A new rendition of the beloved wizarding world is set to enchant listeners as young British actors Frankie Treadaway, Arabella Stanton, and Max Lester lend their voices to iconic characters in the upcoming audiobook of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This version, produced by Audible, features a unique approach where all roles are voiced by different actors, departing from the traditional single-narrator format.
While recording in a studio in London, the trio expressed their enthusiasm for voice acting and their immersion in the Harry Potter universe. Treadaway, Stanton, and Lester highlighted that one of the highlights of their experience has been the snack cupboard stocked with chocolate, which they said has kept their energy up during long recording sessions. The audiobook is scheduled for release on November 4, promising to offer fans a fresh auditory experience of the first installment in J.K. Rowling’s celebrated series.
In other entertainment news, the world of ballet bid farewell to a pioneering figure. Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, performed her final show at a farewell gala in New York. The event, held on Wednesday, featured tributes from notable figures including Oprah Winfrey, who remarked on Copeland’s transformative impact on the art form. At 43, Copeland emphasized her decision to step back from the stage, stating she aims to focus on fostering diversity in dance through her Misty Copeland Foundation and her children’s literature.
Meanwhile, film enthusiasts are buzzing about Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest work, Bugonia. This film merges tragic elements with dark humor, capturing a surreal yet relatable narrative. In a review by AP Film Writer Jake Coyle, he describes it as a gripping experience that challenges viewers, featuring an eco-terrorist played by Jesse Plemons who kidnaps a pharmaceutical CEO, played by Emma Stone, believing she is an alien. The film is a testament to Lanthimos’s ability to blend the absurd with poignant reality.
The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, Regretting You, has stirred conversation with its mix of romance and tragedy. Starring Allison Williams and Dave Franco, the film weaves a complex story of love, loss, and familial ties. Critics, including Jocelyn Noveck of the Associated Press, note that while the film has heartwarming moments, it wrestles with tonal inconsistencies. The film opens in theaters on Friday and is expected to draw significant interest given Hoover’s popularity.
In a notable return to the stage, Bon Jovi announced their first tour since frontman Jon Bon Jovi underwent vocal cord surgery. Titled the Forever Tour, the band will kick off their seven-night tour in 2026 with four performances at Madison Square Garden in New York before heading to major cities including Edinburgh, Dublin, and London. The tour marks Bon Jovi’s first live performances in four years, with the last concert taking place on April 30, 2022, in Nashville. Tickets for the presale will be available starting Tuesday, with general sales commencing on October 31.
In legal news, a lawsuit by actor Alec Baldwin has moved to federal court. Baldwin is alleging malicious prosecution related to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in October 2021. The case has gained renewed attention following the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin in 2024 due to claims that evidence was withheld by authorities. The shift to federal court heightens the stakes in Baldwin’s ongoing conflict with prosecutors.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, these stories reflect the dynamic nature of the industry, highlighting new voices, heartfelt farewells, and legal battles that continue to shape public discourse.
