Half-Blood Prince delayed until July 17th, 2009
Warner Brothers has just announced that Half-Blood Prince will be delayed. The film will instead be released on July 17th, 2009. From the press release:In making the announcement, Mr. Horn stated, “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.”
Read the full release at the link below.
Press Release:
BURBANK, CA, August 14, 2008 – Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that it has moved back the release date of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” to Summer 2009. The sixth installment of the blockbuster Harry Potter franchise will now open day-and-date domestically and in the major international markets on July 17, 2009. The announcement was made by Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros.
In making the announcement, Mr. Horn stated, “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.”
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, confirmed, “The release date change does not alter the production schedule for this or future Harry Potter films. Post-production on ‘Half-Blood Prince’ was completed on time, and the studio’s release plans for the two-part ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ will not be affected by this change. We know Harry Potter fans are eagerly anticipating seeing the final chapters unfold onscreen. In fact, the good news for them is that the gap will now be shortened between ‘Half-Blood Prince’ and the first part of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.’”
Commenting on the release date change for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” David Heyman, the producer of all the Harry Potter films, offered, “When Jeff Robinov explained the rationale behind moving the release date of ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ to July 2009, it was immediately apparent that this offered us the potential to reach the widest possible audience. I am extremely proud of this latest film and of the work of David Yates and our incomparable cast; I believe we have developed and pushed the series further still. We are all looking forward to sharing it with Harry Potter fans around the world, even if we have to wait just a bit longer.”
David Yates, the director of both “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and who will also helm “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” added, “It has been a joy to work on ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.’ Dan, Rupert and Emma and all our returning young cast continue to blossom, and our new cast members bring fresh color and life to Hogwarts. Even as we put the finishing touches on this latest film, we are already beginning preparations on the final two films—we start filming in February—and I am excited to bring this remarkable series to the exciting and moving conclusion its loyal fans deserve.”
In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films production, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” David Yates, who directed last year’s summer blockbuster “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” returns to direct “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” David Heyman and David Barron are the producers, with Lionel Wigram serving as executive producer. Steve Kloves wrote the screenplay, based on the book by J.K. Rowling.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are reprising their roles as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film also stars Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis and Julie Walters. The cast also features David Bradley, Jessie Cave, Frank Dillane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, Natalia Tena, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and Bonnie Wright.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
BURBANK, CA, August 14, 2008 – Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that it has moved back the release date of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” to Summer 2009. The sixth installment of the blockbuster Harry Potter franchise will now open day-and-date domestically and in the major international markets on July 17, 2009. The announcement was made by Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros.
In making the announcement, Mr. Horn stated, “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.”
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, confirmed, “The release date change does not alter the production schedule for this or future Harry Potter films. Post-production on ‘Half-Blood Prince’ was completed on time, and the studio’s release plans for the two-part ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ will not be affected by this change. We know Harry Potter fans are eagerly anticipating seeing the final chapters unfold onscreen. In fact, the good news for them is that the gap will now be shortened between ‘Half-Blood Prince’ and the first part of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.’”
Commenting on the release date change for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” David Heyman, the producer of all the Harry Potter films, offered, “When Jeff Robinov explained the rationale behind moving the release date of ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ to July 2009, it was immediately apparent that this offered us the potential to reach the widest possible audience. I am extremely proud of this latest film and of the work of David Yates and our incomparable cast; I believe we have developed and pushed the series further still. We are all looking forward to sharing it with Harry Potter fans around the world, even if we have to wait just a bit longer.”
David Yates, the director of both “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and who will also helm “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” added, “It has been a joy to work on ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.’ Dan, Rupert and Emma and all our returning young cast continue to blossom, and our new cast members bring fresh color and life to Hogwarts. Even as we put the finishing touches on this latest film, we are already beginning preparations on the final two films—we start filming in February—and I am excited to bring this remarkable series to the exciting and moving conclusion its loyal fans deserve.”
In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films production, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” David Yates, who directed last year’s summer blockbuster “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” returns to direct “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” David Heyman and David Barron are the producers, with Lionel Wigram serving as executive producer. Steve Kloves wrote the screenplay, based on the book by J.K. Rowling.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are reprising their roles as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film also stars Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis and Julie Walters. The cast also features David Bradley, Jessie Cave, Frank Dillane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, Natalia Tena, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and Bonnie Wright.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Posted by Andrew on Aug 14th |
1478 Comments
Visitor Comments
I can't beleive WB did this.I hope this is some sick joke.We were so close to the release date and now we have to wait almost a year.NOT FAIR! I am really upset.
I say we like do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! Can we like boycott or something? I say we threaten them to not go watch it!!!!!!!!!!
Ya'll, I seriously think that this is a fake. For one, Mugglenet has been known for pulling some pranks on us (but never as bad as this, if this is one.) Then, they still have their countdown up. I think that they would have taken it down when they found out, or at least change the numbers. Then, I seriously don't think that Warner Bros. would have done this just because of the money. There is no plausible reason for them to have moved the date up. They're going for the money? How much more do you want? Maybe you could try giving those millions, no BILLIONS of dollars to charities. I mean, how much money do you need? We survive, and we aren't millionares. We don't need designer outfits or mansions as big as Buckingham Palace or cars that run on air or parties every night. I mean, we might get jealous of the stars, but in reality, I think that they get jealous of US. We live normal lives, and we don't have paparazzi following us everywhere and every magazine commenting on our every move. But, I think that they may have thought about giving their oney away, but decided not to, because they 'need' millions to survive. In truth, I think that we should pity Warner Bros. If they are doing this for the money, then all of them there lead some sad lives.
JK's COMNG OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK HARRYPOTTER AND THE DEATH OF WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS!!!! COURTESY OF LUAN KRYEZIU
JK's COMNG OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK HARRYPOTTER AND THE DEATH OF WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS!!!! COURTESY OF LUAN KRYEZIU
this is ridiculous! put it back on november WB! i would like to think of this as just a joke or a prank but then this might even be the plan of WB. Think about it, they delayed the still photos and the trailer.
are you freaking kidding me?!!!
SERIOUSLY?! ?! ?! Like...are you for freaking real? Are you kidding me? Somebosy slap me in the face because I really just cannot believe this. Merlin help me!!!! I wanna go murder them right now. Why the hell would you put "November" in the freaking trailer and torture us like that if you're just gonna turn around and poop on our parade!! JULY?! That's almost a whole year! You're just worried about making more money. Like you won't make ENOUGH?! You know how many freaking people are going to see that movie no matter what? They'd go and see it at 4am on Christmas freaking morning!!! AAAH. I hate you guys.
MULTIPLE PEOPLE WILL DIE FOR THIS
WHATTT? THIS IS SO NOT COOOL MAN. AHHHHHHH. i wonder what mugglecast has to say about this :] that's really sick that that was like my second thought. OMG WB IS GOING TO GET BEATEN TO DEATH BY FANS, NO JOKEEE.
I sure would like to know the name of the moron at WB that got this idea passed through, because he is so out of a job within the next couple of years after it all pans out that this stunt was the "ground zero" event that killed their franchize. Because it will. This will completely kill what is left of the HP momentum.
that is f***ing bull****. I am so ****ing pissed off right now. They are already done editing.
I'd just like to point out that WB doesn't think they'll make MORE money by putting it off, they will have a better year in 2009 by putting it off. I'm upset about this as well...
random question-has anyone been watchin the OLYMPICS?????
somehow i highly doubt this is true. perhaps it's the lack of commenting from andrew who posted this...whatever. i'm not that fussed to be honest. the books are done and they were the whole fandom as far as i'm concerned
Like some of you I'm going to boycott it too. I'll be avoiding Warner Bros movies in the next few months and I won't go to the cinema for HBP. For the first time in my life I find the idea of getting a pirated version good and fully justified. They are so very annoying, this is just like Umbridge's regime. I hope they lose hundreds of millions because of this crime. LET'S TEACH THEM A LESSON!
WB is scewed now. I can see the boycotting and protests now. This is going to be a full on battle... we fans won't rest till we get what we deserve. The fans are a huge reason on why these movies are being made. Scew the money reason, we all know everyone in business with them is filthy rich!!! I bet they'll move it back a few months AT LEAST. So, we as fans, have do DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING that we can. THINK POSITIVE people. Or more importantly, think boycott or protest
if they want to release it in the summer august isnt over why wait a whole year if summer isnt over
HARRY POTTER EFFIN SELLS ITSELF I DONT CARE IF ITS RELEASED DURING THE SCHOOL YR PEOPLE WILL STILL WATCH THATS WHY WE HAVE WEEKENDS!! WB is SO stupid this has never hindered the success of the other movies!! GoF...CoS even Sorcerers stone was released in november if i recall and they ALL did well
This is terrible! I feel like crying! I was so extremly excited for november! This is terrible.....almost every harry potter fan is angry right now! It was the only thing i had to look forward to and i wanted to see HP kick the twilight movie's but! the only good thing about this is that i will be able to see the movie at midnight....but that is not that important! NOOOOOOO! **crys*** :(
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME?! I HATE YOU PEOPLE WHY WHY WHY?????!!!! THATS NOT FAIR! I AM NOT WAITING 8 MONTHS!!!!! I WAITING MONTHS FOR THIS AND NOW THEY TELL US TO WAIT UNTIL ALOMST A YEAR LATER?!! I LOATH YOU WARNER BROS!!!! I REALLY WANNA CRY....well,now that thats off my chest...i think i'll crawl under a blanket,go into fetal position,suck my thumb and cry like a baby. =D
SuzieQ - It's on the official website and the trailer has been changed at the end as well.
it will be cool if it was a joke
ok..I just went to Harrypotter.com and it officially says July 17, 2009!!! I hate them so much. Everyone go here "http://www.petitionspot. com/petitions/harrypotter 6" and sign the petition. And then go to WB.com and submit some feedback! Let them know we will not stand this. This is ridiculus. This cannot be tolerated!!!!!!
omfg i can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!! i was sooooooooo excited and now!!!!! what eight months delayed and eleven months until we see it?? what's up with that.... there has to be something pu here, things like that just don't happen for the reasons they gave alone!!!!!!!!!!!! wtf!!!!
THIS IS SICK! NO!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS HOPE SOME ONE LEAKS IT ONLINE AND THEN WE CAN BOYCOTT!!!!!! >=( U GHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
looks like you will have to update the countdown calendar at the top of the page... the press release doesn't say anything about weather production for DH will be delayed or not
CORNELIUS FUDGE!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOO PISSED OFF! THIS OFFICIALLY BECOME THE WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE. WARNER BROTHERS HAVE MADE THE WORST MISTAKE OF THEIR CAREER!
Email susan.fleishman@warne rbros.com, jayne.trotman@warnerbro s.com, desiree.finnegan@warner bros.com, vanessa@hpfilms.co.uk ...and let them know what you think...
We only had 98 days!!! And now they decided to change it!! I can't believe this, it really PISSES ME OFFF!!!! When I read this I actually cried because I was so mad. I hope they realize what they have done to us. :[
Harry Potter Fans ! Please write that you won't go this film! And then see what will happen..
I think that the real reason WB is pushing the movie back is they are scared of Twilight being released three weeks later and doing better than HBP. Since Eclipse the third book in the series knocked Harry Potter off the top spot in the best sellers chart when it first came out. I'm a fan of both and was looking forward to both movies being released together. Now I'm really really peeved b/c of this set back. I agree with alot of you in saying that WB has a death wish. I have signed the petition and posted the link on my myspace account.
Why do they need to wait so long? They're lying about something.
this delay wouldn't psst me off so much if it weren't for the fact that this was done so WB would get more money out of it. Those are the only reasons! They want to be one of the few choices of movies for people to see next summer. Its greedy and it shows that they have no consideration for fans. They said that on the plus side there would be a shorter gap between HBP and the first of the DH movies.... I think fans were more prepared to deal with that gap between movies than the one they just forced on us!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING??????????? UGHHHH!!!! WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN??????????????????? ???
All I can say is THIS REALLY SUCKS! WB you should be ashamed of yourself! hp rules
Join this Facebook group!! (remove the space in the url) Boycott the WB!! Bring Half-Blood Prince back to November! http://www.f aceb ook.com/group.php?gid=482 23856240
If the movie isn't released in November, I won't see it in theaters. I will wait until video or on demand. It will be hard, and it will stink, but I won't give the money to WB, and I'll make sure to steer clear of their other movies as well. Hopefully others will do the same. It's nice to see nearly 2000 names already on that petition. Hope those numbers continue to grow fast!!
WB can't Mess with HP!!!! THE FANS WILL GET MAD! and believe me im MADDDD!!!! We won't keep silent!!!!! NO NO NO NO! If they messed with HP you will SUFFERRRRR!!!!!!! I wont GO WATCH IT IN THE THEATRE!!!!!
This had better be a joke!! If it is.. ITS NOT FUNNY.. if it isnt ITS NOT COOL!! DOWN WITH WB!
WOW. This was an incredibly dim and thoughtless move. I am actually considering boycotting the film for [at least] opening week. Never thought I'd say it...
They are insane, pulling a stunt like this. I don't think they realized just how angry the fans would be, they severely underestimated our tolerance for something this outrageous.
OOOH is someone afraid of a little competition from the twilight movie?? i can't think of any other reason they would change the release date...they've never done it before
god this has been a really sucky week. Stupid greedy people, i hope whoever decided this, dies before getting the money from the movie.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TWILIGHT!! GEEZ!
this is total crap! this is all about money and that's that. the people at WB are waiting for the summer so they can make more money on the film? COME ON PEOPLE! This is HARRY-FREAKING-POTTER!!!! ! You're going to make a TON of money no matter when the darn thing is released! What does Jo have to say about this crap is what I want to know!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OMGOMGOMG NO WONDER THE TEASER WAS SO FRICKIN LATE! WHO CARES IF IT'S IN THE SUMMER OR NOT? IT'S HARRY POTTER IT. WILL. SELL.
JK's COMNG OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK HARRYPOTTER AND THE DEATH OF WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS!!!! COURTESY OF LUAN KRYEZIU
JK's COMNG OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK HARRYPOTTER AND THE DEATH OF WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS!!!! COURTESY OF LUAN KRYEZIU
JK's COMNG OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK HARRYPOTTER AND THE DEATH OF WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS!!!! COURTESY OF LUAN KRYEZIU
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