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
http://www. petitionspot.com/petition s/harrypotter6
Everybody download this film. DO NOT GO TO THE CINEMA! Yes it will take strength and determination. BUT WE MUST STAND UP AGAINST WB! Money hungry bloody arseholes!
IS THIS A JOKE?!?!?!?!?!
http://www.petitionspot.c om/petitions/harrypotter6
I am more pissed than I thought possible. The original release date fell on my 17th BIRTHDAY. It was supposed to be the best birthday. EVER. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY'RE GOING TO WAIT A FREAKING YEAR TO RELEASE A MOVIE THAT'S ALREADY FINISHED. THIS IS COMPLETE CRAP.
CRUCIO WB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
MUGGLECAST MUGGLECAST MUGGLECAST! LIVE! ASAP! Come on, we need to all freak out in the ustream chat. MC LIVE!!!
i think im going to cry how why wouldthey do that it depreses me :( im wicked sad noww howdare they do that to us
in other words.... WE WANT MORE MONEY. im pissed. screw wb
Did someone turn a Time Turner to April 1 today? (and am I the only one to notice that the title and the article name two different dates?)
I don't know if I can curse on this but fudge. I'm so made, I was so amped for this now I have to wait another year almost, GD it.
This blows... I agree with whoever said we need a live Mugglecast right now. grr
Its 17, Jen. It says on the HBP site, 17
BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT!
f* you wb. f* you. of course it's all about the money. that kind of makes your old arguments about "not being in the 2 dh movies for money" bullsh* doesn't it? god i'm so pissed right now.
PETITION!!! http://www .ipetitions.com/petition/ HPHBPNov21/signatures-3.h tml
Everyone needs to READ the press release, as a few people have already stated. They will not be using the near YEAR before the new release to make it a better film. They plainly said they are putting the final touches on it now and it is just about finished. With that being said, they may as well have come out and said flat out "HEY, WE WANT THAT EXTRA FEW MILLION BECAUSE OUR EXECS ONLY HAVE THREE MANSIONS AND 10 CARS, THAT'S NOT NEARLY ENOUGH." Because this makes it more than obvious that is the only reason for this. Yet they try and sugar coat it by saying "the widest audience possible." I really wish there *was* some way for the fans to strike back, but nothing will work. The only thing that would would be for a HUGE number of people to not go see the film and/or get pirated versions, but that will never happen. As they know very well that the fans will go see it anyway. Sadly they are right. So they will continue to screw us for their own gain because they don't care one bit.
This is such a load of BS!! how greedy can you get? seriously it doesn't matter which month it is... people who want to go see it, see it... Those who never liked HP will not go see it even if it was released in the fall or summer! God! this is beyond stupid! and now only 98 days away they tell us... Even if this does not change anything I think it is good for people to talk about this... you know, react to this grand catastrophe!
To be honest, I don't really want to see the movie anymore. Sure, I'd say I'm a good fan of the books, but waiting so long is ridiculous. I shall now refuse to spend any money on WB products or movies in the future. I hope others do the same. Let's show this greedy SOBs that being greedy can cost you...literally. I have a proposal: no one go opening day. They will lose MILLIONS. To those who think this announcement makes 2008 the worst year: please get a life. I mean, it's not a tragedy. You already know what happens if you've read the book. If you're so desperate, read the book again. Let your imagination be your picture.
i was really mad...now im flat out depresses...i was gonna go to the midnight release w/ my bff for my birthday, cuz its in november...geez this sucks......
I say we all get time turners and fast forward to July 17...WB can kiss our a**
OMG THIS IS SOO BADD I CANT BELIEVE IM GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT TILL !!!NEXT!!! SUMMER TO SEE THE FILM! WOWWOWOW these people should really consider not dissapointing their fans more than how much they're gonna earn depending on when the film is released wehhh
If that is true that they did make a huge mistake id rather they told us then i might actually be ok with it, well actually i wouldnt - not a whole year.
This is RIDICULOUS. They just don't want to compete with Twilight :P. "It's less competitive in '09" yeah right. Please, please, PLEASE say this is a joke. I mean, they shouldn't tell people they're going to release it in November and then push it back eight months. Way to upset the fanbase. AND it sounds like the movie's pretty much finished anyways --> "Post-production was finished as planned" or something like that. Niiiiiiice o_0.
WHAT THE F#@$!!! THIS IS A BUNCH OF BULL S#@&!!!
WHAT?!?!?!?!??!?? OMMMMGGGG!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! *SOB*
Bullskit. This is flucking bullskit. I saw this on SS and thought "wait wha? oh this is a joke, they're like psyching us..." I dunno why they'd mess with us in August, but that just *had* to be the answer... But no. It's actually true! WTF! And I can't believe I actually laughed when I read it initially. Laughed and cursed, and now I'm just cursing. This is just crap!
f**k no warner bros you I was looking for this since last year you crazy son of a b***h Am going to kill somebody right now noooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
I like the idea of not going on opening day. Come on guys if we can wait so long we can also wait another day. let wb get a taste of this. let dark knight win that one
THISIS NOT POSSIBEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE SHOULD GO ON STRIKE!!!!!!!!!!!! START A PETION!!!!!!!! SOMETHING!!!!!!!!! WE WILL NOT WAI QUEITLY!!!!!!!!! W'RE BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS, SO CLOSE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE'RE WAITING TILL JULY!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!! STOP THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IS THIS SOME SICK JOKE?
http://www.ipetitions.com /petition/HPHBPNov21/ sign that petition too! and boycott WB!!! When the movie comes out- buy tickets to a different movie and go see HP! Dont see WB movies!!!
THis had better be some sort of joke and mugglenet was hijacked again!. i dont need to wait a freking year, WB wants money their gonna loose it and lots of it, if im gonna wait another year I MIGHT AS WELL WAIT FOR THE GOD DAMMMMD DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are kidding me right? They give us a trailer and say November then change and say next year? I'm not getting over the top angry like some people here but that's really disappointing. I was really looking forward to the movie this November. How much money did they waste on promos for this year to then have to go back and media blitz next year? That's stupid marketing. And I remember Andrew saying something about him being worried about the movie on Mugglecast too. Shame on you WB.
THis had better be some sort of joke and mugglenet was hijacked again!. i dont need to wait a freking year, WB wants money their gonna loose it and lots of it, if im gonna wait another year I MIGHT AS WELL WAIT FOR THE GOD DAMMMMD DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!! YOU, IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MONEY! THIS IS A LOAD OF RUBBISH! I (AND I'M SURE I'M NOT ALONE WHEN I SAY THIS) ALREADY HAD PLANS FOR THE ORIGINAL DATE! JEEZ, IM SO PUT OFF BY THIS! SOME WONDER THEY NEVER RELEASED A PROPER TRAILER WHEN IT'S "THREE" MONTHS BEFORE THE RELEASE. JEEZ, THESE PEOPLE NEED TO GET THEIR HEAD STRAIGHT AND STOP THINKING ABOUT MONEY!
Avada Kedavera WB!!!! And MuggleCasters....you seriously need to do a live episode ASAP!!! I can't wait until Saturday!!!!
*goes to sign other petition*
*goes to sign other petition*
okay...so they wait until there are less than 100 days left until HBP is supposed to be released...then move the date back months. The movie is finished! They are just trying to get as much money as possible while forgetting that Harry Potter is a phenomena and will rake in millions of dollars even if it is released in november. WB is pissing off Harry Potter fans for no reason. Can't wait for mugglecast to hear their comments on this!
Well losers--- this is all ur fault. We should have seen this coming a long time ago! It all started when WB hired that crappy director to direct the last three books. None of u guys complained. I am a big fan and I felt the fifth movie was the worst movie ever. It steered so far away from the books. All u guys said "what a cool movie" etc, etc... Dumbasses!!! I cannot believe they didn't choose another director! They could have called back Alfonso: he even said that he would like to make the final book. Oh God! I just hate the director! He did such a bad job with OTP!!! Shame on everyone... I tried my best! I even wrote letters... I cannot believe that people were happy about the fact that that loser would be directing Deathly Hallows....
they must have been bloody drunk when they thought of this! 11 month?? what is that? they are gonna have some serious pissed fans! it is one thing to push it a couple of moth..but 11??
Please no. I am sobbing while I write this. They cannot do this to us. This is evil. This movie was the only thing I was looking forward to this year. Please no. I'm am sobbing.
Imo the only thing that justifies a movie being delayed a year is if like a main actor died or something. Which obviously has not happened. Im so mad!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OO! I HATE YOU WARNER BORTHERS!!!! I'm going to eb at camp when this comes out, and won't be able to see it until the 20 somethingth. So, no mignight priemere. And then I'll be at Azcatraz, and everyone will be talking about it, and I won't have seen it.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOO NOOO NO NO!!!!!! there is one good thing: we have more time to plan crazy release parties! :)
"Our execs only have three mansions and ten cars..." LOL cozmeesah; but sadly and infuriatingly, that about sums it up. I hope the idiot who came up with this tent-pole bull$$hit crashes his mercedes into a fu
Greedy ass millionaires. I'm making a youtube video about this in a few mintues. I'll post the link when I'm done so we'll have a new place to vent.
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG WARNER BROTHERS!!!!!! YOU SUUUUCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK !!!!!!!! THIS IS THE WORST THING TO HAPPEN SINCE SIRIUS BLACK DIED!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so incredibly angry about this!!! It WAS coming out near my birthday !!!!!! *cries*
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