Crew scouting out filming locations for DH

The Hamilton Adviser reports today that Harry Potter filmmakers are already scouting out filming locations for the seventh and final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. One location that is being actively considered is Strathclyde Park, which is located in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

A crew member said, "Pre-production is already heavily underway, with most of the planning already finalised. We think it’d be a great location to film the last of J.K. Rowling’s fantastic tales."

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

"We Are Wizards" Documentary Screening at Film Festivals in April

As some of you may know, there is a new documentary focusing on the Harry Potter fandom called "We Are Wizards." This documentary has been described by the film makers as a piece that "tracks the influential figures leading the creative subculture surrounding the popular series. The film follows a set of individuals ranging from web journalists, authors, artists, filmmakers and musicians, as they enhance and expand the Harry Potter story, often in unexpected ways. WE ARE WIZARDS is a portrayal of creative fans with a common goal: to make their voices heard."

This film features some familiar faces, including Paul and Joe from "Harry and the Potters," Brian and Brad from "Draco and the Malfoys" and Matt from "The Whomping Willows." Also interviewed extensively for the film are others such as artist Brad Neely (Wizard People, Dear Readers) and our own Melissa Anelli. Made by film makers Josh Koury and Gerald Lewis, "We Are Wizards" will be screening at the following film festivals in April, with some events to feature appearances and performances from some of the wizard rock bands. Dates of note are as follows:

NY Underground Film Festival
Saturday, April 5th, 8:45 pm
Tuesday, April 8th, 7 pm

Tickets to this event are now available, with the April 5 screening to follow with a Q & A session with film's creators, Paul DeGeorge of Harry and the Potters, and Melissa Anelli of Leaky

Sarasota Film Festival
Saturday, April 12th, 4:45 pm
Sunday, April 13th, Noon

Boston Independent Film Festival
Thursday April 24th, 7:30 pm (Coolidge Corner Theatre)
Saturday April 26th, 4:00 pm (Somerville Theatre)

The April 26 show will be followed by a Q&A with nearly everyone in the film (including Brad Neely, the Hungarian Horntails, Draco and the Malfoys and Melissa Anelli) as well as a rock show with Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys and the Hungarian Horntails.

You can see a preview of this film via the trailer at YouTube.(CAUTION TO PARENTS: Slight adult language used in trailer)

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Report: Auditions to Begin for Characters at Harry Potter Theme Park

With construction now underway on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, work begins on other facets of the theme park in Orlando Florida. As such, we've gotten a new report today stating auditions are now, or will soon be, underway for actors to portray an assortment of magic related people, including characters from the Harry Potter novels. Word is that they "are casting all the major parts for the characters in the books," in addition to others such as "a wand instructor for the kids. They basically show kids how to do wand magic tricks." Others "will be traveling actors through the park playing the parts of wizards that come together in duels. They have specific spots in the park that this happens for special effects. For example, one wizard throws a spell at the other, the other reacts, does stunts and the places around, or behind them, bursts into flames or there is an explosion."

Finally, in one very cool piece of news, reportedly "there is going to be a ride through Gringotts that is based on the rails through the bank. There will be a stage show that comes from Goblet of Fire of the scene in the grave yard where Harry fights Voldemort."

As fantastic as this sounds, please keep this in the rumor category for now, until we can obtain further information on this. As announced previously, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is under construction at Universal Orlando, Florida, with the latest report stating a December, 2009 opening is planned.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

DH Bestows Record Profits Upon Bloomsbury

In a report that will be released Tuesday, Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton will announce that sales of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows last year helped Bloomsbury reach record profits of £17 million ($33.8 million), compared to £5.2 million ($10.3 million) in 2006.

And according to the Sunday Herald, Newton "will claim that the Potter effect will continue for years ahead as the group dips into cash reserves of more than £40m, built up from past Potter sales, to promote new talent and to make further acquisitions."

Bloomsbury's stock has fallen in the past year as investors question how they can replicate the financial success of the Harry Potter series, and most likely, it will take several years before we get a clear picture of the company's post-Potter future. But with the cash influx from them, the publishing house certainly has an opportunity to sieze.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

Video of Rupert Grint on Al Murray Show

Earlier we told you actor Rupert Grint was to appear on the Al Murray Show tonight. That program has now aired in the UK, and thanks to our Order partner RupertGrint.net video of the interview is now online. In this funny interview, Rupert discusses his role as Ron Weasley and mentions he is doing a lot of flying and playing Quidditch in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as well as briefly mentions the two part movies for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Rupert also says he has read all the Harry Potter books, and mentions other topics such as the audition process he used to get cast in the Harry Potter series, and also says he is giving his ice cream truck a new paint job. To watch click here (Windows media, please right click and save as) or here via YouTube. Note to parents, some of the references may not be suitable for younger children.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Report: Teaser Trailer for Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince Due May 16

TLC has gotten a new report today regarding a possible release date of the first teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. While there have been many various rumors out there, we have a credible report saying the first HBP teaser will air in movie theaters before the second Narnia movie, Prince Caspian when it opens on May 16. Again while we believe this to be credible, please keep this in the rumor category for now until we can get confirmation from Warner Brothers.

On a related note, thanks to the many of you (including our friends at Snitchseeker.com) who emailed to say that "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" will be making it's American network television debut on ABC Saturday April 26 at 8pm (ET). There are also rumors swirling regarding this too, claiming ABC may show new footage of Half-Blood Prince during the film. While this is very much unconfirmed, it is possible they will be airing some of the sneak peek excerpts of HBP as seen already on the OotP DVD, however at this point, we simply do not know what, if any, new preview will be aired. We are working to find out more about this,and will update with more when we can!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

CNN Features Harry Potter in Academia

While many readers and fans of the Harry Potter novels have long delved into the deeper meaning and context of the books in broader relation to other subjects, it would seem college universities here in the US are now following suit. CNN has a special feature article now online, highlighting the use of Harry Potter as curriculum at some of the universities in the US, including at Yale Divinity School, where graduate student Danielle Tumminio is teaching a course called "Christian Theology and Harry Potter." CNN reports the "course uses all seven Potter books and the students examine Christian themes such as sin, evil and resurrection.

"It was a struggle for me as I put the class together, because I knew if I didn't construct this really well ... that a lot of what I was doing would be missed or misconstrued. I certainly didn't want to come across as someone trying to indoctrinate my students," Tumminio said. "I also wanted to make it clear that it was a critical endeavor, and that it wasn't ... that you'd sit around all day talking about how great Luna Lovegood was."The class was an immediate draw for students. Seventy-nine people showed up at the first session for the 18 open seats.

The article continues to note that others, such as authors John Grange, Philip Nel, and Ed Kerns have long seen the benefits to using Harry Potter in an academic situation. "Edmund Kern, author of "The Wisdom of Harry Potter" and professor at Lawrence University, was originally attracted to the books based on his training as a historian of early religion, magic and witchcraft. For him, the books' historical impact, rather than their literary context, makes for a more intriguing analysis.

"As a kind of global cultural phenomenon, Harry Potter in a sense is unprecedented. I think movies have been extremely popular around the world, I think that certain music has been extremely popular around the world, but never before has a single literary endeavor caught the attention of so many people," Kern said. Lisa Lowe, professor of American Studies at Yale, has read all seven books not as a scholar, but as a parent.

"What [Rowling's] really done is come up with a mode of captivating a whole generation: it's a form of captive concentration that took place over a course of nearly 10 years," Lowe said."As an adult, you'll be thinking, 'What would Harry have done?' "

If you are interested in this type of deeper analytical and thoughtful examination of the Harry Potter books, be sure to check out our forum, where our Obscurus section focuses on these types of discussions, as well as Scribbulus, which contains many wonderful academic essays relating to these wonderful novels by J.K. Rowling.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Half-Blood Prince Set Teaser Report Mentions Slughorn's Christmas Party

A new "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" set teaser report has surfaced online, this from a Chilean magazine Wikén, that features new comments from actor Dan Radcliffe, director David Yates and producer David Barron. Our order partner Dan Radcliffe.com now has the full translation of the article, which mentions filming for Slughorn's Christmas party where the new Potions Master holds "party in his room for a selected group of students. Slughorn walks from one group to another chatting with his guests, trying to gain his favourite students' favour."

The article describes the upcoming sixth Harry Potter film as such:

"Against all expectations, the sixth installment of the saga will not be as dark as the previous one. In spite of the tragic end of Harry's mentor, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), the movie actually revolves around the awkward and comical romance between Harry and Ginny Weasley, sister of Harry's best friend Ron (played by Bonnie Wright, who made her debut in the second installment).

Actor Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is quoted as saying "It's a complex story, it isn't a simple romance because Harry is such a close friend of Ron's, and Ginny is his sister, and Harry feels as if he's walking on eggshells". According to director David Yates, "the fifth [film] was pretty intense, but this one has more comedy in it (...) There are many subtleties in the relationship, and a lot of sexual and emotional tension."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues in production in England, and will be released in theaters on November 21.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rupert Says Emma is 'Brilliant' at Ping Pong

In an interview with The Sun, actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) spoke about playing ping pong during his free time on the Half-Blood Prince set. He revealed:

"I've got a table tennis table on set and we're always playing between scenes. Dan has been having a lucky few months and we've both been getting really good but Emma is brilliant. We rarely play her now because it gets quite embarrassing."

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

New Ad, Photo of Trio from "Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince"

The April 2008 issue of Nick Magazine contains a preview of the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince including a new ad for the movie as well as a new photo of the trio. In this photo, you can see the trio of Harry (Dan Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) sitting in the Gryffindor Common Room, with Harry holding what appears to be his potions book. The new issue of Nick magazine will be on stands next week. We are trying to obtain clearer images of this and will update with more when we can.

Update: Thanks to our affliate RonandHermionesource.com you can see a much larger version of the trio photo, here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Lily Allen Causes Friction Between Rupert Grint and Emma Watson

Lily Allen caused tension between Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - after calling the young actor while he was on a shopping trip with his pretty co-star.

And when Emma, 17, saw it was Lily calling Rupert’s mobile while he was busy trying on a suit in Armani, she slammed the phone down on her.

A fellow shopper said: “Rupert was trying on suits when his mobile rang in his jacket, which he’d hung next to Emma.

“She picked up the call and I heard her say: ‘Why am I answering his phone? Because he’s rather occupied at the moment. Is there something you want?’”

At the time, Rupert, 19, was having his measurements taken by the tailor.

Adds the source: “Emma listened to the person on the phone for a bit and then she said: ‘We’re busy right now, like you should be, Lily.’

“It was then Rupert’s turn to go berserk at Emma for being so rude to Lily and cutting her short. They really had a bicker about it all.”

(SOURCE: SHOWBIZ SPY)

Cheryl Klein, Tamora Pierce to Speak at Terminus

Terminus 2008, the Harry Potter conference in Chicago this August, announced today that Harry Potter continuity editor Cheryl Klein and fantasy author Tamora Pierce will be providing keynote addresses at their event.

Cheryl Klein, Senior Editor, Arthur A. Levine Books, who has worked on the last three Potter novels (Entertainment Weekly called her a “Potterologist”) will be giving a speech entitled “Potter Past: Lessons from the Harry Potter Series” on Friday, August 8. This will mark the first time a Potter editor has spoken at a Harry Potter conference.

Tamora Pierce, a successful young adult fantasy author, will present on “Potter Future: The Changng Face of Fantasy Literature,” on Sunday, August 10.

These presentations require an additional ticket, which includes the cost of a full meal. For more info, click here. To add a keynote ticket to your registration, log in and use the Change My Registration. Event ticket sales will open to the public on March 31, including tickets for Wrock Chicago and the Trade Winds Quidditch Tournament.

There will also be a live PotterCast at Terminus and many more events; stay tuned!

For more information, visit the conference’s site at terminus2008.org.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Maggie Smith Diagnosed with Cancer; Prognosis "Looks Good"

The Telegraph has reported today that Dame Maggie Smith, known to Potter film fans as Prof. McGonagall, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had a tumor removed and has undergone a course of chemotherapy; the prognosis “looks good,” a friend of hers told the paper.

Everyone on staff at, and, we’re sure, reading Leaky wishes this fine actress a double measure of luck and health to counteract this difficult turn of events.

You can write to Dame Maggie Smith at Leavesden Studios:
c/o Harry Potter Production
Leavesden Studios
P.O. Box 3000
Leavesden, Hertfordshire
WD25 7LT
United Kingdom

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Bridge Used in Filming for Platform 9 3/4 to be destroyed by Muggles?

It would seem an landmark for Wizards and Muggles alike is under threat, as a new report says a bridge and clock at King's Cross station in London, England may be removed as part of an expansion project.

Update: In this ITN video (click here, then on left side where it reads "Potter Bridge to disappear") you can see the bridge and clock area that is possibly to be removed as part of the renovation. This area, which was most recently seen in "Order of the Phoenix," is all part of an area that is the site of thousands and thousands of visitors to the London train station . ITN is reporting that there is an effort afoot to save this area as the article says: "Architect and TV presenter Ptolemy Dean is leading the campaign to stop the bridge being destroyed. He said: "King's Cross will lose its rather beautiful and lovely structure which characterises it's views. It's a a gateway to the north really and one feels very sad that it's going. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the last book in the boy wizard series and features a chapter called King's Cross, where a location resembling the station plays a significant role.The station is also featured in the epilogue of the same book, making it the final setting of the Harry Potter series."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Report: Rupert Grint Filming Quidditch Scenes for "Half-Blood Prince"

In what is perhaps a bit o' blarney this St. Patrick's day, UK tabloid the Sun has a story tonight involving Rupert Grint, and filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In a new interview that was apparently conducted over the weekend at the Play.com Live gaming event in London, the paper says that Rupert has been filming his Quidditich scenes for the upcoming sixth Harry Potter movie, where Ron is the Keeper on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. The paper quotes Rupert as saying filming for these scenes are such that "You sit on a broomstick for hours and it starts to hurt. It gives you a numb bum.”

Indeed!

The paper then continues to say Rupert confirmed the earlier report of streakers interrupting filming for "Half-Blood Prince," noting: “We had two streakers down there. We’ll be finished filming in a few months. Then we’ll be making the final ever one. I think I’ll miss it.I’d like to do a comedy movie next but we’ll have to see what comes up.”

On a related note, London Taxi Tours has some new photos online of some construction and new scaffolding at Leavesden that they say are for "Half-Blood Prince," but they do not specify what this is for; we will update with more on this when we can.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Programming Schedule for Accio 2008 Announced

Upcoming fan conference, Accio 2008, has recently released the full programming schedule for their upcoming event at Magdalen College in Oxford, England. The three day conference, which takes place from July 25 - 27, 2008, will begin with an Opening Session followed by three days of formal programming from a variety of speakers on a wide array of topics related to Harry Potter. A conference for geared to 'academics and adult Harry Potter fans,' presentations will be made throughout the weekend on religion, the effect the series has had in other countries, ethics and evil, and the films. Further presentations will give character and psychological analyses along with a literary look at wizard rock. As we reported previously, Emer O'Sullivan and Gillian Hall will be speaking at the event, with respective presentations focusing on narration in the novel and the translation of book to film to also take place. The full programming schedule can be found at this link.

At this time, a limited number of reservations are still available for Accio 2008 but must be reserved prior to April 1, 2008. Further information on registration for this event can be found here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

HP Fan Trips Presents HP Quest!

HP Fan Trips, who hosts Potter-centric trips to the United Kingdom, has teamed up with Alivan's to create a new FREE virtual journey for everyone: HP Quest. From their website:

The object of the quest is simple - solve a series of weekly clues and you'll be able to register to win a variety of weekly wizarding prizes and a chance to win the School of Wizardry trip.

Each week a new series of clues will be released. Participants solve the clues to discover new "destinations"/new website addresses. Fans must play each week to be eligible for that week’s prize drawing. Each website address provides the next set of riddles/challenges that need to be solved. Total number of clues imbedded in your website will be determined by the number of participating partners and the level of participation of each partner.

The first weekly drawing was held today and will continue through April 25th. It all leads up to the Grand Prize drawing on that day: a trip for two to Ford's Castle in England. For more, be sure to check out their website, and don't forget about their special trip for MuggleNet fans as well!

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

New Interview with Fenrir Greyback Actor Dave Legeno

There is a short new interview with Dave Legeno, who will be portraying the villainous werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. UK tabloid The Daily Star has an article where the cage fighter turned actor mentions his role as the loathsome werewolf in the sixth Harry Potter film, and talks briefly about working with actor Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter). In what is described as a "gruesome fight scene," he says: "Daniel will be taking his own 17 stone monster in this film - me." The fighter, known as The Legend Killer for his giant-slaying ways, added: "He is a lovely guy but let's just say he will have his hands full when I get hold of him." You can see the scan of this article, here courtesy of Snitchseeker.com.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

'Half-Blood Prince' headed to IMAX

The IMAX corporation confirmed on Friday that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be have a simultaneous release date in theaters as well as IMAX theaters on November 21st, 2008.

Richard L. Gelfond, IMAX Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, spoke briefly about the version:

"Our release of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' is scheduled for November, and we expect that as with 'Harry Potter 5,' certain sections of the film such as the finale will be presented in IMAX 3D."

Last summer, Order of the Phoenix was released in IMAX theaters, and broke several box office records with it's success.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

New Burrow scene added to 'Half-Blood Prince'

In an interview with the Herald Sun, Harry Potter producer David Barron revealed that a new scene at the Burrow will be included in the Half-Blood Prince movie that was not in JK Rowling's book. Barron offered some details on the scene, saying:

"But this was brought in because Jo (Rowling) was able throughout the quite lengthy book to keep dropping little snippets of what was happening in the outside world - there'd be people reading newspapers and talking about how somebody's parents had been killed, or somebody had been withdrawn from school because their parents didn't think it was safe.

And we're making aware that the Muggle world is also experiencing these disasters, but thinks they are disasters rather than the work of Voldemort.The book is peppered with those moments, but we couldn't do that quite so easily in the film.

So (the extra scene) comes in the middle of the film and it just reminds us the world is no longer a safe place. Even in what would normally be considered the safe haven of the Burrow, nobody's safe.

I think you'll like it. It's quite effective."

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM - Originally reported on February 21, 2008)

David Heyman Talks Splitting Deathly Hallows, Both Films Possibly Two and a Half Hours Long

Empire magazine has a new interview with Harry Potter producer David Heyman on the decision to make two films out of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In this new article, David Heyman describes the thought process behind the decision to split, debating on whether to make a "four and a half hour film," or the possibility of both as "two and a half hours long" and much more. He also declines to say where the split in the book will come as "don’t have the first script. We do have a point roughly where we want to end, but we haven’t got a draft to know if that works yet."

On the matter of splitting and length of the films he says quote: "We just thought how are we going to approach this? Is this going to be a four and a half hour film? That’s probably what it would have been. Would our audience really embrace that? In some way, I think they might. But I think the younger ones would have drifted. There’s always been difficulty making sure that the ones that are two hours, two and a half hours long – making sure that those are the right length. I think by having two films that are two and a half hours – although we’re not sure of the length – then it will be a richer experience. One of the challenges that faces us, which we’ve been discussing, is how to give each film its own identity. We want them to feel like one film, but they’ve got to be self-contained too. We feel now that we’ve got a really good angle on that. But we haven’t got a script yet on either part, so I don’t want to say too much."

Empire: So these films will be the same length as the ones that came before? We won’t see two films that clock in under two hours?

David Heyman: No. The idea is to get everything people want in there. I’m sure there’ll be parts that don’t make it, which we won’t know until the script is written. But that is the idea.

Empire: What do you think is the natural separation point in the books? Where can you end the first film in a satisfying way?

David Heyman: It depends what feeling you want [to end on]. I don’t want to answer that just yet because we don’t have the first script. We do have a point roughly where we want to end, but we haven’t got a draft to know if that works yet."

In addition there are comments on the discussion with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling on the decision to split the book and make two films, and says again they will begin filming both movies at the same time, starting next February. Finally of note are some of the scenes David Heyman is looking forward to in the movies, as he says

Well, the final battle, but there’s so much. I love the character stuff. I love the resolution of Dumbledore and Snape. I love the multiple Harries at the beginning. I love the scene of Hermione trapped at the Malfoys’. I love Harry and Hermione in the forest. I think there’s so much, it’s such a rich fabric. What we’ve done now, which I think is really exciting, is that we’ve found thematic centres for each of the films. That gives the film heart. I think it’s pretty great that David Yates has crystalised it and…it’s early days still, so I’m not going to say too much. But I’m just thrilled that David Yates decided to come back, because he’s really found a new spirit for the sixth film and as we talk about seven, it’s very different as well. I think it’s going to be good.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One will be released Holiday (November) of 2010, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two due May (early summer timeframe) 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Half-Blood Prince Location Filming Video and Interview with Tom Felton, Rupert Grint and Dan Radcliffe

There is new video online tonight from last month's filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at Gloucester Cathedral in England. Cable channel E! broadcast a new interview with actors Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) that included new footage of scenes featuring Harry and Ron walking through the corridors between classes, where Ron says " I don't want to take potions." In the interview Tom Felton gives positive news to fans who are anxious about key elements remaining in the movie, as he says that after reading the book and comparing it to the script, he really can't tell where there has been an obvious cut. We also hear more from Rupert and Dan, which you can watch here via youtube.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues production in England, and will be released November 21, 2008.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Fenrir Greyback, Amycus Carrow Cast for "Half-Blood Prince"

There are reports online tonight saying that actor Dave Legeno has been cast in the role of werewolf Fenrir Greyback for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. We are uncertain if his part will be part CG, similar to Grawp in "Order of the Phoenix" or how this character will appear in the sixth Harry Potter film, and will update with more when we get it.

UPDATE: There is word now that actor Ralph Ineson has been cast in the part of Death Eater Amycus Carrow in "Half-Blood Prince" as well.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON - Originally reported on February 17, 2008)

Official: Two Parts for Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Movie, David Yates to Direct Both Films

Big News everyone! The L.A Times is reporting an exclusive today: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be made in two films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Furthermore, the paper cites producer David Heyman confirming the return of David Yates as director for both films, with Steven Kloves to finish out his duties as screenwriter. The movies are to be filmed at the same time, and will be released several months apart, with Part One due November 2010, and Part Two, May 2011.

Update: The article has additional information now, with quotes from producer David Heyman on his conversation with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling on splitting the book into two films. "Heyman said he approached Rowling with some trepidation about the strategy but found that she signed off on its logic rather quickly. "I went to Jo and she was cool with it," Heyman said, "and that was quite a relief."

The newspaper continues saying "Producer David Heyman said the decision was made with some anxiety and only after considerable deliberations. The producer joked that "while my wife and Warner Brothers were pleased" to hear that the Potter movie magic will continue into the next decade, he himself fretted that the cynical observers would see the decision as a purely mercenary move."I swear to you it was born out of purely creative reasons," Heyman said during an interview in a converted airplane factory outside London that has been home base to all of the "Potter" productions. "Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book. You can remove scenes of Ron playing quidditch from the fifth book, and you can remove Hermione and S.P.E.W. [Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare] and those subplots . . . but with the seventh, that can't be done."

Actor Dan Radcliffe who portrays Harry Potter in the film is quoted as saying ""I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book," Radcliffe said recently during a break on the set of "Half-Blood Prince," the sixth "Potter" film, which is due in theaters on Nov. 21. "There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut -- although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans -- but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."

Of interest to many fans is the place where the films will break, and producer David Heyman addresses this as he notes: "The question will be, where do you break it? And how do you make them one but two separate and distinct stories? Do you break it with a moment of suspense or one of resolution? These are the interesting challenges. But each book has presented its challenges."

Warner Bros. Chairman Alan Horn and Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, are expected to discuss the new plans for "Potter" on Thursday during a presentation at ShoWest, the convention of movie exhibitors in Las Vegas.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Official WB Press Release on Two Parts of Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Films

Warner Brothers has now issued their formal press release on making Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in two films. Following on what we reported yesterday, Warner Brothers confirm again that David Yates will direct both films, marking the first time any one director will helm more than two releases in the Harry Potter film franchise, with Steve Kloves to continue on as screenwriter and David Heyman and David Barron to produce. Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Brothers said “It has been an honor for our studio to be entrusted with bringing J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary book series to the screen, and we have always felt a great responsibility to be true to her vision. In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.”

Additional quotage from the release is as follows: “This is a very special moment for us, as it is the final episode in the great journey that J.K. Rowling undertook more than a decade ago,” said Alan Horn, President and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “It has been a journey for all of us at Warner Bros. as well, and we are confident that our filmmakers will finish our series of films as a fitting complement to Jo’s completion of Harry’s story on the page.”

“Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films. The Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice” said David Heyman. “I am thrilled that David Yates is returning to direct ‘The Deathly Hallows.’ He is both inspired and inspiring and is a passionate fan of the remarkable world and characters Jo has created. I know he will lead our incomparable cast and crew—most of whom have been with us since the very beginning—in bringing the series to the unforgettable conclusion it deserves.”

Director David Yates remarked, “I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both ‘the Order of the Phoenix’ and ‘the Half-Blood Prince.’ It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo’s extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.”

As reported previously, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part one and Two will be filmed at the same time, beginning production in February of 2009, with "Deathly Hallows: Part One" to be released in movie theaters November of 2010, and Part Two due May 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Steve Kloves: Says They Almost Split Goblet of Fire, Began Thinking of Two Deathly Hallows Films Late Summer 07

There is more news today on the decision to make two movies out of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Screenwriter Steve Kloves has given a new interview to the Baltimore Sun, where he discusses the decision to split the book into two films, and says they had been considering to do this originally for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In an email to the paper Steve Kloves says "Years ago," he writes, "we briefly — and seriously — considered doing Goblet of Fire as two films. So this concept is not altogether new."

Steve Kloves, who is the screenwriter for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and will pen the scripts for both of the "Deathly Hallows" movies, continued on to explain that early after the release of book seven they started thinking of splitting the seventh Harry Potter book for two films. Quotage is as follows: "As for Deathly Hallows, I intuited — almost from the first moments I began reading it and certainly once I’d finished — that to realize the story in a single film was going to be a tall order. Others in 'the group' felt similarly. So the idea of two films began to get kicked around as early as late summer of 2007. We didn’t take it lightly. But ultimately everyone felt that despite the challenges it would present, it was the most sound creative decision. I’m sure some will think we’re crazy. My wife looked at me cross-eyed when I first mentioned it. But I’m really excited about it because it should allow us to stretch a bit with the characters and give them the proper send-off. The story is highly emotional and those moments deserve time to breathe. And, personally, I feel we owe it to Jo — in order to preserve the integrity of the work — and the fans — for their loyalty all these years — to give them the best and most complete experience possible. I’d love to do it in three parts!" And for good measure, Kloves adds that working with Order of the Phoenix director David Yates on the currently filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince "was a brilliant experience, so this should be a treat!"

As we've reported here and here, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be made as two films. Starring Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson and under the direction of David Yates, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One will be released in theaters "holiday" 2010, with Part Two due May or Summer of 2011. The sixth film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is currently in production in England, with a release date set for November 21, 2008.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Last 'Harry Potter' Book Becomes 2 Films

Harry Potter was the center of seven novels, but he'll star in eight films. The final book in the wildly successful series will be made into two films, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Producers are expected to announce Thursday that J.K. Rowling's last "Potter" installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," will be split into two parts on the big screen. The first film is slated for release in November 2010, with part two following in May 2011.

"It was born out of purely creative reasons," producer David Heyman told the Times. "Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book."

The two final "Potter" films will be shot concurrently, much like the blockbuster trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings"

Another famous Tolkien tome, "The Hobbit" is also being split into two live-action movies set for back-to-back shooting to begin next year.

Filming on the sixth "Potter" flick, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," began in September.

"It's been brilliant," said star Daniel Radcliffe. "It's also, I think, the funniest of the films so far."

The "Potter" film franchise has pulled in $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office.

(SOURCE: YAHOO! MOVIES)

Update: 'Potter' Actors Attend Empire Awards, Yates Wins 'Best Director'

This weekend, the Empire Awards were held in London and while Order of the Phoenix was nominated in six categories, David Yates was the only winner, leaving with the best director award.

Multiple Harry Potter actors were in also attendance, including Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch, Katie Leung, Jim Broadbent, and Jason Isaacs. Some photos and videos can be seen on Empire's official website here.

Thanks to Raadhika from The Daily Snitcher, who sent in pictures of Yates and the actors and actresses.

The awards will be broadcast in the UK on ITV2 tonight (March 10th) at 9:00 pm.

UPDATE: Thanks to TLC for letting us know of a new video interview with director David Yates at last night's Empire Awards, where he mentions talks of him directing the Deathly Hallows movie and that he's definitely "tempted."

(SOURCE: HPANA)

Ralph Fiennes Not in Half-Blood Prince; Unsigned Yet to Return as Voldemort for "Deathly Hallows"

While promoting his new film "In Bruges" actor Ralph Fiennes gave a new interview where he discusses his role as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. Ralph says he will not be appearing in the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," and has not yet signed for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." He discusses the fact he "particularly liked" doing "Goblet of Fire" under the direction of Mike Newell. Noting that he was never an avid reader of the book series he says that it wasnt until he went "to the premiere of the first one I did, I got a real sense of the extraordinary nature of it all." Full quotage of the interview with Aint it Cool is as follows:

AIC: Are you even in THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE?

RF: The one they're shooting now, no, I'm not in it.Capone: So it's just your nephew that's playing…

RF: My nephew is playing, I think just for a couple of scenes, the younger Voldemort [Tom Riddle]. I understand that the bulk of the bulk of the backstory of Voldemort is played by another, slightly older actor [Frank Dillane].

Capone: And have you signed on for the final film yet?

RF: I have not yet, no.

Capone: Has it been fun seeing yourself rendered serpentine for the two films your are in?

RF: Yeah, I particularly liked doing the first one. The second one, I think Voldemort is placed more as a sense in Harry's head, whereas in the first one I did with Mike Newell directing, there was that fantastic scene of his rebirth in the graveyard, which I enjoyed doing. I've enjoyed making the movies, but I was never an avid reader of the books. It just wasn't something I went towards. When I went to the premiere of the first one I did, I got a real sense of the extraordinary nature of it all.

Capone: Were there small children in the audience screaming at the site of you?

RF: Yes! The volume of people and the noise and excitement; it was a huge phenomenon, the whole thing is definitely. And I actually think that the David Yates-directed one, the last one, was particularly good. I liked the style of it; it was grown up and had an edge to it, the way it was shot and lit.

Caution to Parents: Strong language in comments via the entire article at this link.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Helen McCrory Filming This Week as Narcissa Malfoy

"And, should it prove necessary...if it seems Draco will fail...' whispered Narcissa (Snape's hand twitched within hers, but he did draw away), 'will you carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?" There was a moment's silence. Bellatrix watched, her wand upon their clasped hands, her eyes wide. 'I will,' said Snape. Bellatrix's astounded face glowed red in the base of a third tongue of flame, which shot from the wand, twisted with the others and bound itself thickly around their clasped hands, like a rope, like a fiery snake."-Chapter 2 "Spinner's End," Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling.

Actress Helen McCrory is filming her scenes this week in her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Actor Damian Lewis, the husband of Helen McCrory, appeared on a ITV's This Morning television program, and said his wife was "extremely excited" about playing the part, and has "been on all the blogs, looking at how much more excited everyone else is" about this and the upcoming movie. You can watch the video of his appearance on ITV's This Morning here via youtube (the brief comments about Harry Potter are at the very end of the interview).

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)