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
Has anyone thought of the possibility that they are doing this becasue the Twilight movie comes out in December? I know its an odd though. But I think thats why. Of course they would get less money if they had Half Blood Prince in theaters the same time as Twilight. I mean they aren't stupid. But thats my thought on it. I might be pissed. But Hey. I waited a longer then 11 months for Deathly Hallows. I can wait longer. besides. Patience is a virtue. -Kit
I'm telling y'all, it's because of the release of the "Twilight" movie during the same time...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *le sigh*
i dont care what they say io know its because they dont want to cmpete with twilight, but harry potter will ALWAYS be better then twilioght there is NO competition. harry potter would def win in the box office so they shouldnt change the date. twilight should be the one worried.
Someone asked about the game... Usually they base the game directly from the movie. They'll probably delay that too....:( Maybe they'll show a heart and release the game anyway......But I wouldn't get my hopes up. :(
THIS IS VERY MEAN IT WAS SUMMER HERE IN AUSTRALIA !!! SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE OFF THAT COUNTDOWN TICKER IT IS WAY TOO DEPRESSING TO LOOK AT NOW
its real im afriad they are already talking about it on tv
HERE'S THE REAL REASON GUYS: Because of the writer's strike, WB no longer has a big movie to release in 2009. The Dark Knight already made so much money this year that they don't need Harry Potter (their usual money maker) to bring in the cash. And so they are releasing it next year in order to make a ton of profit.
WAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!! I'm soooooooooooooooooooo PISSED!!! The local news out here is even reporting it in their entertainment news. The report's gonna come on in a few minutes, but I heard them announce the postponement and I didn't believe them. And now that it's been confirmed, god I'm sooooooooooooo upset. When I heard it on the TV I actually screamed "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!" out loud. And then when I read this, I screamed again. And I haven't stopped for the past 10 minutes. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO US, WB?!!! WHYYYYYYY?!!!!!!!!
so...MUGGLENET needs to change the countdown... :'(
this simply cannot happen. we wait and wait for the teaser, and then, when were all, ''yay! teasers here and only a few more months to go!'' they drop this on us. explains why the teaser is so late.... was wondering how they were gonna cram all the promo stuff in... nice, WB, REAL nice. couldn't they have mentioned it a little sooner?!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
Katharineee: "Initial Reactions to Half-Blood Prince being delayed" that's what it's called.
OMG!! I am royally pissed! That is the lamest reason to push back this friggen movie!
thankyouuuuu x
Film editing is complete, says director David Yates, and studio officials will soon see the finished product. it said than in an article about 2 and a half weeks ago. and to XxKitxX i am a huge fan of twilight but harry potter would make WAY more money!
Here's a thought: Remember how we all wondered WHY the trailer wasn't coming out when we expected it to? Because WB already KNEW they were going to pull it from the 2008 line-up.....
omg no freakin way that is like a year grr i am so pissed right now ahhhhhhhhh i was looking forward to it and ugh why why why i am sooooooooo ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh right now i want to sream i hate this this better be a joke i saw the trailer and go so excited and now this grrr i agree w/ everyone on this post grrrrr
This is complete CRAP!!!! Just because those idiots can't settle disputes with their writers, we have to pay for it!! Tough shhh they don't have anything to release next summer, that's their problem!! Maybe they should have thought of that BEFORE the writers strike. Why should we have to wait because of their stupidity. I hope that dick-head Horn looses his job for making such a stupid ass decision!!
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=ZBUAPRloBJw Just take out the spaces.
GO TO THE PETITION SPOT AND SIGN THE PETITION HARRY POTTER HBP NOV 08
We shouldn't boycott the HP movie, we should be boycotting every other WB movie released between now and July 2009. They want their money so bad? well, too bad now.
im soooooooooooo pissssseeeeeeddddddddd!!! !!!!!! twilight is NO competition, harry potter has sooo many more fans, they better not be doing this because they dont want competition. GAH im so mad! i was looking soo forward to november too, looking forward to harry potter MORE THAN THAT TWILIGHT MOVIE!!!!!!!! UGHHHHHHH
::SOB SOB SOB SOB SOB:: So upset. For reasons other than I just want the movie, this throws a lot of things out of whack for me. SOB SOB
I AM SO FREAKING PISSED OFF AT THIS MOMENT AT WARNER BROS FOR CHANGING THE DATE. I CRIED WHEN I SAW THIS, BECAUSE NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 11 MONTHS TO SEE THE MOVIE I'VE ALREADY WAITED PATIENTLY TO SEE FOR 13 MONTHS. EVERYONE WILL GO TO THE MOVIES NO MATTER WHEN IT COMES OUT. IT COULD COME OUT THE MOST INCONVINIENT DAY IN THE UNIVERSE AND I WOULD STILL GO AND SEE THAT MOVIE 100 MILLION TIMES. THERE IS NO NEED TORTURE PEOPLE WHO LIKE YOU SO THAT THEY WANT TO RIP YOUR GUTS OUT LIKE I WANT TO RIP WHOEVER'S THROAT AND GUTS THOUGHT OF CHANGING THE DATE HARRY POTTER COMES OUT BY 8 MONTHS. WHAT THE HECK PEOPLE?
They probably planned this... it took so long to get a trailer this time.
This is the worst news in ages. I guess that means the computer game's delayed too? *gloom* The only bright side is it means slightly less gap between it and DH Part 1. I bet that's why they're doing it. Who cares about their stinking tent poles and whatnot !!!!!
If WB think they are going to make mroe money by waiting until the summer, they are delusional. If they wait until July I won't pay a cent. I'll find some other way to see it. They're not going to drag me along for the ride. I don't think the whole summer-movies-make-more-m oney should even count as a valid excuse because everyone is already going to see the movie anyway. The Harry Potter movies make an unbelievable amount of money in theaters REGARDLESS of when the movie is released! Not to mention that... come on, EIGHT months? They pushed it back EIGHT months further? Seriously, WB can't expect us to believe that they need eight more months to finish the movie when they've already been done filming for, like, 2 months. How could the movie take 14 months to edit? What can you possibly do with 14 months? Personally I think (and hope) this ploy will backfire in WB's face. I think they are pissing off a dedicated fan base and that they will lose some respect for it. Clearly... I mean, look at the responses this story has gotten!!!! Just to spite them I'm very much thinking about not paying a cent if it's not released until July. Like I said, I'll find some other way to see it... but if WB think they are going to gain more money by making HP fans wait 8 months longer than neccessary then they are delusional.
Are you freaking kidding me? What is WRONG with them? I mean, first they take FOREVER to get the trailer out, and then they delay the movie for MONTHS after it was supposed to come out?! This is ridiculous. But don't bother petitioning. It won't do anything.
why?!?!?!!?!?! I am soooooo furious right now. they make me wait this long just to burst all my excitment! maybe a month pushed back, but not 9!!! and SS made a heck of a lot of money, novmeber is a perfectly good month. thanks a lot WB. im your biggest fan. not.
OMFG!!! AYE YOU KIDDING ME??? WTF IS THIS!!!
Here is the deal, I am not shocked at the fact that they changed the date. What I am shocked at is how they are openly admitting that this is a MONEY decision to take advantage of us fans. While saying I wont see it is a over statement I will say I wont see this 4 times like I did with OotP. There is absolutely no reason for this move, I hope it bombs on them, seriously I do, this is a disguating greedy act, the movie finied filming 6 months ago, so we know it isnt a time issue. Really, we should blame Batman, the success of it not only makes them want another summer blockbuster next year but it means they dont need Harry Potter to meet there expectations for the year as TDK covered what both Batman Begins and HBP will. First they told us that we get two DH movies for story purposes, and now they think that putting this in the summer is going to get them more money, PoA didnt do too well in he summer did it? I can not suport a company and a project that has openy admited that its sole existance is for the money, Ill see it once and Im done.
I see many people feel that this is possibly a joke being played by the wonderful people at MuggleNet. Sadly I have looked at the Warner Bros site and it is announced there as well. It is indeed a very sad thing to have made this change, especially when at last report the film is actually complete. I would have found it more understanding if they needed the extra time to complete post-production. Sadly it proves that Warner Bros is more about making money than keeping the fans happy. But as they point out...less of a space between HBP and DH releases. I wonder if WB realizes that not only are they affecting the fans, but also other businesses, because I would assume that now EA Games must delay the release of their game as to not spoil the movie.
I agree with jedi_anegram! Show them how many harry potter fans are upset by this by boycotting every WB movie between now and July 17th...then lets show them how much money they missed out on by making that the biggest release ever!
I think warner bros should know by now that hp fans are gonna see the movie whenever it comes out so changing the date was stupid. I agree with jedi_anegram we should boycott the wb movies, not hbp
This is all very ridiculous. Warner Brothers should have known better than to have done this.
WTF?!?!?!?!?! I feel ROBBED.
When I first saw this I started cussing at the top of my lungs. I've calmed down a little now but ... I'll be 21 when his move comes out and I can go to the movie and then go get drunk. I'm still pretty pissed.
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=ZBUAPRloBJw -----Just take out the spaces.
OMG NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats so stupid!!! what a lame excuse......."summer ticket sales" somethings up!!!! im pissed!! this WILL be on mugglecast cant wait to hear them rant!!!! lol
darn U WB!!!!!!! Excuse my language muggleneters.
does this mean a delay on DH films?
I think WB has gotten caught up in all the online talk of a competition between "Half-Blood Prince" and the "Twilight" movie with release dates so close. They are waiting until July so they don't have to compete with another franchise with a large fandom. WB are a bunch of wusses! Harry Potter can hold it's own without moving the release date!
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad
I think I am going to cry. We've already waited over a year and now they're saying we're going to have to wait two years in total (now only 11 more months, but still...)! I've been anticipating this movie ever since the last one ended. You can't run a teaser trailer then decide suddenly to go back on your word. I'm not an expert, but I believe the writer's strike would have had an effect on the holiday market as well...I could see them reasonably pushing it back to Christmas, but July of 2009 is way too far away. Bad choice, Warner Bros.
Well noow they done it. Why we have to wait this long is a special reason? There is a wait of 11 months, why? I can wait to see why is the detail now. This is not fear, but I will wait and the movie has to be good.
First off....Why? First reaction...Shock Secon d reaction....Anger Thir d reaction....Finding a voice We as fans have every right to be upset, pissed, devastated, outraged! But, instead of being so REACTIVE about the situation, we must then be REACTIVE> Sign the petition, write to WB, call and complain, DO SOMETHING to make a different. That is where they will find strength in HP fans. We usually unite when faced with opposition! Constant Vigilance peopLe!
hey all sign the petition!! http://www.ipetitions.com /petition/HPHBPNov21/
y 8 MONTHS!??! i understand if they dont want 2 release it in the middle of febuary but y not over christmas? that would be good!
I almost went on the tour to New York in November. The one with the play and opening night of HBP. I'm kind of glad I didn't sing up now... I'll just go to NYC with my friends to catch the play and will download HBP next summer... I live in a country where that is still legal :) Stupid, greedy WB.
I hate WB right now. I am sooooooo PISSED right now.
Back to Top