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
Not forgetting. I managed a petition about getting OotP longer, and I
Join this Facebook Group!! Boycott the WB!! Bring Half-Blood Prince back to November! http://www.facebook.com/g roup.php?gid=48223856240 (remove spaces in URL)
I think that NO ONE should buy tickets for the movie opening weekend and then sneak in. Maybe that'll prove to Warner Bros the kind of power we have! OR go the movies and ask everyone what their gonna watch and be like "Warner Bros has a Animal Torture warehouse underground!" or something.
You people are complaining about the wait time between movies, yet you fail to realise something. The wait between OOTP, and HBP is only going to be 2 years, which *was* going to be the difference between HBP and DH part1. You would have had a 2 year wait either way. WAKE UP!
OMG I CAN NOT BELIVE THIS CRAP!! I'm so mad that Wb did this to us! WB sucks, my sister's birthday was around the relase date, I was going to take her as a present, what were they THINKING?! Now I'm going to be emo for the next month. Someone should move that Twilight crap movie to July. Twilight sucks, its sick, I don't even know if WB is making it, but it's still stupid.
THEY'RE MESSING US....
but then again transformers comes out 2 weeks before that and thats probably gonna be my first choice of movie over hp6....
data3: I think most of us are mad at the fact that we've been promised November since around the time OotP came and now, around three months before the release, we've been told it's coming in basically a year. So shut the hell up and let us be mad. I don't think we'd be as mad between the wait between original time of HBP and DH because the DH release is confirmed so we'll have to stick with it. If they pushed it, then people would be mad. We feel betrayed, and on top of that, we must wait nearly a year.
i don't get people who are saying WB is going to lose money. if anything they are going to make more money. what abunch of greedy heifers
Just like everyone else, I am upset that I have to wait. I bought the Equus/HBP trip to New York and was really looking forward to it. But, I think that everyone is missing the point of WHY WB is waiting to release. Due to the writer's strike there are no major movies close to finishing in time for a release next summer. HBP is finished and it makes perfect sense for them to wait and use it to bring audiences to the theatres. I believe that HBP is the first of many movies that are going to be pushed back to cover what would probibly be a disaster summer for studios and theatre chains. And also FYI, boycotting will not effect the executive staff of WB. Less money would mean that thier employees would be facing the cuts and layoffs.
I keep looking to see if this is just a hox and it seem so far not to be, I guess since ET Weekly is posting a new artical perhaps there is an issue going on, who knows, but I do know if they were not finished why did they anounce a few months ago that HP and the HBP was finished? As everyone else has said and I said already, this is bull and just plain old crap....
Waner Bros. you fail. Way to break the spirits of countless fans.
EVERYONE GO TO WARNERBROTHERS.COM, CLICK THE FEEDBACK BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND TELL THEM HOW HACKED OFF YOU ARE! LETS FLOOD THEIR INBOXES! Hey it is alot of fun. I just did it and I was restrained but I was still experiencing a LOT of vindictive pleasure.
I can't believe this! This would explain why the trailer was so late! Now the trailer is like a year early! WB will NOT make anymore money putting it out next summer that putting it out in the Christmas holiday! Everyone here has been looking forward to this and counting it down and now everyone's gonna have to wait a whole year! We all need to beg WB not to change it. I'm really upset now! :(
Also, to the Aussie fan who posted earlier, you might find that reading comprehension helps. The press release clearly stated a day and date worldwide release on July 17 2009. I would *really* have preferred the film to come out sooner rather than later, but I honest to god cant believe the uproar, its just a release date, its not like it isn't coming out.
WOW! They did NOT think this through. They are angering and hence alienating the REASON these movies have done so well. A "family friendly" tent??? Half-Blood Prince is gonna be DARK. and wonderful. and perfectly adored by Harry Potter fans....they're gonna be big....don't doooo thissssss!
THIS IS EFFING RIDICULOUS!! AFTER ALL OF THE TIME WE WAIT FOR THE TRAILER THEY COULD'VE THOUGHT TO TELL US THEY'D BE PUTTING OFF THE RELEASE A WHILE AGO!!
data3: It's not the same thing. We've known all along about the two year wait between HBP and DH1. We have been told for months that the release date for HBP is this November. So everyone was looking forward to it and counting on it. Then to suddenly have it snatched away is upsetting to most people. Myself included. I think WB has finally achieved a new low. Way to really give the fans what they want WB! Congratulations on sinking to a new low! I think it just may be time to Crucio someone.
And like a week after releasing the release dates around the world. I bet that some people at WB and some of the people that made the movie are mad too. I HATE WB!!!!!!!!!!!
okay I'm literally crying right now...
WHAT. WHAT.. WHATTT TTTTTTTTTT, is going on? this is horribly wrong. i am horribly appalled. JULYYYYYYYYYYY is very far. ): )): fudge .
WHAT. THE. fudge.
data3, yet you fail to realise what the word anticipation means. if we KNEW this would be 2 years apart from OOTP from the beginning, then it wouldn't of been so bad, yes. BUT it has been expected and ANTICIPATED for a christmas release since OOTP, with the teaser, actual release dates around the world, games, count downs, everything. so OF COURSE it's going to have a much bigger impact. we have every right to be PISSED.
I'M POSTING THEPETITION LINK ALL OVER!!!!!! YAY!
my life is over.
I haven't read all the replies to this bad news, but, I was wondering if they found a problem with Dan Radcliffe showing up for the premiers because of his starring in Eqqus. I knew when it was announced that he was coming to Broadway in Sept. that there might be a problem. Even Mugglecasts' hosts wonder about it. But if it was a scheduling problem with Dan, then they should say so. I don't like waiting almost another year to see this movie. And I wonder why everyone keeps talking about two separate movies for the last movie. Deathly Hallows was supposed to be one movie, but split in two parts. Not two separate movies. They should have split it like Gone With the Wind. Only a short intermission break between the two parts.
Well, now that Warner Brothers has thouroughly pissed off everyone...it's safe to say they were not ready to complete with Summit and were worried about Twilight coming out 3 weeks after, because honestly, It's probably going to be comparable... Well, I don't think it needs to be pushed out that far... but what can we do? WTF mate.
No they're just worried about the competition from Twilight. That's the real reason they didn't want to release it this fall.
It's not personal, it's business. Business is all about "greed". They're not being immoral or hurting anyone by this business move. They are simply guaranteeing that they will have a successful year in '09. They've had their success this year with Dark Knight, and they want to be able to give something to their shareholders next year. From the point of view of a business major, this is smart. So many of you are saying it's stupid, but even with the few people who might consider boycotting the movie in July, they will have a successful release in '09, whether or not it is record amounts of money. Of course it's about money, all businesses want to be successful and earn more money. Of course I feel slighted as a fan; I am considering boycotting other WB movies, but I will not be boycotting HP in July. The actors and crew want this movie to be a success as much as we do, and as much as the WB does.
*going to Mugglenet to send hate mail*
Like every other fan, I am extremely angry. Can we have a live MuggleCast just so we can vent?
AlyGranger - I don't think Twilight has anything to do with it. WB made a good profit this year form Dark Knight and want another big movie in 2009. It's all about the numbers to these people, which is sad.
and i've actually been looking forward to something again.......... This sucks.... :(
Fine be pissed, have your petitions, have your facebook groups, just don't expect it to make a difference. Because it wont. WB made a business decision driven by problems caused by the WGA strike. People thinking its a personal attack against the fans honestly just dont understand the politics of these things. When you have no major releases coming out in summer 2009, you have to engineer a major release. Its disappointing, and I would be lying to say I'm not disappointed also, but take it on the chin, wear it, and use it as time to build more anticipation. Boycotting the film and WB in general just won't make one lick of difference, like someone else earlier said, it will only hurt the lower level employees who might face layoffs. Misplaced rage won't help, at least aim at the correct target - the AMPTP for causing the WGA strike, which turned all this into an issue.
Anyways. nothing we can do can change this. i hate wb
This is sooooo depressing. The movie is still on schedule according to Alan Horn, Warner Bros. president and chief operating officer. They are only postponing it to make more money in the summer. It's ridiculous! I want the movie in November. On the bright side atleast it will be a shorter wait between 6 and the first part of 7!
I HAVE TO WAIT A FRICKIN YEAR!!!!! Are you serious!?!?!?!? WTF!?!??!
data3 its not about the wait time its about waiting eight monthes extra. we would not be as pissed if we knew that it was already coming out in july 209. its because we were told and promised 2008 november. but infact the push it. if it was a month or two we would be pissed but not as muc. the gap itself is not the problem its the feeling of being lied to and told, basicly, "When it comes to money, we want more" the dark knight is easily become the best movie ever made holding out the #1 spot for weeks. millions are being made by that movie, theyll be fine when it comes to money. we were promised november, everything says november we want november. the movie is done, just hand it over and well be fine till deathly hallows 1.
This is a crisis! there's got to be somehting more going on! I hate life :(
Watch them push back Deathly Hallows 1 and 2 now!!!!!! I HATE WB!!!!!! I'm going to put that with all of my comments on every post now!!
this is an outrage!! from his comments, it really sounds like the determining factor was sales, not brushing up on the quality of the film :(
This is some sort of sick joke, right? Please? PLEASE JUST LIE TO ME AND TELL ME IT'S A SICK JOKE? This breaks my heart in so many ways. So much for passing the 100 day mark. I was like jumping up and down when we reached double digits. THANKS A LOT, WB. I'm really trying to find the silver lining in this situation, but I can't find one. Well, I suppose I can treat my best friend to the movies for her birthday...I guess. And I can see the first showing instead of having to wait for school to let out. BUT I'D RATHER SEE A LATER SHOWING 8 MONTHS EARLIER, THANKS. Gerble to the freakin' schmeck.
I. Am. Angry. Still. Just like everyone else. I don't think that anyone could be happy about this! UGH. I really don't want to wait almost a whole year for the movie! I was already making plans in my head to go see it in NOVEMBER. yep. NOVEMBER. 2008. say it with me now: NOVEMBER 2008. not JULY 2009. ugh.
As much as I want them to, our petitions to WB won't get us anywhere. Let's petition Mugglecast to have a live show tomorrow!
I wonder when they are going to change the F**k U WB!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats not fair!!!!!! we were only 98 days left!!! thats not possible!!! they cannot do this to us!! what they dont care about the anxious fans??????!!!!!! Im so pissed i dont what to do!!!!!!!! i wanna kill someone!!!! LOL...... No no i just cant believe it!!! its not just a bit longer its 11 months!!! i cant wait that long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok there are almost 800 comments here, in the Leaky is almost 400.. and I know that in other websites many people are posting... so my idea is!! No more publicity for WB!! I mean... we are Harry Potter Fans, and we have the books, Jo... fan art, fan fic... and a lot of things else.. is not just about the movies... And if they don't give us respect, we don't give them our money and time!!! I know is very extremist, but is the only way that I see for give them a lesson!! We are not stupid people!!! We are Harry Potter Fandom!! No more countdowns to the premiere.. nor even more pictures... nothing!!!
LETS REBEL..... in the morning. now i'm tired. night! try posting the link on amazon and box office mojo. i would but i gotta sleep. night
I can't even type what went through my head! Did I understand this correctly? They are looking for a bigger opening weekend? As if the time of year will make a difference... either you're going or you're not, doesn't matter when. The worst thing is that are just F'ing with us now. Because they can. They know we won't stay away. My husband's idea is boycott opening weekend. If that's what they are after, don't give it to them. If we have to wait 8 extra months, we can wait an extra week... I used to love Warner Brothers, way before Harry Potter was even a thought. Now I have no respect whatsoever. I agree with all... this makes no sense... there's got to be something they're not telling us... it sounds like a bunch of bad PR spin!
http://www.petitionspot.c om/petitions/harrypotter6 everyone MUST sign this!
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