Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to Reprise Roles in the Final Two Installments of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ”Harry Potter” Film Franchise BURBANK, CALIF., March 23 /CNW/ - 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.” Warner Bros. Pictures’ fifth film in the series, “Harry Potter and the
Order of the Phoenix,” is slated for release in the U.S. on July 13, 2007.
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