Friday was a great day for casting announcements. First off, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have signed on to stay in their roles as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the final two "Harry Potter" films, according to Reuters. This comes after months, even years, of speculation that the two may have aged too much to stay in their roles. (For those of us who grew up pretending Michael J. Fox was still seventeen in the last "Back to the Future" film, this kind of talk is more giggle-inducing than anything else.) Castmate Daniel Radcliffe had already signed on for the final two, amidst a scandal-in-a-handbag about his critically-acclaimed performance in the play "Equus." Fans of the movie versions of the Trio can breathe a sigh of relief now.

"I could never let Hermione go -- she is my hero!," said Watson. "I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me."

Emile Hirsch, previously reported to be in the lead for the title role of upcoming remake of the classic anime series Speed Racer, has signed on officially for the part, reports Business Wire.

“Emile Hirsch is one of today’s fastest-rising young stars, which makes him the perfect choice to take the wheel of Speed’s Mach 5. He continues to showcase his talents in a variety of challenging roles and we are thrilled to have him in the title role of ‘Speed Racer,’” said Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Firefly and Battlestar Galactica fans will be pleased to hear that Mark Sheppard (Badger, Romo Lampkin) has been cast in the pilot of David Eick's upcoming remake of The Bionic Woman. Sheppard's MySpace blog has the info, and will probably list more as opportunity presents itself.