While we have new photos from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and news about “Deathly Hallows” (see below) to occupy our time, reaction to the news that HBP has been pushed back until next July continues to dominate the press. Today, the LA Times has a new article online that notes the furious reaction by Harry Potter fans (“among the most intense devotees in contemporary pop culture”), and points out that “petitions were circulating, rumors were flying and angry screeds were being posted on Internet sites within minutes of the Thursday announcement.” The fact that fans were upset with the announcement of the new release date was not lost on Warner Bros president Alan Horn. The LA Times included this gem that reads as follows. “Horn acknowledged that the studio would have to pacify fans in the months to come: “We would never do anything to hurt one of the movies or the series. We love our fans.”
On a related note, the rescheduling of the film has impacted other events tied in to the previously scheduled release this fall. The BBC reports that indeed the Royal Performance and UK premiere of the film had been canceled.But he was hopeful a Royal premiere would still go ahead this year.
In the same article, WB’s Alan Horn is also cited as saying “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.”
Among all the disappointment, there is a bit of bright news for IMAX who announced that “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince would be screening on the day of release, July 17, 2009. Reps for the company also said that “when “Harry Potter” does open next summer, it will appear in close to 100 of its new digital theaters, as opposed to about 40 estimated to be in operation by November. “It’s a better revenue opportunity for us at that point.” IMAX says that, as announced previously, they will also release HBP which will contain parts of the film in 3-D.
A totally disgraceful decision taken by Warner Bros to postpone the release of the film at this short notice, especially as the release date has been known for some considerable time – and I certainly don’t feel loved by them, regardless of what they might tell us!
They have let themselves, and awful lot of people worldwide, down in deciding not to release HBP until next July, when fans were already looking forward to see it in just a couple of months time.
It is a great shame that Warner Bros are already contracted to do the last HP film…
“It’s a better revenue opportunity for us at that point.” That quote tells you all you need to know. Obviously Warner Brother’s is in the business of making money as well as Art, but this franchise has already brought in billions of dollars. My guess is that the films has problems, and that they’ll sneak in some re-shoots when the cameras start rolling again in February. HBP is by far the weakest of the books, with nothing much happening until the last few chapters; stands to reason the film would version might have problems.
So… I guess this is really happening. I only have one complant. If you’ve already seen the damn movie and says it’s ‘fabulous’ and that it could be released in November, why in the bloody hell don’t you then? I’m sad to say this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie doesn’t make as much as the rest. There’s a lot of pissed off people right now, including me.
This is truly disappointing and upsetting. WB are behaving in the insulting way – insulting because JKR expressley wrote against using power and greed as motivating factors. It is embarrassing that they represent Harry Potter.
I still don’t see why HBP is moved to july because of the writer’s strike. Wouldn’t the lack of well made popular films make the november release even more successful? HBP would rake in millions of dollars wither way, so why wait. I WANT MY HBP NOW!!!!!! On a different note, perhaps the 6 month wait will give them time to go back and digitally alter Dan’s eyes to make them all green.
I really want to know what they possibly think they could do to “pacify” us in the coming months. like seriously.
I also think it is really sad that they ruined the Royal Performance, way to think only of yourselves WB
the sad thing is we will all go to see it, most of us at midnight, and this change won’t make any difference to them, they’ll probably even end up with more money like they say. grrrr
This is outrageous! To deprive the fans who have made this series so successful is a slap in the face. An 8 month wait so the studios can generate more revenue? I will never watch it! I am going to boycott the films.
I want this decision to cost them money. It won’t be so hard to pass on the film. The movies all suck compared to the books anyway.
I love that: “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.” So why the eff aren’t you?
The entire Harry Potter franchise is money in the bank, do they honestly think that waiting an extra year so that they can put it into a few more IMAX theatres will really net them any more money? HBP will be gold for them no matter when it comes out.
To add insult to injury, Horn admitted that the number one grossing film in the franchise is still the Philosopher’s Stone. When was that one released Mr. Horn? Oh that’s right, NOVEMBER freakin’ 16th 2001!!!!! Since it managed to gross over $90 million in the US that weekend I’d say that Thanksgiving releases do ok for themselves. snark!!!
Horn’s statement about ‘pacifing fans’ is just a slap in the face. I realize that it’s a great honour for the almighty Hollywood producers to condescend to pat the heads of the unwashed masses known as their audience, but really Mr. Horn, you’ve just pissed off one of the biggest fan bases in the world. Good job! Of course you’re not going to hurt the movie. YOU have nothing to do with the film itself. You are the cheque book. With decision skills like that it amazes me that you’ve reached your current position. The only thing you’re trying to pacify now is the damage to your reputation.
What I’d really like to know is: What does Ms. Rowling think of this catastrophic blunder? She’s the only one that seems to keep her head on her shoulders when it comes to the franchise so if she can give me one good reason why they should push it back I MIGHT be appeased.
As for Mr. Horn, I’m a regular movie go-er. In fact I saw 86 films in theatres last year alone. And WB has just lost all my business. Congrats!
This is outrageous! To deprive the fans who have made this series so successful is a slap in the face. An 8 month wait so the studios can generate more revenue? I will never watch it! I am going to boycott the films.
I want this decision to cost them money. It won’t be so hard to pass on the film. The movies all suck compared to the books anyway.
“It’s a better revenue opportunity for us at that point.” That quote tells you all you need to know. Obviously Warner Brother’s is in the business of making money as well as Art, but this franchise has already brought in billions of dollars. My guess is that the films has problems, and that they’ll sneak in some re-shoots when the cameras start rolling again in February. HBP is by far the weakest of the books, with nothing much happening until the last few chapters; stands to reason the film would version might have problems.
What a disgusting and shameful way to treat the loyal fans who have made every Harry Potter film an enormous box-office success.
I’d like WB to know that they will be losing money by doing this. Ordinarily, I try to see each HP movie several times in theatre to support them, but I will not be paying to see HBP a single time if the July release date stays.
I know many, many people are planning to either watch a pirated version of HBP, or buy a ticket for another movie and then simply walk into the theatre that is playing HBP so that they can still see it.
It will be sad to watch a Harry Potter movie bomb but I really think it’s worth it to send WB a strong message. I hope that the fandom can come together and stick to our guns about this. I know by July many fans will have forgotten their anger and just want to see the movie, but if we do that we are giving WB permission to treat us this way in future.
...she looked directly at Harry and Ron and said grimly, "I've become accustomed to seeing the Quidditch Cup in my study, boys, and I don't really want to have to hand it over to Professor Snape, so use the extra time to practice, won't you?"
A totally disgraceful decision taken by Warner Bros to postpone the release of the film at this short notice, especially as the release date has been known for some considerable time – and I certainly don’t feel loved by them, regardless of what they might tell us!
They have let themselves, and awful lot of people worldwide, down in deciding not to release HBP until next July, when fans were already looking forward to see it in just a couple of months time.
It is a great shame that Warner Bros are already contracted to do the last HP film…