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.
Wow thanks amy i totally agree, that was the point i was trying to make to redbeard. They should have split OOTP, its the longest book. Yes, the material is DH is more important but OOTP was a lot longer then DH so it would work out the same. They should have done this ages ago.
I loved Yates’s OotP, don’t get me wrong. But four films in a row by the same guy? I did agree with WB’s initial principle that changing the director helped keep such an ongoing series fresh.
Also, whatever happened to all the big directors being excited by and queuing up for the final project? I know Del Toro’s busy doing two Hobbit films, but no one else stepped up?
And I still say, cliffhanger on the trio being captured and whisked off to Malfoy Manor. That way we have the optimism and accomplishment of Horcrux destroying/Ron’s return, but it’s a hook.
I think I’d like to see them break it right after Ron leaves. that gives you a bit of a cliffy, we will have seen plenty of action (harrys escape, escaping the wedding/that coffee shop, and infultrating the ministry for the horcrux), part of the camping will be done, and while there’s some idea of what might lie ahead, there’s the whole herminio-must-choose/rons-departure conflict. Then part 2 can start with Godrics Hollow (which I cant believe I originally forgot about) and then Rons return and triumph over the horcrux. Maybe include GH in part 1, but that might be a bit of a downer to end on (what with Harry’s broaken wand, and the discovery of all the DD crap). I guess we’ll see!
I get ya Kerrie!!! Don’t get me wrong I am loving seeing an extra movie but to really stay true to the books, they should have split a few other books as well, which just makes one wonder why they are doing it only for the last one, maybe WB realizes that this is their last chance to squeeze some money out of poor Harry Potter! I am also gutted they are cutting out Bill and Fleur, so sad! I am not sure about Yates, have to see HBP!
I agree with beth fishscale and beth. I wish Tim Burton or Alfonso would have agreed to direct DH. I dont’ like the idea of Yates doing a 3rd and 4th movie, especially because I found OOTP hugely dissapointing. I think that they should split DH either when Ron leaves, Godrics Hollow, or Malfoy Manor. They could make a cliff-hanger out of any of those events.
“I found OOTP hugely dissapointing” posted by Kerrie.
Why, can I ask you Kerrie? because a lot was cut off? it’s not DIRECTOR”s fault, it’s the screenwriter, who does it. I think Yates is great, look how the actors played. I mean the trio. Esp. Dan, really good acting, and Emma’s too and Rupert.
Amy, i could not agree with you more. hehe. I’m glad i’m not the only one who thinks OOTP should have been split. There was way too much missing…st mungos, quidditch, the ministry of magic, harry/cho, ron/hermione. Oh well lets hope they learn from their mistakes in HBP. I hope HBP is longer then OOTP. I won’t be happy if its shorter then it.
Tim Burton would be great and music by Tim’s fave Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride) would be kick-ass!!!
“All I gotta say is the second half better be ‘Snape: The Movie’.” Posted by Saffron on March 13, 2008 @ 11:11 AM
lol…that would be a good title. ;) I was wondering what they would call each movie. Is it just going to be Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows 1 and 2. Or are they going to give one a completely new title? hmmmm…......Maybe I’m being silly and the answer is obvious, but I was just wondering.
nope, i’ve read the press release they’re just calling it ‘part 1’ and ‘part 2’
How original! lol. Yea totally amy, i love the music in all Tim Burton’s films. And he already knows some of the cast, obviously his partner Helena Bonham Cater, Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall. He would have been perfect for Deathly Hallows. He would have made it so dark and creepy but added humour where appropriate too. I don’t think Yates is going to be able to do that personally judging from OOTP. Oh well…
Hagrid's hair was matted with congealed blood, and his left eye had been reduced to a puffy slit amid a mass of purple-and-black bruises. There were many cuts on his face and hands, some of them still bleeding, and he was moving gingerly, which made Harry
ooo ya! its my b-day! im gunna parT like it my b-day! GO HP!