Here's the Scoop...

Need a 'Harry Potter' fix? Well, Britain's Bloomsbury Publishing says it plans to release two, new Harry Potter-themed books this fall.

"We're thrilled to share the covers for the two tie-in books accompanying the #BLHarryPotter Exhibition at The British Library this October," the company said on its Facebook page Thursday.

The message accompanied the cover images of two volumes -- Harry Potter: A Journey Through the History of Magic and Harry Potter: A History of Magic -- The Book of the Exhibition.

The books are related to J.K. Rowling's blockbuster, Harry Potter fantasy series, which contained seven tomes and inspired eight movies, as well as the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film franchise.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone -- also known in the United Kingdom as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone -- is the novel that started the phenomenon in 1997. The British Library's Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition is to open on Oct. 20, to coincide with the original book's 20th anniversary.

"Ever wanted to delve into Divination, ponder the peculiarities of Potions and even unearth how to care for magical creatures? Now you can. Step into our exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, and discover bewitching items and artifacts in an experience inspired by subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," the library's website said. "We unveil rare books, manuscripts and magical objects, capturing the traditions of magic, folklore and mythology often found in literature. You'll learn about the myths and folklore that underpin the themes and imagery brought to life in the Harry Potter stories and which provide a backdrop to Harry, Ron and Hermione's world of wizardry and witchcraft. British Library archive material will sit alongside drafts and drawings from Bloomsbury Publishing and J.K. Rowling's personal archives."

Yay, literature!

Be Well,
Steve

Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve



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'Game of Thrones' creators working on 'Confederate' series
HBO says Game of Thrones creators/show-runners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are working on a new series called Confederate.

Benioff and Weiss will write and serve as show-runners on the alternative history drama, which will go into production after the final season of Game of Thrones in 2018.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming.

"As the brilliant Game of Thrones winds down to its final season, we are thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Dan and David, knowing that any subject they take on will result in a unique and ambitious series," Bloys said in a statement. "Their intelligent, wry and visually stunning approach to storytelling has a way of engaging an audience and taking them on an unforgettable journey. Confederate promises to be no exception, and we are honored to be adding the talented team of [writer-producers] Nichelle and Malcolm Spellman to the mix."

"We have discussed Confederate for years, originally as a concept for a feature film," added Benioff and Weiss. "But our experience on Thrones has convinced us that no one provides a bigger, better storytelling canvas than HBO. There won't be dragons or White Walkers in this series, but we are creating a world, and we couldn't imagine better partners in world-building than Nichelle and Malcolm, who have impressed us for a long time with their wit, their imagination and their Scrabble-playing skills."

The show will chronicle the events leading to the Third American Civil War. No casting has been announced yet.


Paige Davis returning for 'Trading Spaces' re-boot
Paige Davis is to host the re-booted version of the TLC home-improvement series, Trading Spaces.

"She's thrilled to jump back into Trading Spaces and bring some exciting room renovations to a neighborhood near you! " the network said on its website Wednesday.

The show's producers are now looking for neighbors to take part in low-budget makeovers in each other's homes in the Los Angeles, Atlanta and Baltimore areas.

The program is to return in 2018. It initially ran 2000-08, with Davis hosting from 2001-04 and again in 2008.


LOOSE LIPS:
"You think you're a selfless person, and then you realize you're not."
--Jessica Biel, on how motherhood has changed her, to Marie Claire



??? Guess Who ???
Which Oscar nominated actress will portray Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in biopic?


'The Walking Dead' to return on Oct. 22
Season 8 of The Walking Dead is to premiere Oct. 22 on AMC.

The zombie apocalypse drama wrapped up its seventh season on April 2 with Rick Grimes [played by Andrew Lincoln] and his rag-tag band of survivors preparing to go to war with the villain Negan [played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan] and his countless minions.

Production on the show's Georgia set was temporarily halted last week when a stuntman was fatally injured falling 25 feet from a balcony.


Lena Dunham joins 'American Horror Story'
American Horror Story co-creator Ryan Murphy shared some casting news on Twitter Wednesday.

"Thrilled that my talented friend Lena Dunham is joining the AMERICAN HORROR STORY family. Always wanted to work together, and now we r!" Murphy tweeted.

The post didn't offer any other details about the role Dunham will play, but The Hollywood Reporter said this season of the anthology series will begin on Election Night 2016.

Previously confirmed co-stars include Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Colton Haynes, Leslie Grossman, Billie Lourd, Billy Eichner, Adina Porter and Cheyenne Jackson. Dunham is best known for writing, directing and starring in the HBO series, Girls.


??? Guess Who ???
Which Oscar nominated actress will portray Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in biopic?

Felicity Jones has signed on to portray Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in an upcoming biopic titled On the Basis of Sex.

Mimi Leder is directing the film with a script from Daniel Stiepleman, Variety reported. Focus Features and Participant Media are handling the project with Robert W. Cort producing.

The film is set to begin production in Montreal in September, notes Deadline. On the Basis of Sex will follow Ginsburg's career-spanning fight for equality.

President Bill Clinton appointed Ginsburg to the Supreme Court in 1993. Jones recently starred as protagonist Jyn Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. She is also in Universal's upcoming adaptation of Swan Lake from director Luca Guadagnino.