If you’re a Harry Potter fanatic who’s struggled to fill the immense void left when the final movie based on author J.K Rowling‘s main book series came and went almost five years ago now, you’re probably pretty excited these days. Not only is there a new movie on the way later this year, but a new stage play that will actually continue the story of Potter himself titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is also set to open this summer.

Unfortunately for most fans, they won’t get to see said stage play—at least not when it’s first released, anyway—because it’s being performed in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre. Perhaps it will do well and eventually branch out, but those anxious to take in this new story aren’t going to want to wait, anxiously hoping they’ll get to see the play someday. Thankfully, and very smartly, it’s been revealed that there will be another (quite fitting) way for fans to enjoy Cursed Child: as a new book.

You can find more information below.

Alan Rickman, the beloved British actor whose influence has spanned generations, passed away today after a battle with cancer. The 69-year-old actor was best known to recent generations as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, but also had notable roles in Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and in the cult favorite Galaxy Quest.

Fans of the Harry Potter series take the news of Rickman’s passing as a particular blow considering Snape’s tragic story of lost love and his heroic death. As the news spreads, photos and memories of the actor are making their rounds on the internet. See below for some of what is being said about the extraordinary actor.

It’s being reported that Alan Rickman, star of movies like Die Hard, the Harry Potter franchise, and so much more, has passed away at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. The actor’s passing was confirmed by his family, who said Rickman died in London while surrounded by his loved ones.

Rickman was best known for his film roles, including the villainous Hans Gruber in the original Die Hard and Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movie franchise. He also starred in Truly Madly Deeply, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sense and Sensibility, Michael Collins, Dogma, Galaxy Quest, Love Actually, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Perfume: The Story of a Murder, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Bottle Shock, Alice in Wonderland, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, and most recently A Little Chaos, which he also directed (his second directorial effort after 1997’s The Winter Guest), and Eye in the Sky. He also completed work voicing the Blue Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass.

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All of these box sets come with all 8 Harry Potter films:

– Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
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– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
– Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Maximus Prime and I are back with your annual Geeks of Doom Holiday Geek Gift Guide: Specialty Items and this just gets more fun every year! This is your one-stop shop for your favorite fandom gear, whether for your pets, loved ones, or yourself. Get into the holiday spirit with Harry, Jon, Chewy, and all your geeky besties. For other categories, visit our Gift Guide headquarters here.