Emma Watson
Warner Bros. had to put their negotiating skills
to the test with the young Potter cast. Though they got
Daniel Radcliffe on board the final two Potter films fairly
quickly, it was Emma Watson who pushed the limits. After a rumor appeared
claiming that she 'refused'
to sign a new Potter contract, we feared for the worst.
Warner Bros. could only give us 'no comment'... until today!
Great news my little Potterites, Emma Watson (and the rest of the cast)
has been confirmed for both Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
Entire Potter Cast Sticks with Final Potter Installments!
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
will reprise the roles they have made their own: teen wizards Harry Potter,
Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively, in Warner Bros. Pictures’
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter
and the Deathly Hallows,” the final two motion picture adaptations
of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series. The announcement was made
today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
In making the announcement, Robinov said, “When Daniel, Rupert and
Emma were first cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione, we knew they were not only
talented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years, and in each
of the ‘Harry Potter’ films, we have watched them grow into
extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors. It would be inconceivable
to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified,
so we are thrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to
complete the arc of their characters in the final two films.”
Both “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry
Potter and the Deathly Hallows” are being produced by David Heyman,
who has produced all of the Harry Potter films to date and was instrumental
in bringing the franchise to the screen, beginning with the first blockbuster,
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” David Barron,
who served as an executive producer on “Harry Potter and the Chamber
of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
and is a producer on the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix,” will also be producing the final two installments of the
franchise.
Producer David Heyman said, “One of the highlights
of this journey has been to witness Dan, Rupert and Emma blossom from children
into young adults. They have emerged as consummate professionals who are
dedicated to honing their craft and striving for excellence. And yet, throughout,
they have retained their enthusiasm and spirit, and they remain, to this
day, the same wonderful, kind and generous individuals I met all those years
ago.”
Daniel Radcliffe remarked, “Playing the role of Harry Potter has been
an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel
a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have
supported these films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much,
made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted
to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic
opportunity.”
Emma Watson stated, “I could never let Hermione go—she is my
hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am
excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all
seven of the films.”
Rupert Grint offered, “Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life
and not just because we’ve both got ginger hair! I’ve been so
proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I’m
really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with
my ‘Weasley family’ and, of course, to seeing my good friends
Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years;
we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opens to theatres
on July 13th.
For the teaser trailer, stills, and the latest Potter news,
go to the Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie Page.
Stay tuned for updates.
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