In The News
Official: Two Parts for "Deathly Hallows" Movie, David Yates to Direct Both Films
DH FilmBig 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 II. 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 for both Harry Potter movies as well. 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 spot in the book 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.
UPDATE 2The LA Times has a second story now online, containing new comments from WB Chair Alan Horn on the decision to split and the additional film time for the story "This way, we have an extra hour and a half, at least, to celebrate what this franchise has been and do justice to all the words and ideas that Jo has put in the amazing story," Horn said. "This is the end of the story too. We want to celebrate it. We want to give a full meal." Mr Horn continued on, remarking about the epilogue to "Deathly Hallows" regarding the beloved trio and how that would be translated to the big screen. "Horn said that particular denouement has the filmmakers fretting about how to keep the young familiar stars on the screen just before it goes dark. "That," Horn said, "is something we will need to deal with. People have watched these kids grow up, and it's been very special to do so. That's important to us."
Thanks much to the LA Times, Jimbo, and TML!rate this article
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Waheyy!
Dunno why I’m celebrating lol. I’m still not sure whether I like this idea or not.
I’m just glad to get some proper news xDD
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but if you DON’T like the idea of possibly 5 hours of DH film, I question whether you’re a true fan. I want every second of the book (but do the ‘camping’ as a montage!) and don’t mind paying twice for the pleasure.
I would have loved to see the Quidditch in OotP. Would have loved to see more about the Marauders in PoA. Would have loved to see S.P.E.W. in GoF. It’s been quite a shame that the subplots that basically support the overarching themes and morals had to get cut to make a compact movie.
If anything you should be critical of SHORTER films that allow more showings per day at theatres, but leave the fans shortchanged.
More is better! (within reason, of course. 3 films? Maybe not :-) )
What????? OMG I really wanted to have two parts DH but the fisrt part would be relised a year before the second :(((( But I still can’t see it. I believe in david and I know that he would do a really great job so I am waiting:)
YESYESYES! OMG i am so excited! i have been hoping this would happen! how else would they have doen it? Dan said it all, “It’s one driving, pounding story from the word go.”
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
And why are they too far apart?!
and also…2011 as release date for the second part?
Well, I hope that means we’ll get to see PotterCast #365 ;)
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
And why are they too far apart?!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I: Rising Action: The Wedding, Battle at the Wedding, Escape from the Death Eaters at the Café, Planning to Infiltrate the Ministry Climax: The Battle at the Ministry End: After the Ministry Battle in the forest.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II: Rising Action: Battle at Godric’s Hollow, Mr. Lovegood’s, Malfoy Manor, Gringotts Climax: The Battle of Hogwarts End: 19 Years Later
@Madam Hooch’s other:Im gonna have disagree. I think they should cut it at Shell Cottage but right before Harry chooses between Hallows or Horcruxes. He can open the door and then the movie can go off. And at the beginning of part two we can see who’s room he chose. But of course the book readers will alreadly know….
I am beyond excited about a two-part Deathly Hallows with David Yates directing. I was going to say that I think they should end part 1 with the destruction of the locket Horcrux and Ron’s return, however I think I’ve just been sold on having #1 end with Dobby’s death/funeral, and part 2 begin with the planning for breaking into Gringotts.
I humbly suggest to WB that they call the final movie “Harry Potter 7 3/4.”
You get two movies for your birthday, Sue! And both of them will probably star Jason Isaacs! ::party::
i am really not thrilled about it. i hope that they make it worth while and tie up alot of loose ends….
Now you are talking. Will anyone redo film Number Four in two parts Please?
Man lives with hope in his heart.
So long!
@TML: they’re definitely not going to put the whole movie into one part and then leave nothing but the conclusion in part two. that would not work at all. lol. I think it’s definitely going to end somewhere in the middle like around the Silver Doe or at Malfoy Manor or Shell Cottage.
Thank God that ends any possibility of having to suffer another bout of Alfonso Cuaron!!
One boooomoy ride was more than enough.
Am I the only one that is upset that I’m going to have to wait TWO years after HBP to see another movie! I better get another set of DVDs cuz I know I’m going to wear the first set out!
Oh this is the most AWESOME NEWS EVER!!!
My sister and I said that we thought they should do this while reading the book first time round and now they’re actually going to do it!! I think it is absolutely the best thing to do, so they can really be true to the books.
I think the end of the part one should be a moment of suspense. Before Malfoy Manor just after Harry says ‘Voldemort’. “Come out with your hands up!”
o my god i am going to be 30 when the last one comes out.. 30!!!!!!
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yay!!! I thought they’d do that. And even though a lot of people will say, they only want to get more money out of the series, I dont care. I hope this way they’ll put a lot more from the books in the movie and that’s always a good thing :)