New & Noteworthy: Gambon to pick up the wand?

The role, played by the recently deceased Irish actor Richard Harris, is integral to the plot of the next film. The filmmakers have been thrashing about, offering the role to Ian McKellen (who said, “Not by the hair of my chinny-chinchilla!” or some fancy Shakespearean-type no) and have even considered digitally superimposing Harris’s face onto the body of another actor. Now, they’re trying to sweet-talk distinguished actor Michael Gambon into accepting the part. Gambon, whom you’ll remember as the shell-shocked priest from the film version of “Dancing at Lunasa,” hasn’t decided yet. But he might need to make up his mind quickly — that Daniel Radcliffe kid who plays Harry looks like he’s ready to start shaving any day now.