MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

MuggleCast excitedly kicks off the year 2022 with their review of the brand new Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion special! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they go "chapter-by-chapter" on the 100 minute show and discuss the highs and lows, cast members who were noticeably absent, and how the reunion special did or didn't meet their expectations. We also have a mail-bag show next week, so be sure to send us YOUR thoughts on the special! 2022 started off with a brand new Reunion Special, looking back on the making of all 8 films and featuring the cast including Dan, Rupert and Emma Harry Potter Reunion Special First Impressions: did it satisfy our craving? Did it make us cry? (Spoiler alert: yes, it did.) Andrew found the beginning to be a little clunky, and the fact that Rupert, Dan and Emma were not physically all in the same space was ultimately a missed opportunity. Laura thinks the special would have benefitted from having a dedicated host to guide us through the many different interviews and set a more static tone for the special. Micah wanted to see more groups together and would have expected a higher focus on the first film, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and not the others. Eric wanted more Ian Hart! They brought him in for a whole day and he only appears in the last 5 minutes of the show? Release the Snyder Cut of Back to Hogwarts, you cowards! We all appreciate getting to hear from all 4 directors who helmed the Potter films. Dan Radcliffe's chat with Chris Columbus and some archival footage of the young trio warmed all of our hearts, multiple times. Hearing Alfonso Cuarón discuss Prisoner of Azkaban changed Micah's mind on the film! Eric is not so cheaply bought... but admits that Cuarón clearly really cares and that his take on Harry's adolescence is valid. Dan Radcliffe and Gary Oldman's chat shows that they truly mean a lot to one another and is great to see. After seeing Mike Newell wrestle with the Phelps Twins and break some of his own ribs while doing so, everything we've ever wondered about why the Goblet of Fire movie is the way it is makes perfect sense. The trio talking teenage hormones reignites the spark of all of our ships, including Emma and Tom who CLEARLY HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON... ...but perhaps not as much as Dan and Helena Bonham Carter! That steamy handwritten note, wowza... The hosts lament the exclusion of a Sirius/Bellatrix duel that was evidently filmed, and recount other surprising times during this special where an actor says something shocking which paints director choices in a questionable light. Evanna Lynch appears with an inspirational message for the outsiders in all of us. The cast discussing their on-screen kisses is very popcorn worthy, even if the kisses themselves weren't all so. The In Memoriam segment touches us all as we reflect on cast members who are no longer with us, and the nice things said about them in this special. RIP also to Millie the hamster. We never knew ye before! The special ends back at the beginning, with footage of the 11-year-old trio, and lots of emotional admissions from the actors about each other and the films' legacy. The hosts discuss JK Rowling's appearance in archived footage and what mystery still remains about her involvement in this special. Quizzitch: What is the name of Rupert Grint's child? Submit your answer!  Finally, Eric and Micah played Fandom Feud last week, with fellow members of HP Fandom to benefit trans-supportive charities. Check out the whole video of both games they played over on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we preview the forthcoming Harry Potter Reunion Special, dive deeper into The Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, take listener feedback on just what in the world Jacob is doing with a wand and look ahead to 2022! Plus, a bonus MuggleCast you won't want to miss - just what goes down at a Hogwarts Holiday staff party! Another year, gone (in your best Dumbledore voice)! We discuss the upcoming Harry Potter Reunion Special. The trailer was supposed to be released last week prior to our recording, but never appeared. It was eventually released Monday, December 20th. Rumors abound about a member of the trio not being present for the reunion! Don't forget, we'll be recording our first MuggleCast of 2022 following the airing of the reunion on HBO MAX! We return to analyzing The Secrets of Dumbledore Trailer now that we've had more time with it Look close... can you see Ariana? Dumbledore is in New York City! What brings him there? Could the portkey in the Room of Requirement be a Tibetan Prayer Wheel? Rise Great Avenger! Laura calls out some very watery phoenix imagery behind the title card! Listener feedback covers all things Jacob! Did Dumbledore enchant Jacob's want to work only in times of need? Was Jacob expelled from Ilvermorny? Could he be a late bloomer? Does Jacob get a wand because, well, it would just be too dangerous for him NOT to have one? Could Credence hold the secret to destroying the blood pact? What do we have to look forward to in the wizarding world in 2022? Quizzitch: What is the street address for Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes in the books? Submit your answer!  This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)! Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast later this week (available on Patreon), the hosts discuss just what goes down at a Hogwarts Holiday Staff Party (Warning: This might not be suitable for younger audiences)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has finally arrived, and we're here to discuss everything in it! What's up with Jacob and his wand? Hey there, Aberforth Dumbledore! New Year, New Doo for Credence! And thank goodness that there are still magical beasts in this thing! We recorded this Secrets of Dumbledore trailer analysis just minutes after it was released Monday morning, so we go character by character and scene by scene to figure out what we can expect in the Fantastic Beasts threequel. (Just THREE points awarded to Hufflepuff? THREE?) Send us your feedback about the Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, and we may include it in the next episode, which we're recording later this week! We want your theories and feelings. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and MeUndies (get 15% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses makes it television premiere! And speaking of trivia, join us for Quizzitch Live: Holiday House Battle on Sunday, December 12 at 10 a.m. ET! In other news, our Fantastic Beasts character discussions continue with Queenie Goldstein. How has her character changed from Fantastics Beasts to Crimes of Grindelwald? Welcome Slug Club member, Sam! We review our magical stats from this year's Spotify Wrapped! Welcome to our new listeners in Cameroon, Mongolia, Brunei, Russia and Kenya! Eric and Micah will be doing an Instagram Live on Tuesday, December 7 at 7 p.m. ET! Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses debuts! We offer our initial thoughts! Our Fantastic Beasts Character Discussions return with Queenie Goldstein  What happened to Queenie between the first and second films? Have we seen a complete devolution of her character? Or is it just bad writing? Do Jacob and Queenie have a healthy relationship? What do we make of Queenie using a Love Potion on Jacob? Does it give us Merope Gaunt vibes? Is Queenie's power of Legilimency a blessing or a curse? Why does it always rain during Queenie's major scenes? Should we be suspicious of the tea in Grindelwald's flat? What does the future look like for Queenie? What will make her leave Grindelwald's side?  Could Queenie already be a double agent and will she become one? Who is Quentin Kowalski? Quizzitch: What day of the year does Professor McGonagall say she wouldn’t be surprised if it were known as “Harry Potter Day” in the future? Submit your answer!  This week's episode is brought to you by Quip (visit Quip.com/Muggle for your first refill free and up to 40% off bundles for the holiday ) and Thirdlove (get 20% off at Thirdlove.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, major news hits the fandom! We discuss the upcoming reunion of cast and crew from Harry Potter to celebrate the first film's 20th anniversary. In addition, the new, shorter version of Cursed Child is reportedly a lot more heavy on an Albus/Scorpius relationship! And finally we bring you our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they reveal what awesome fan-crafted finds they've discovered this year. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint will all take part in a 20th Anniversary Special for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone's release Even actors from later films, such as Gary Oldman and Mark Williams, will be joining in as well as SS/COS director Chris Columbus There have been no reports of J.K. Rowling in attendance. The hosts weigh in on what involvement she'll have, if any. A Cursed Child fan has passionately revealed that the new, shorter version of Cursed Child on Broadway has a lot more direct references to Albus and Scorpius being interested in one another, and fewer references to girls like Rose and Polly Chapman! The hosts guess at why the play would make changes now, and for only half of its current productions. Main Discussion: Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide episode is here! Each host has two recommendations of fan-made items to check out. From Andrew's list: A custom Hogwarts acceptance letter and a really awesome personalized lenticular Chocolate Frog card! Eric just loves the super-crafty, miniature Book Nooks that can be found on Etsy, as well as Etsy seller Clever Badger designs, who make many hand-crafted gifts for book lovers. Additionally, MuggleNet's 2022 fandom calendar is donating part of its proceeds to Fandom Forward (formerly the HP Alliance) Micah has found Wine Goblets from Ravenclaw house and themed soy candles from Frostbeart Studio! And Laura has found a way to get The Grim in your teacup every day, as well as these neat custom Apple Watch bands In addition to their fan-made recommendations, the hosts discuss where to go for vintage Harry Potter merchandise (eBay!) We also ask: if money weren't an object, which piece of official Harry Potter merchandise would we buy? Lastly, what newly-released official merchandise are we eyeing at the end of this year? Quizzitch: What 14th Century witch enjoyed being burnt at the stake so many times that she did so at least 47 times under different guises? This week's episode is brought to you by Beam (Visit BeamOrganics.com/mugglecast for 40% off the first 3 months of any Beam sunscription, plus a free mug and frother -- OR 20% off any one time purchase) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we empty some owl post from our Muggle Mail bag! What would the 1998-99 Hogwarts school year have looked like? Why did Harry decide to become an Auror? Plus, we analyze several new Credence theories, a Chicken Soup from India and a horcrux email from 2006 that we’ll finally answer! We're confounded! Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is closing this January! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus says he thinks they got Harry’s scar wrong... and is interested in making a Cursed Child movie! It's our monthly Muggle Mail episode with voicemails covering Dumbledore and Grindelwald's blood pact, Mads Mikkelson's casting and more! Would Hermione, Ginny and Luna have been close? Would the Slytherin students have been treated poorly? How would Snape have been remembered? Credence theories abound! Would J.K. Rowling ever write a HP-world book from a different character's perspective? What is Grindelwald's emotional motivation? Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul returns! Our throwback email from 2006 covers Harry's glasses being a horcrux! Quizzitch: What was the first movie directed by Chris Columbus, which co-starred a young Vincent D'Onofrio as the Norse god Thor? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast), WarbyParker (try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at WarbyParker.com/MuggleCast) and ThirdLove (Get 20% off at Thirdlove.com/mugglecast) Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast (available on Patreon), the hosts discuss a certain character not appearing in The Secrets of Dumbledore and give their predictions on when we will see our first movie trailer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is a movie commentary track for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone! The movie turns 20 years old this weekend, and you can finally watch along with the MuggleCasters. Listen as Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura share their insights and revisit the magical movie that launched the franchise.  You need to bring your own copy of the movie in order to fully enjoy this commentary track. We will help you sync up with us at the beginning (Press 'pause' as soon as the WB logo finishes fading to black. Then press 'play' when Andrew says '3'). Director Chris Columbus recently spoke about the movie in honor of its 20th anniversary, and some of his comments leak in to our lively discussion. The full list of MuggleCast movie commentaries can be found on our website's Must-Listens page. More to come in the years ahead! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hitting movie theaters, and kicking off an incredible film series! Where were we on opening night? How did movie critics react to the first Potter film? Who would we cast in some of our favorite Potter roles?  Plus, Eric as the Sorting Hat? Join us for the first of several episodes celebrating this epic movie anniversary!  Good news: ALL episodes of MuggleCast are now available in our RSS feed! Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the podcast feed to relive the old days. What did we do for the film's release on November 16, 2001? Thumbs up or thumbs down? We read some initial critical reviews of the movie! Quidditch hype! John Williams slander?!? No liberties taken?!? What were some of the more notable scenes that didn't make it to the screen? Box Office Breakdown: how did Sorcerer's Stone measure up? Recasting the first Potter film - our listeners weigh in with great suggestions! The hosts give their best Sorcerer's Stone movie impersonations! Quizzitch: Eventually released in 2017, what is the name of the song Bruce Springsteen wrote for Harry Potter between 1998-2001 and offered to Chris Columbus for use in the first Harry Potter film? Submit your answer! This week’s episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 15% off your first order at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), HelloFresh (Get 14 free meals and 3 free gifts at HelloFresh.com/muggle14) and Quip (get your first refill of any refillable product free at GetQuip.com/Muggle). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, long time friend of the show Evanna Lynch joins us to discuss her new book, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting. She talks about the challenges in writing her memoir and the hosts ask her about her experiences as a newly published author. Her book chronicles a struggle with mental illness and an eating disorder, as well as her correspondence with JK Rowling via letters, years before she was cast as Luna Lovegood. Evanna was kind to answer all of our questions and give us her time. This is one episode you won't want to miss! Evanna Lynch returns to MuggleCast, a newly published author! Her book, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting is a deeply moving, at times comical and mostly challenging tale of her struggles with an eating disorder while she was growing up. The hosts take turns asking Evanna questions both about her book, and some of the surprising stories found within. Evanna details why she was inspired to write Butterfly Hunting... and how she managed to remember so many details from when she was eleven. What lessons and messages can readers hope to get from the book? Laura asks Evanna what she would say to her younger self, and Evanna replies gravely and honestly. The interview touches on Evanna's early correspondence with J.K. Rowling via letter. What made her reach out? The reasons Evanna is connected to the character of Luna. Evanna recounts her transition from everyday Harry Potter super-fan to friend and colleague of the cast, and how strange it was to get used to. Finally, what does the title of the book mean? And how did becoming a vegan change Evanna's way of seeing the world? MuggleCast recently was on Evanna's The ChickPeeps podcast, and we had a great time. Evanna leaves us with a story of walking into bookstores to sign copies of her book, and what it was like to record the audiobook. Quizzitch: What is Aragog's wife's name?? Submit your answer! This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, it's our annual Halloween extravaganza! We invent some of our own wizarding world candy, discuss what treats Potter characters would hand out for Halloween and Potter-ize your favorite Halloween movies! Plus, some new and exciting info about The Secrets of Dumbledore following a test screening in Los Angeles last week! A new behind-the-scenes look at Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore sheds light on where the film will pick up and what countries we will be visiting! But what happened to Rio? We have a small, exciting, and spoiler-free tidbit about The Secrets of Dumbledore from someone who attended a test screening in Los Angeles last week. It's our annual Halloween episode! Have any of the hosts ever dressed up as Harry Potter characters for Halloween? (Here's Andrew's Morning Show appearance as Harry Potter) Laura has a great costume recommendation for Micah this year! We try our hand at inventing Wizarding World candy What kinds of goodies would Snape, Molly, Mad-Eye and McGonagall give trick-or treaters? How about Remus, Sirius, Arabella Figg and Xenophilus Lovegood? Ron as Carrot Top? Dumbledore as a Lemon Drop Martini? We discuss what Potter characters would dress up as for Halloween! Night of the Living Fred! Horcrux Pocus! Who has the best Potter-ized Halloween movie title? Quizzitch: What sweet treat does Professor Flitwick give to Harry after his interview is published in The Quibbler? Submit your answer! This week’s episode is brought to you  BetterHelp – get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices