the site to take the Sorting Hat quiz, choose their wand, discover their patronus, and stay up-to-date with announcements.

A whole new addition to Wizarding World is a new subscription service. Wizarding World Gold invites fans to join an exclusive membership and receive special perks for a year long subscription. It's available now in the UK for £59.99 and United States for $74.99 with more countries to be added soon.

The welcome gift for fans after signing up to Wizarding World Gold is an exclusive custom journal made just for you.

Known as Keys and Curios, the journal is personalized with your name and Hogwarts house. The covers are designed by MinaLima, the graphic design team behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. The journal, as well as a postcard of the Hogwarts grounds dawn by J.K. Rowling and a collectible pin as extra gifts, offer a chance to own a stunning piece of wizarding memorabilia.

The magic doesn't end with a unique cover for Keys and Curios. The journal itself contains interactive features that can be unlocked every month using the Wizarding World App. Over the course of your subscription, new secrets and surprises are unveiled and keep you engaged all year long.

For the duration of your subscription, you'll also receive a wide range of perks to:

• book priority access to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Bros: Studio Tour London
• use discounts at the Wizarding World online shop, Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross, Warner Bros Studio Tour London, among other official Harry Potter stores online and worldwide
• gain early access to Wizarding World exclusive merchandise and collectibles before they go on sale to the general public
• enjoy eBooks of the original Harry Potter stories
• enter to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• watch exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the archive and creative talent

As Wizarding World Gold continues on throughout the next calendar year, more news will be added to Potter Talk when they become available, so be sure to watch this space and share your thoughts on Wizarding World Gold.

Wizarding World Gold is the premium source of the latest and exclusive developments in the Harry Potter universe. You can sign up for the subscription service at WizardingWorld.com. 

Next Fantastic Beasts Film Confirms New Production Details

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald left fans wondering about the fate of the wizarding world. Its beloved group of characters Newt Scamander and his friends traveled to Paris and joined forces with Albus Dumbledore to face-off against Gellert Grindelwald, one of the darkest wizards to ever rise to power. The latest film in the Fantastic Beasts saga was critically panned by both wizards and critics alike, leaving questions about its future and ever-expanding plot.

WizardingWorld.com, the updated Pottermore source of all things Harry Potter news, confirms the next step in the franchise's plans for five films.

The latest addition Fantastic Beasts film will begin production in Spring 2020. An official release into cinemas worldwide is expected for November 12, 2021.

Plenty of characters that we love or love-to-hate such as Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Dep) will be back. Other familiar faces also include Ezra Miller (Credence/Aurelius Dumbledore), Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) and Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein).

Even more details revealed that the story will continue exploring the wizarding world across various countries around the globe. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them introduced us to New York City in the late 1920s, while Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hopped across the pond to Paris, France. The next location will be Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and was hinted by Rowling on twitter after changing her twitter header.

The next chapter will also be helmed by Harry Potter veteran director David Yates. Author and screewnriter of the Harry Potter books and Fantastic Beasts, J.K. Rowling, will be joined by Steve Kloves. The latter adapted all of the Harry Potter films excluding Order of the Phoenix.

Previously, the third film was slated to begin production in Summer 2019. As shared by both actor Dan Fogler and later confirmed by Warner Bros. the rumored 'gigantic' size of this film was a major cause for the production to be delayed. Now that the next adventure in the wizarding world seems to be set, we have nothing to do but wait anxiously for more details about the plot and title.

The Harry Potter Alliance Raises Funds for Equality This Fall

Wizards and witches alike have the power to create change, and that's exactly what The Harry Potter Alliance has been inspiring in Harry Potter fans since 2005.

This October, the non-profit organization is launching Expecto Equality, a fundraiser supporting year round commitment to helping fans become engaged activists in their communities.

The HPA's goals will focus on fighting for climate change, supporting initiatives for immigrants, engaging voters with free training, specialized toolkits, resources and mobilization for events.

Contributions to their campaign includes perks such as signed books from Neil Gaiman and Jackson Bird, brand new art from Risa Rodil, unique perks from Emily Graslie, Preeti Chhibber, Sarah Sterling, Harry and the Potters, exclusive event opportunities from LeakyCon and a wellness guide from Heroine Training as well as exclusive merchandise like shirts, pins and a fanny pack.

The campaign will run until October 31st. Supporters can currently contribute through IndieGogo to help the HPA reach their goal. 

Check out the official website for more information on The Harry Potter Alliance.

From the official press release:

For 14 years, the HPA has proven the power of story to inspire and drive change. Today, dark forces tell stories designed to drive fear, hate, and hopelessness. The HPA will fight back around the world by helping fans reclaim the power of story and make a major impact in communities, in the streets, and at the ballot box throughout the rest of the year and into 2020.

“The stories that these campaigns and our chapters are able to tell through their activism is making positive change both locally and around the world,” Managing Director, Katie Bowers said. “Fundraisers like Expecto Equality support staff time, resource development, and our web and conference presences - and that allows us to do huge things! Donating to the HPA through Expecto Equality means you believe in a more just and magical future. This fall, in addition to supporting dozens of actions to show up for immigrants and to fight for the climate, we are on track to train over 1,000 young activists this year! That’s a thousand new heroes, hitting the ground running and working for change in their communities.”

As a fan-led nonprofit, the HPA relies almost entirely on donations. For every $1,500 raised, the HPA will be able to keep their world-class trainings and campaigns going for one week. Once the $20,000 goal is met, they will be able to commit to 13 weeks of meaningful action. To donate visit expectoequality.org and follow @thehpalliance to stay up to date on the HPA’s newest campaigns.

The Harry Potter Alliance (www.thehpalliance.org) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that turns fans into heroes. We’re changing the world by making activism accessible through the power of story. Since 2005, we’ve engaged millions of fans through our work for equality, human rights, and literacy.

Geek For The Win's Magical Harry Potter Illustrative Quotes

Over 1 million words fill the pages of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. When we read the books and watch the movies, we're transported to the wizarding world's magical landscape, winsome creatures, and bold characters. From finding light in the darkness to offering a good chuckle, Rowling's writing comforts and inspires readers every day.

Geek for the Win illustrated memorable moments for fans to enjoy, making some of the series's most underrated and beloved quotes come to life.

To highlight Rowling's wide range of characters, Geek for the Win celebrates Dumbledore's wisdom, Harry Potter's determination, Hermione's cleverness, and so much more.

Fans can relive the magic with fun new artwork that show's the courage, humor, and bravery the books instilled.

Geek for the Win strives to help you embrace your inner geek. Check out a brief selection of their artwork featured below and more on their official website. 

Which Harry Potter quotes inspire, comfort, or make you laugh? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Our Favorite Muggle Games with a Potter Twist

It's been 12 years since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, signifying the end of Harry's journey on print. But his story, and J.K. Rowling's world, remain as relevant as ever, and we've seen a multitude of spinoffs since then, such as the Newt Scamander-led Fantastic Beasts film franchise. These explore the part of wizarding history that audiences and readers have yet to discover, but it doesn't end there. The high demand for more Potter material has also led to a new augmented reality game Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, which allows people to live out their Hogwarts fantasies in real life.

But for some, even this isn't enough. If you find yourself needing more Potter material, we've got you covered. Read on for some tips on how to add a little magic to your favorite muggle games!

Wizarding Cards

Ron and Harry were obsessed with the Wizarding Cards that came with Honeydukes Chocolate Frogs. The cards included historic wizards and witches on the front and back. You would come away not only with a hopping treat, but also a chance to score your favorite wizarding icon. If you're into that sort of thing, you'll be glad to know that Wizarding Cards do exist in real life. These come in the form of the Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle: Defence Against The Dark Arts strategy card game. This is a two-player game where you can simulate a wizarding duel just like in the books and movies.

But if that's not your speed, worry not as you can always just reinvent existing rules and terminologies for muggle games like poker to make it more magical. One way would be to go through the poker guides featured on partypoker and come up with fun alternatives based on spells, characters, or even places in the wizarding world. “Bullets,” or a pair of aces, can be “Fred and George,” while a “Straight Flush” can even be a “Weasley Family Tree!” Have fun, use your imagination, and remember that the use of Felix Felicis in any form of competition is considered cheating.

Bertie Botts Challenge

If you remember the Bertie Botts every flavor beans from the books and movies, you'll know that when they say every flavor, they mean every flavor. Ron even claims that George had gotten a booger-flavored one once. Well, luckily for you (or maybe not), USA Today reports that Jelly Belly has released a line of novelty jelly beans that come with flavors like Spoiled Milk and even Barf.

One game you can play with these beans is the classic guessing game, where you and your friends estimate how many jelly beans are in a jar. The twist here is you'll be mixing a batch of novelty beans with the regular ones and then try to guess how many novelty beans are in your container. You and your friends will write down your guesses and then try the beans out one at a time, taking note of when someone ingests a novelty bean. The person with the closest guess wins a prize — and considering that you may just ingest a booger bean, the prize better be worth it.

Rita Skeeter Rumors

Lastly, anyone who's ever read the books has an irreverent and enduring dislike for the infamous Rita Skeeter. Skeeter writes for The Daily Prophet and was the main source of wizarding gossip throughout the series. So what better way to pay tribute to Rita than a game of Telephone?

To play, have your players form two lines and have the first person in each line start a "rumor." You can even make this an obscure but special phrase from the book for added Potter points. That person then whispers the rumor into the ear of the player behind them. This goes on until the rumor reaches the last person who is then responsible to report the rumor. If the phrase is accurate, then the person and their team gets a point. To continue the game, simply have the last person move to the front and repeat the initial steps.