David Bradley, better known to Potter fans as Argus Filch, will be playing a Time Lord in a 90-minute BBC Drama special in honor of Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary.  The special is entitled An Adventure in Space and Time, and David will be portraying William Hartnell (a previous Doctor Who actor) in the story.  Doctor Who first aired on November 23rd 1963, so this special will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who and the personalities involved.

David had the following to say about the roll: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark Gatiss while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would interested, I almost bit his hand off! […] Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”

The writer, Mark Gatiss, said: “What a cast! I’m utterly delighted that everyone’s favourite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can’t wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through space and time.”

This post is not suitable for younger children, so parents take heed.  Harry Potter star Natalia Tena (Tonks) has recently spoken out about a Colombian killing and done a voice over for a Survival International campaign video.  Twenty-two years ago, in November 1990, Angel María Torres and two other leaders of Colombia’s Arhuaco tribe were kidnapped, tortured and killed. They were travelling from their home in Colombia’s northern Sierra Nevada region to the capital Bogotá when they were detained by the army. The video, in which Angel María Torres’s widow Dilia has spoken of the grief and despair of the last 22 years, as well as some quotes from Natalia and Survival International may be read below:

Natalia Tena said, ’Dilia’s story of the loss of her husband touched me deeply, which is why I am supporting Survival’s campaign against impunity for crimes against Colombia’s indigenous people.’

Survival’s Director Stephen Corry said, ‘Rarely is there a more explicit and stomach-churning example of government-sponsored violence against tribal peoples. And yet there are those that continue to promulgate the lie that tribal peoples fare better when the state is imposed upon them. Arhuaco tribeswoman Dilia Torres would vehemently disagree.’

Thanks to Survival International for mailing.

In a new interview with the Daily Mail, Harry Potter actress Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang, talks about filming the Potter series, her life and career post-Harry Potter, her schooling and more. Katie will next be appearing in a four-part miniseries, Run, which will be airing on Channel 4 this coming March. She plays Ying, “a Chinese illegal immigrant selling DVDs to try to free herself from the vicious gang-master who brought her to Britain.” A couple snippets from the interview may be read below.

After Harry Potter you could have gone straight on to another film. Yet you chose to do a play and then go back to drama school. Why?
I was kind of lost and wanted to try different things. After Potter, I wasn’t sure if I could be  an actor. I questioned whether they chose me because I fitted the part physically, rather than because of my acting skills.

Were you put off by the mad fans and all the Hollywood hullaballoo?
It was nice to be a part of the premieres and publicity, but it was also a relief to leave it behind. I’m not the type of person who enjoys the limelight. But I’m not ungrateful; I took a lot from the experience. Touring so many countries publicising the films, I was given an opportunity to see the world, encounter different cultures and meet so many amazing, interesting people.

What did Harry Potter give you?
It has definitely helped me decide what I want to do with my life. Before getting the part I had absolutely no idea. From doing Run, I’ve learnt that actors are afraid to tell people what they  do because most of the time they’re out of a job. But at this point in time, I’m proud to say that I am an actor.

What is your nature, would you say?
I’m very quiet. I can go a whole week without talking, so doing interviews is really awkward for me! I enjoy my own company a lot – too much, probably. I read, see films, take photographs – that’s it really. One of the things I liked about my character in Run is that she can just disappear into the background if she wants, which is what I’m like.

Daniel Radcliffe’s newest film, Kill Your Darlings, premiered at this years Sundance Film Festival and numerous interviews and reports have made their way online.  Here is a quick recap of the news:

Sony Classics has reportedly bought the rights to the film and it is slated for a Fall release, we will of course post more as a concrete date is set.  Thanks to Hypable

Vulture posted an interview with Daniel where he talks about his character, co-stars and some of the more mature scenes in the film.

Many of your fans are already obsessed with that kiss, sight unseen. I hope you’re prepared to see it immortalized in animated GIFs until the end of time.
You know, I think that will be wonderful! Dane and I are banging the drum already because we want the MTV Best Kiss award. We want that golden popcorn! To my knowledge, a sincere, passionate, romantic gay kiss has never won, so I think that would be a very cool thing for this movie to receive.

For which project did you feel the most pressure: to play someone who grows up to become the famous poet Allen Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings or to play someone who grows up to become universally adored sex symbol Jon Hamm in your next project, A Young Doctor’s Notebook?
[Laughs.] I would have to say I felt more pressure with Kill Your Darlings. A Young Doctor’s Notebook is a wonderful show, and it’s not that it wasn’t challenging, but there was also a lot of fun to be had. Kill Your Darlings, while we had a lot of fun filming it, it was definitely a very intimidating experience. In the run up to it, it was a very daunting prospect to think, Okay, tomorrow I am playing Allen Ginsberg. God, I hope this works!

E! News has also posted an interview with the actor where he discusses similar topics.

[…] He added with a laugh, “John was very helpful in furnishing me with a lot of graphic detail of what I would be experiencing at the various stages.”

Instead of an actor plucked from a casting call, Krokidas asked a friend to play the sailor who Ginsberg sleeps with in the scene. “We were able to hang out a little bit on set and get to know each other a little bit, which I think is important when you’re doing a scene so intimate,” Radcliffe said. “You have to feel like you’re both in it together.”

Finally, there are quite a number of video interviews, some may be watched below. More can be seen here and here!  Thanks to SnitchSeeker for rounding these up!

The Bath Literature Festival website has been updated with some exciting news for J.K. Rowling fans.  The author is set to attend their festival this March.  View the programme for the festival and book your tickets, at this link!  Rowling is scheduled on March 8th, from 8-9pm. and the description is as follows:

J.K. Rowling needs no introduction. A storyteller like no other, she has brought the pleasure of reading to a whole generation, and we are delighted to welcome her to Bath to talk about her first novel for adults The Casual Vacancy. This is an opportunity to meet one of the bestselling authors of all time. Chaired by The Independent Bath Literature Festival Artistic Director James Runcie.

After the event, J.K. Rowling will be signing copies of her new book for ticket holders only. Please make sure you retain your ticket if you want your copy of The Casual Vacancy signed. Please note, the author will NOT be signing anything other than The Casual Vacancy.

The Casual Vacancy is a book for adults. This event is not suitable for under 16s.

Thanks to @TomFeltonInc for the tip!

As we posted last month, Rupert Grint’s new film The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman is premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Entertainment Weekly has posted a new interview with Rupert’s co-stars and Evan Rachel Wood mention him briefly saying, “Rupert Grint is amazing in this film. It was such a brilliant idea to cast him. It’s hilarious.”

The film will be showing at the following times:

• 1/21/2013 6:30 pm – Eccles Theatre, Park City
• 1/22/2013 9:00 am – Eccles Theatre, Park City
• 1/25/2013 9:30 pm – Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake City
• 1/26/2013 11:59 pm – Library Center Theatre, Park City