Horror movie icon, Christopher Lee dies at 93
British novelist and screenwriter J.K. Rowling recently got fans excited by revealing that ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ main character Newt Scamander will be meeting people in a school of magic. The protagonist is an expert in magical creatures, so movie watchers can expect an adventurepacked movie with lots of creatures that Scamander will cross paths with.
The revelation of the wizardry school aroused avid fans thirsting for details about the first part of the trilogy of movies slated for theatrical release. Rowling dropped hints by tweeting that “the name is of immigrant origin” and “indigenous magic was important in the founding of the school.” She confirmed that the school is not located in New York, and that the details will be revealed in due time.
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them’ is Rowling’s way of stepping back into the magical world of Harry Potter. The story is set around 70 years before Harry Potter sets foot in Hogwarts. Rowling clarified in previous interviews that the upcoming movie is not a prequel.
Rowling wrote the Harry Potter companion book ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ in 2001.
Proceeds from the sales of ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ and ‘Quidditch Through the Ages’ will go to a charitable organisation.
Rowling’s Harry Potter series received various awards, including ‘Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema’ bestowed by the Orange British Academy Film Awards.
‘The Theory of Everything’ star Eddie Redmayne will play the lead role of Scamander. The actor is thrilled to venture into the world of magical creatures, E News reported. ‘The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is set to hit theatres in November 2016. The actor - known as a horror star in the 1950s before finding fame again in later life - had been treated for heart failure and respiratory problems in hospital.
He died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London on Sunday morning after three weeks of treatment, but his widow decided to withhold the news until today so family and friends could be informed.
Sir Christopher played Dracula in a series of classic films produced by Hammer Horror, and played Bond villain Scaramanga in 1974’s ‘The Man With the Golden Gun.’
He became known to a new generation of film fans with his roles in ‘Lord of the Rings,’ where he played evil wizard Saruman, and the ‘Star Wars’ prequels. Jonathan Ross said: “So sad to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has died. A great actor, a great star, a surprisingly good singer and a lovely lovely man.”
Comedian Omid Djalili wrote on Twitter: “Scared the living daylights out of me for years. And I loved him for it. RIP Christopher Lee.”
And Boris Johnson added: “Really sad to hear about the death of Christopher Lee, one of the greatest British actors and a master of the macabre.”
Sir Christopher was married for 54 years to Birgit Kroencke, a Danish former model. The couple have one daughter, Christina.
He served in the Special Forces during the Second World War, but always refused to discuss what he had done during the war, saying he was bound by an oath of secrecy.
The actor hinted at his military expertise during the filming of a gory scene in ‘Lord of the Rings,’ when he asked director Peter Jackson: “Peter, have you ever heard the sound a man makes when he’s stabbed in the back? Well, I have, and I know what to do.”
As well as his acclaimed acting career, he had a sideline as a heavy metal singer, releasing four albums in the past two decades, two of which were concept albums about the medieval emperor Charlemagne.
He also unmasked himself as an unlikely Tory in later life, speaking out in support of Michael Howard, William Hague and David Cameron.
Sir Christopher was awarded the CBE in 2001, and was knighted six years ago for services to drama and charity, although due to his age he was excused from the duty to kneel.
His final film appearance is set to be in ‘Angels of Notting Hill,’ a comedy about the clash of the everyday with celestial beings.