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"Deathly Hallows" Movie to Begin Filming Next February, Two Films Still Under Consideration
DH FilmHarry Potter producers David Heyman and David Barron have given a new interview with the Daily Telegraph, where they discuss the film version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In regards to the earlier rumors of splitting the final book into two films, David Barron again confirms this is a possibility, saying this is still under discussion and states:
"The only negative of splitting the book into two films, says Barron, "is that people could possibly perceive it as being one last chance at cashing in. But the real positive, if we were to do that, would be that we wouldn't have quite the battle we always have of 'How do you compress all that book into just over two hours of screen time?' It would be brilliant not to have to cut anything. But at the same time, we have to think it through properly. We'd have to be very certain that there were two proper, stand-alone films that could be generated from the source material."
David Heyman continues on to note that filming for "Deathly Hallows" will not start until a year from now, saying "We won't start filming 'til February next year. So it hasn't really gone bananas yet. We've got thoughts, and I'm sure something will be announced in the not-too-distant future."
As to who will take on the pivotal role as director for the final movie, both producers say a few directors are still under consideration, and announcements about this and the status of the film will be made shortly. David Heyman emphasises "A couple of people have expressed interest, people have gotten a few calls and a few emails, but it's still a year away."
Meanwhile production continues through May on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is due in theaters November 21, 2008.
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Christine said: “The only people who would look badly upon a two film finale are those who are not real fans of the series.”
Wow, I had no idea I wasn’t a “real” fan of the series… thank you so much for telling me… amazing how a person I have never met could know so much about me. [/endsarcasm]
I’m pretty sure I’ve said it before in this comment thread, but obviously it needs repeating. But just because someone has a different opinion about something regarding the Harry Potter series (including the opinion of what would make a good last film—1 film or 2) does NOT make them any more or less of a fan than anyone else.
I strongly urge you to remember that.
i think we are forgetting that it is a good idea that the producers ARE thinking about the material and giving the whole thing some thought. There must be some reason they are considering this. I think the sensitivity to the fans and the sheer amount of material to becovered must be commended. Imagine if they just blasted right to movie 7 without considering the weight that this film (s) will have? They know it. They know what we want…. BRING IT ON!
You know…a long movie..with intermission may not be a bad idea…it would make it much more “epic”. this is something that has not been done for many years.
Wow, everyone is soooo keen on this topic, this is HP fandom at its best!!! wanting more and wanting the best!!! lol…I am for two films and I think the best place to split the movies is just as they speak Voldemort’s name and break the charm and are captured by the snatchers…it is a cliff hanger ending and allows for an action packed launch to the second film.
I may be jumping waaaay ahead here, but you know what? I can’t wait for the “remake” of the entire series, which is sure to happen…a new group of actors/actressess, and a remake of all the movies, so as to include all the things the previous 5 movies missed because the didn’t know the ending..
I too feel that the first three movies were the most true to the series and that 4 & 5 kinda lost their way but cutting too much that was important; crucial to the overall story…so with that in mind, my vote says “two films!!! and do it justice!!!!” Long live Harry Potter!
I can’t wait to watch the movie and i’m not sorry if there will two films because in that way at least they won’t be scipping some of the important details,which they mostly did in the other films.In fact,aren’t you happy for the doubble?iI mean it’ll be LONGER.
WoW silvermoon.Now THAT is pretty good saying.I deffinetley agree with you about this Christine gril.
I’m a tad late in posting, but I feel better able to respond having read everyone’s postings.
There are several issues as to the two – parter vs. one film. The most clearly stated one being where to break it off. Just as pressing is the expense of going to see two halves of a film six months apart.
While I understand the exspense issue – particularly in a situation of limited funds and extended family, we should all realize that we have already paid to see five of the movies – which, in essence, are the first five parts of one long tale. Now, while the tales were broken down into books, (paid for seven of those – unless you’ve got multiple copies like I do) is it any worse than having to wait two years for the next book? If you want to see the final one done right, shell out the extra ten buck for your seat – or not, and wait for the second half to come out on video and rent it! We’ve already spent something near the two or three hundred bucks! What’s twenty more over the course of six month?
That said, I’ll move on…..
The cutting of the film, should they split it into two parts, is a highly speculated issue. One person said that a place to stop would be at Shell Cottage. (Nice idea, by the way). But that would seriously depend on who the director is. The wrong director can create a really bad cliffhanger…and the last thing we want is to have to wait for a crappy second half.
Now, my opinion on the topic at hand…...
As a lover of the books, I wish to see as much of the story hit the screen. And while it is not completely realistic to believe that anyone would be able to keep their kids (or themselves) seated for four hours to watch the final entry, did Hollywood forget the art of the INTERMISSION?? Hamlet was over 4 hours long – and it had an intermission. I ran a movie theater for 13 years. An intermission always does the trick for a long film. People get off their butts, take a walk through the theatre, buy more crap from the concession stand (which is where theatres make their money, if you didn’t already know), go potty, and stretch out their imagination over the first part of the film. The issue is, can 4 hours do justice to the film where 2.5 hours on the previous films did not even come close? ( I speak of the most recent 3 films, by the way). We may very well need five hours to fill our hearts to content, and since the last three have averaged 2.5 hours, that would make a two – parter most admirable.
To the filmmakers…...
If something has to be sacrificed, I say sacrifice the cash! Split it in two and prove to the fans who have stuck with Harry and WB for so long that it isn’t about money. Make a deal with the theatres that play both halves that will include discounted tickets for those who return with their original stubs from the first half to the same theatre. OR – make a deal for families of 3 or more. (Silvermoon has a great point)
That way, all wishes are fulfilled. I’ve heard of wilder deals before. This would ensure that all moviegoers didn’t get the shaft, got to see the full final attachment – in GRAND FORM, and that all executive would still see their share of $$$. Let’s not forget the wonderful writers. They more than deserve their fair share. Without them, there would be no final movie. Two – parter or not!
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Leaky Poll
When do you think the trailer will be released?
- In front of "Get Smart"2174 (11%)
- In front of "Batman"6100 (31%)
- In front of "Hancock"1054 (5%)
- In front of "Who cares, I'm just going to watch it online anyway"9554 (48%)
- I'll explain in the comments.659 (3%)
The only people who would look badly upon a two film finale are those who are not real fans of the series. Those of us who LOVE the books and get upset when important things are left out (SWM) will completely appreciate the effort of creating two films. Personally, I see it as the ultimate way to pay homage to the fans who want to see it done spectacularly!