Harry Potter movie delay: Complaints go here
So the film version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been delayed to July 2009. When I found out, I was all, “Did they not finish production or something? Is there a problem???”
No:
Allen Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros.:
Our reasons for shifting ‘Half-Blood Prince’ to summer are twofold: we know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment. Additionally, like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers’ strike, which impacted the readiness of scripts for other films–changing the competitive landscape for 2009 and offering new windows of opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of. We agreed the best strategy was to move ‘Half-Blood Prince’ to July, where it perfectly fills the gap for a major tent pole release for mid-summer.”
(Article.)
Dude. This is a financial decision? And you said so? Out loud? Wow. That’s just kind of … umm … stupid.
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 15,900 fans have already signed a petition asking Warner Bros. to keep the original release date (November). Now, I’m all about fans working for change or whatever, but … also stupid. Because, no offense, I don’t think it’s going to change stuff. Still, you know. The petition is here, and actually as of this writing the number of signatures is up past 17,000. You can sign or not. I don’t care much …
Because these movies generally suck. Except for the third one. But Half-Blood Prince is my favorite HP book, and I would be distressed if it turned out to be another stiff translation from the page to the screen. (Though of course I’ll go anyway.)
Oh, and maybe you’ve heard about the video game Electronic Arts has been planning to go launch at the same time as the movie (that is, November)? They haven’t decided what to do. Wait. Who plays these games, anyway? Are the HP games any good? Wasn’t this one supposed to be … maybe … decent?
No word about either from JK Rowling on her site. Oh, but are you psyched to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard? I kind of want the Collector’s Edition
All around, HP news not very cheerful today. (Not that it should be. Isn’t this series, like, over???)
(Our super-awesome LA and film correspondent, Jami B., weighs in in comments.)
August 16th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Eh, I don’t really care if it’s pushed back. I mean, I do enjoy the movies, but I don’t eagerly anticipate them and am now like “OH DEAR GOD, 9 MORE MONTHS?!?!? GRAWR- I MIGHT AS WELL KILL MYSELF NOW!”
Because honestly, there’s plenty of movies that can tide you over until HP6’s new release date.
I personally really like the movies, as I do most movies based on books. I think it’s fun to see someone’s interpretation of the book, changes and all. I actually enjoy having the changes there- makes the movie more interesting and worthwhile. If it was the same as the book, I could just save my $9 and re-read the book and imagine it for myself for free.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Eh, none of the movies have been particularly great. Still a sort of bogus move, but I can’t say I’m that angry. Dunno if they should be applauded for their honesty or hated for it though.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Okay, now a comment from a hardcore Harry Potter fan.
In the past Warner Brothers has known how to piss off fans, but not like this. We all know that WB wants money and uses the Harry Potter franchise for it; however, actually admitting it just makes people even more angry. As long as they don’t actually say it, people can deny it.
To the average fan, it is no big deal. But there are many, many Potter addicts. There are many very driven Potter addicts, who will do anything for their beloved series.
That being said, I like a summer release better anyway. I’m still angry, but there are worse things in the world.
August 16th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I think it’s stupid to put two years between the movies. That’s kind of a long time and just for money sake? I’ll still see it but I liked them better when they came out in the winter months. I thought it was hilarious today when I opened my mailbox to find Entertainment Weekly’s Fall Movie Preview … starring Harry Potter on the cover. At least Twilight won’t have to share the spotlight, it’s smart of them to move their movie up a few weeks!
August 16th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Oh dear. The only movie out of all of them that I thought got it right (as its own film and as an adaptation in terms of tone and mood) was Alfonso Cuaron’s take on the 3rd book: Prisoner of Azkaban. He kept it lean, but packed it with atmosphere and vibe-age. So great. Wish the current director had that much punch to his interpretations …
I certainly love the books (great stories!) and see all of the films (dear God, I am a film nerd after all), but I’m not necessarily freaking out because they moved this release date, either. I agree, though, Brina, that they said more than they should have (its about the Benjamns) , and then said less than they could have … (its about our fiscal earnings and Dan’s extracurriculars).
Bottom line: Dark Knight made money. OVER performed per their expectations. so this year, they’re looking okay. Also, the Writers Strike may or may not have effected their ability to line up kick ass material for their next fiscal year … so what to do? Move the surefire moneymaker (i.e. Potter 6) to NEXT year to ensure most of the $ banked from that will fall where they KNOW they will need it! Gah!
Also, over at Perezhilton.com, Sr. Perez thinks Warner Bros may also be a little squicky about Dan Radcliffe’s NY Broadway debut in Equus, which, for those who missed the coverage when he did it in London a while back, involves Nekkidness, sex, and other grownup content …
Ha, Warner Brothers. Goodness.
Anyways, I’ll be looking forward to the movie whenever it comes. And in the mean time, TWILIGHT has already jumped and snatched up that just-vacated release date, to maximize their earnings. Hmm.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:56 am
I hear that Daniel Radcliffe appears nude in the next Harry Potter movie. Apparently a scene involving his wand? Has anyone else heard this?
August 17th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Ahem. You’re thinking of Equus, Michael. Although … umm … wait, how old is Daniel Radcliffe? Oy! He’s only nineteen. Too young, too young! Put his clothes back on. Put them back!
August 17th, 2008 at 11:25 am
You should not have moved the releasing of the new Harry Potter film to next summer , I mean the films are , well crap compared to the books, but come on, a year and a half gap between two films is a bit much isn’t it? I mean people still enjoy watching them.
August 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
That Dan Radcliffe nude thing (ew) reminds me of this ridiculous article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404681,00.html
August 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Alas, Anna, I am not in charge of the release dates, but … uh … yeah.
And khy, that’s a great article. I mean ridiculous, yes, but there’s probably a lot more truth to it than one would think.
Although if I can get tixx to Equus, I’m totally going.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I’ve waited over a year for this film and I’m really angry about this delay! I’m so angry I’m considering passing it up when it does come out.