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)