In The News
David Heyman Talks Splitting Deathly Hallows, Both Films Possibly Two and a Half Hours Long
DH FilmEmpire 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, how the cast members (especially Dan Radcliffe) would handle the filming, 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.
Thanks Sarah and Davey!
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Cool. I’d like to give Mr Heyman a big kiss (on the cheek, nothing scary). ;)
A lot of news articles about the DH split coming thick and fast in the last 24 hours, not that I am complaining :-) I have so much warm faith in the whole crew.
Off topic: whats happened to everyones avatars? Well I better qualify this post as appropriate for this article Um…go Heyman!
Amazing News!! They are all saying the right things so far. Things the majority of fans have been hoping to hear. I realy hope both movies can live up to everyone’s expectations.
Soo happy he mentioned Snape. This was a really good interview – these past couple of days has been amazing!
From the very beginning, I have been impressed with David Heyman. His vision, his gentleness, his understanding and passion for this world have always made me feel that we are in good hands. I have my favorite films like everyone else, but I have always had faith in his decisions and trust in his judgment.
When you think about it, he’s lived with this world longer and more deeply than anyone else except Jo, and I will never forget his comments right before Book 7 came out last summer – that he was as excited and thrilled to be a part of now, all these years later, as he had been in the beginning.
Thank you, David, for honoring this world – and for honoring us.
SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Will say more once I can think properly ;)
Its simply great.
Finally -Jo’s material and us, the HP fandom, are getting treated with the respect we deserve. I am sure that Yates and of course, the wonderful Hayman, always did have that respect, for they are fans to -but for big studios, the bottom line is the profit -so finally here, all parties will be happy.
Roll on then with extended DVds and the rest !
the more i read from Heyman and Radcliffe, the more i’m thinking the split will be somewhere after the Malfoy Manor fight/ Dobey’s burial by the sea.
My main question is: What will make part 1 a self contained film without feeling woefully incomplete? Take The Golden Compass for example. The film ended so abruptly that I felt ultimately cheated – there was no solid platform. What will Part 1’s identity be? Perhaps it will revolve around the search for the Hocruxes and the atmosphere will be of a “Nazi like” oppression. I imagine the darkest episode should be Part 1 including Rons waivering faith in Harry, the “cleansing of muggle born society”, it may end at a very anxious point with Ron leaving. While part 2 will revolve around the concept of the Hallows and Harry’s internal conflict in his mission (ie’ Hallows or horcruxes). The tone of part 2 I imagine to be of a building tension and crescendo to the battle ahead. Oh what the heck do I know, just bring it on!
I’m doing the conga dance right now.
Five hours of Harry Pot TER!!
Five Hours of Harry Pot TER!!
It says Comments (0) when clearly there have been comments made.
Hm, I guess I have to post to read the comments.
Professor Lily, that was a lovely comment, and I have to say I agree with you on all of it. Like you, I have favorite HP movies and favorite scenes, and then there were some that disappointed a bit….but all in all, WB and Mr Heyman and the whole HP gang have done exceedingly well by the fans.
P.S. Yes, I was wondering the same as Professor Potter: Where’s my avatar? :-(
I agree with Amy S. SQUEEEEEEEEE! 5 hours of Harry Potter? That’s brilliant! And the length is unconfirmed, so it could possibly be more!
“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.”
I am glad he came back as well.
I am so happy that he mentioned the Seven Potters. That means that they will make it on the film!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t care what all those naysayers say (did that make sence?). I am in awe of David Heyman. He very clearly loves the books and the caracters. I think we are in for a bloody amazing final film. With David Yates signing on almost the second he gets asked. All the others in aswell. And then about 2.5 hours for each film!
Alright, I have to take a breath now!!!!!!!
Ah, this is a bit more positive info. :) Now I’m actually looking forward to them, though 2010 and 2011 seem SO far away.
I’m so happy! so many wonderful news in such short period of time. I love D. Heyman! and I’m so glad that he told us about all these scenes that he liked, I hope all of them will make it! :D
Professor Potter, I think they did it to “The Golden compass” because it was a “holiday” movie, and the real end would’ve been too depressing, but if you remember they did show a bit of the ending in the trailer.
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WONDERFUL NEWS!!!