News Archive, 2nd Quarter 2004

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Potter cast charm Japan

Story dated: June 28th, 2004.  Source: Mainichi Interactive

By Ryann Connell for Mainichi Daily News

Cast and crew of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" charmed reporters during a "magical" news conference at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo on Monday.

Director Alfonso Cuaron said the Japanese are "the no.1 Harry Potter fans in the world," adding that the land of the Rising Sun was "natural territory for the movie."

Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, the best friend of the title character, called Japan "wicked, really cool."

Emma Watson, who portrays brainiac witch Hermione Granger, praised Japanese fans for being "so friendly and welcoming," before adding she is "having a fantastic time."

Daniel Radcliffe, alter ego of Harry Potter, joined the promotional event via satellite from London, where he is filming the underwater sequences for "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," the fourth installment of what will eventually be a seven-part series featuring the exploits of the boy wizard and his friends studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Radcliffe said he "loves Japan. It's absolutely fantastic!" Radcliffe also revealed that about 50 percent of all fan mail he receives comes from this country, but declining to reveal the contents of the letters he receives because "that wouldn't really be fair."

Cuaron and producer David Heyman also spoke highly of the three young actors filling the main roles in the Potter films.

"I learned so much being with these three guys," Cuaron said, referring to Radcliffe, Watson and Grint. "Their inner strength was beautiful."

Producer Heyman said "there would be no films without these three. They're fantastic, their enthusiasm is infectious, they've got energy and they're completely uncynical." Heyman added, "in their own way, they're very much like their characters."

He went on to speak about an incident before filming where Cuaron instructed the three main leads to write an essay about how they saw their respective characters developing. Radcliffe, like Harry, ground out a couple of pages, Grint, in the typical style of Ron, totally forgot the assignment, and Watson, mimicking studious Hermione "wrote about 65 pages," Heyman said.

Watson praised Cuaron for setting them the task."I was flattered by Alfonso's willingness to listen," she said. "Setting us the essay showed he was interested in our opinions."

Japan is certainly spellbound by the Harry Potter magic, with local moviegoers turning the films into one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.

Almost 1.5 million people went to watch "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" after it opened in cinemas across the country on Saturday, pouring in 1.9 billion yen to make it the biggest box office hit for the year so far and the third most successful opening weekend in Japanese cinema history, according to distributor Warner Bros. Pictures.

"Matrix Reloaded" retains the opening weekend box office record with the 2.2 billion yen it set last year. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," the second film in the series and second place overall, attracted the greatest opening weekend audience with just over 1.6 million people. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the initial film in the Harry Potter series, has the seventh best opening weekend in Japanese movie history, pulling in 1.4 million customers paying 1.5 billion yen at the box office.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Commences Production for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Story dated: June 25th, 2004.  Source: Warner Bros.

BURBANK, CA, June 25, 2004 – Principal photography is now underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s much loved Harry Potter novel series.

With production based at England’s Leavesden Studios, the film is directed by Mike Newell (Mona Lisa Smile, Four Weddings and a Funeral) and produced by David Heyman. The screenplay is by Steve Kloves, who has penned the screenplays for all three previous Harry Potter films. David Barron (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) serves as executive producer.

Joining the ensemble are several new cast members, led by esteemed actor Brendan Gleeson (Troy, Cold Mountain), who plays Hogwarts’ new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Mad-Eye Moody. Frances De La Tour (The Cherry Orchard, Strike it Rich) plays the Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Madame Maxime; Roger Lloyd-Pack (Vanity Fair, BBC TV’s Only Fools and Horses) plays the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Barty Crouch; Pedja Bjelac (Eurotrip) plays Durmstrang Professor Igor Karkaroff; Jeff Rawle (Inspector Calls II, Baal, TV’s Drop the Dead Donkey) plays Amos Diggory; and David Tennant (Bright Young Things) plays Barty Crouch Jr.

New additions to the young cast include Robert Pattinson (The Ring) as Cedric Diggory; Stanislav Ianevski as Quidditch star Viktor Krum; Clemence Poesy (Bienvenue chez les Rozes, Petite Soeur) as Fleur Delacour; and Katie Leung as Cho Chang.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Tom Felton once again reprise the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and their archrival Draco Malfoy, respectively. In the roles of fellow Hogwarts students are Matthew Lewis as Neville; Devon Murray as Seamus; Jamie Waylett as Crabbe; Joshua Herdman as Goyle; Alfie Enoch as Dean; Oliver and James Phelps as Fred and George Weasley; and Chris Rankin as Percy.

Returning to the adult ensemble are Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid; Michael Gambon as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore; Robert Hardy as Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge; Shirley Henderson as Moaning Myrtle; Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy; Gary Oldman as Sirius Black; Alan Rickman as Professor Snape; Dame Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall; Timothy Spall as Peter Pettigrew; and Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley.

The production also welcomes back production designer Stuart Craig (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets); director of photography Roger Pratt (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets); costume designer Jany Temime (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban); VFX supervisor Jim Mitchell (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets); and creature effects and make-up supervisor Nick Dudman (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). Mick Audsley (Mona Lisa Smile, High Fidelity) joins Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as editor.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be released in November 2005 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Fans go wild for Hermione and Harry

Story dated: May 31st, 2004. Source: Daily Telegraph.

Thousands wait for hours to see young stars at London premiere of latest Potter film, reports Matilda McLean

A heavy downpour failed to break the spell cast over thousands of fans who gathered in London last night for the European premiere of the third Harry Potter film.

Many had queued overnight to catch a glimpse of the child stars attending the showing of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, the latest film adaptation of the best-selling fantasy series by J K Rowling.

A crowd of about 5,000 lined the pavement eight deep in Leicester Square to see Daniel Radcliffe, the 14-year-old actor who plays the schoolboy wizard. Teenage girls screamed in delight when he arrived accompanied by his co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

The normally publicity-shy Rowling, who did not attend the New York premiere, turned up for the first European showing in an emerald silk dress, gold shoes and cream shawl, accompanied by her husband Neil Murray.

She said: "I have seen the film - I loved it. It's the best so far. I don't mind them shortening the stories - there are things in the book that don't work on screen. I am a book person but I can appreciate a good film. The reaction is wonderful but I feel bad about the rain."

The young stars were equally enthusiastic about the film, which charts Harry's latest adventures at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and shows the young trio tackling a dangerous escaped prisoner and the equally terrifying Dementors - the dreaded guard of the wizard world's prison.

Daniel, who waved to adoring teenage fans and admitted he did not have a girlfriend, said: "There's some really pretty girls here today. It's great - and amazing that so many people turn up for the film. It's all pretty overwhelming. It's definitely the best film but the fourth will be even better."

His casually-dressed co-star Rupert - who is in the middle of taking his GCSEs - was also impressed with the attention.

"It's really scary. It's weird. But it's not bad having all those girls shouting at you," he said.

Emma, wearing a vintage 1940s purple dress with a white flower in her hair, said: "It's completely surreal."

Other members of the cast, including Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman, also attended the premiere. Rickman, who plays the sinister potions teacher Professor Snape, looked amused at a banner that read: "Give us a detention, Mr Rickman."

Robbie Coltrane, who stars as the friendly giant Hagrid, praised the down-to-earth attitude of the teenage stars. "Most child actors are an abomination, with pushy parents, but this film is not like that. They spent a lot of time interviewing the parents which is how they got the right cast."

The director, Mexican Alfonso Cuaron, who achieved fame with the Oscar-nominated Y Tu Mama Tambien, said at first he did not realise the scale of Harry Potter mania.

"I have to say when I first went for it I was very casual about the whole thing, but now I can see it is a big deal," he said. "I hope to go back to Mexico to make a small budget film."

Bob Geldof's daughter Peaches, the artist Sam Taylor Wood and Gloria Hunniford were among the first-night audience.

Star-struck teenagers who lined the streets told how they had grown up with Harry Potter and related to his experiences.

Jonathan Stuart, 13, from the Wirral, said she had been waiting in Leicester Square since 6am. "Harry's part of my childhood because we are the same age and I am growing up with him. He had trouble settling down at school and most kids can identify with that."

Charlotte Richards, 15, from Hertfordshire, said: "I relate to the Harry Potter series and the problems they have at school, like exams and evil potion masters. When I first started reading the books I liked trampolining but now I'm interested in boys. I am a devoted fan and it's exciting to be here."

Potter star predicts Harry death

Story dated: May 27th, 2004.  Source: BBC News Online

By Caroline Westbrook

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has revealed his predictions for the future of JK Rowling's series ahead of the release of the boy wizard's third film.

The actor, who reprises the title role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, told reporters he anticipates a grim fate for the character.

"I'm going to be really unpopular for saying this," he said, "but I've always had the suspicion that Harry might die."

"Harry and Voldemort have the same core in them [their wands], and the only way he could die is if Harry dies as well."

Although JK Rowling has hinted in the past that she may kill off Harry in the seventh and final book, his fate remains a closely guarded secret.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban reunites Radcliffe with co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who play Harry's friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

They are joined in the film by a host of newcomers, including Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson and David Thewlis, while Michael Gambon takes over from the late Richard Harris as Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.

The young cast admitted they were thrilled to be working with such a prestigious cast of grown-ups.

"It was overwhelming at times," says Watson. "But just to watch all those people probably helps me mature as an actor.

"And I love Emma Thompson - she's fantastic, and I was so pleased to be working with her."

As Azkaban prepares to hit cinemas, the trio are already working on the fourth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

But they have yet to commit to filming the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

"Every film takes a year to do and these are big projects," says Watson.

"I think it's hard for all three of us to look anywhere beyond that. Whatever happens in the future, I'm not sure yet."

Grint admits he "would like to keep on playing Ron" and describes his time on the films as "a great experience" - while Radcliffe remains open about the future.

"I really love acting but I've got lots of other things I'm really interested in, like music," he reveals.

"Whatever happens, happens. I'm interested to go on to other things at some point - when that will be, I don't know."

One thing that is clear is the three have made a lot of money from starring in the films - but it could be a while before they see any of it.

"I'm 14," Radcliffe says. "I probably don't have any great need for it. I buy a lot of CDs, but that's it, really."

"It probably sounds like a cliche - but it honestly doesn't matter that much to me." 

Harry Potter Stars Predict Gruesome End to Series

Story dated: May 27th, 2004.  Source: Reuters

By Tristan Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - It may not be the ending Harry Potter fans are hoping for, but the film's teenage stars predict Harry will die at the end of the series, Ron will turn evil and Hermione may end up with him.

"People are going to hate me for saying this but I've always had the suspicion that Harry might die," Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) told a news conference Thursday ahead of the British release next week of the third film in the series.

The young wizard's fate in the promised seventh and final book is a closely guarded secret but the author has included more and more intriguing connections between Harry and his arch-enemy, the evil Voldemort.

"Harry and Voldemort have got the same core in them, which you see in the fourth book. The only way Voldemort could die is if Harry dies as well," Radcliffe said.

Rupert Grint, who plays Harry's friend Ron Weasley, has equally dark expectations of his character.

"I'd like him to turn a bit evil. I've always wanted to play an evil person," he said.

The only positive note came from Emma Watson who plays Hermione Granger.

"I hope she ends up doing something she loves, maybe with Ron if that makes her happy," she said playfully.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" premiered in the United States at the weekend to rave reviews that described it as deeper and darker than the previous two as the child actors have matured.

The actors could be well into their 20s by the time the high-school adventure's final film is made, but they all said they hoped to continue playing their parts.  

Watson said she hoped to continue acting but would have difficulty choosing between the fifth Harry Potter film and starring alongside Brad Pitt. "It would depend what it was," she laughed.

"These are big projects and I think it's hard for anyone to look beyond that."

Grint said he was still hoping to stay in the series although it would mean giving up his childhood dream of being an ice-cream man.

'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' Premieres in New York

Story dated: May 24th, 2004.  Sources: Reuters, USA Today

The long awaited premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban finally took place in New York on Sunday May 23rd, at the Radio City Music Hall.  DanRadcliffe.com was on the red carpet to photograph and interview the stars as they arrived - you can find all our premiere coverage and reviews of the movie right here!  Here's a couple more reports on the event from around the media:

By Larry Fine, Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The new Harry Potter film had its world premiere on Sunday as Hogwarts' famous young wizards flew to New York to join an estimated 6,000 first-nighters in a red-carpet opening at Radio City Music Hall.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," created a big buzz outside the famed theater as crowds eight-deep jammed the sidewalk for a glimpse of Daniel Radcliffe, the 14-year-old actor who plays Harry, and his co-stars, Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron).

Inside, an enthusiastic audience cheered the young trio and eight other cast members brought out on stage before the screening, including Robbie Coltrane, who plays good-natured giant Hagrid, and Alan Rickman, who portrays the sneering, sinister potions teacher, Severus Snape.

The movie will have its European premier next weekend in London and will open around the world on June 4.

The third film of the phenomenally successful fantasy book series written by J.K. Rowling is a briskly paced 136 minutes that deals with more sophisticated themes than the first two films, reflecting the growing maturity of the teen wizards.

Directed by Spaniard Alfonso Cuaron, who brought Oscar-nominated "Y Tu Mama Tambien," to the screen, the new film spends little time explaining the wizarding world in contrast to the exposition in "Sorcerer's Stone," (2001) and "Chamber of Secrets," (2002) the first two Harry Potter flicks, directed by Chris Columbus.

Instead, the audience is hauled immediately into the dark tale of a wizard who has escaped prison and is believed to be hunting down Potter, who ends up terrorized by the spooky dementors, the dreaded guards of Azkaban prison.

Many in the opening night crowd said "Azkaban," is the best Harry Potter movie yet. "It might be scary for some little kids, but I thought it was very good," said Al Ades, 11. "I think the adventures are more interesting."

"I thought it was really good, way better than the other ones," said 10-year-old Juliet Garrett Wolosoff. "It seemed more realistic than the others."

Priti Malik, 18, liked the special effects. "I jumped at least 20 times in the movie," she said.

By Donna Freydkin, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Imagine if Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé Knowles all showed up at the same restaurant, at the same moment.

And the ensuing hoopla still wouldn't equal the frantic, heat-fueled agitation of the fans screeching at, screaming for and serenading the stars of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which celebrated its world premiere Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall. 

"I can't believe the amount of people here. Some have been out here since 9 a.m. and it's so hot," said Emma Watson, 14. Despite the mid-80s temperature, the actress, who plays smart-aleck Hermione, looked cool in a summery Lanvin frock.

In fact, some revelers had camped out the night before to catch a glimpse of their favorite wizards and Muggles. And this reporter was hit in the head by a disposable camera thrown by a particularly overzealous fan who was hoping someone would use it to take a photo of Harry himself, affable actor Daniel Radcliffe.

"I never get used to this. It's fantastic that everyone comes out. It's gratifying," he said. "They're really good at screaming."

The best part of being a teenager?

"You get taller," said Radcliffe, 14. "I've been short for so long, and now I'm growing."

His co-star Rupert Grint, who plays Harry's red-haired pal Ron, also was stunned by the outpouring of enthusiasm for the film, which opens June 4.

"In England I get recognized sometimes, and that's really weird," said Grint, 15.

Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two Potter flicks but this time served as one of the producers, had a star-struck moment when he met Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas on the red carpet. "I really, really love the band," a sweating Columbus told the singer.

And Columbus had only upbeat comments about both the new movie and its director, Alfonso Cuaron.

"So many people think that I got out for a different reason, but it's been great. I've been able to work on this movie, write and spend time with my family," said Columbus, whose next film is Rent.

As for Cuaron, the Potter newbie underwent a crash course in Muggle madness when he signed on to direct the film.

"I read the books and saw the movies and just fell in love with the whole universe," he said, wiping his brow.

But at the premiere, Cuaron was grappling with earthy problems: "I'm sweating like a pig," he said.

Premiere News and Dan's Latest Newsletter

Story dated: Apr 26th, 2004

Thanks very much to Rose Mari for sending us a copy of Dan's latest newsletter to his fans. Here's some of the highlights:

• Dan will be attending the premieres of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in New York on Sunday May 23rd and London on Sunday May 30th.  (We have learned separately from official sources that unfortunately, he will not be going to any other premieres, including the one in Mexico City on June 3rd, due to filming and exam commitments.)
• The latest movies Dan has seen include School of Rock (which he thought was quite funny), Elephant, Jerry and Starsky and Hutch.
• To prepare for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dan has also been watching films such as The Insider, The Parallax View and North by Northwest. Not only that, but he has also been scuba diving for several months to get ready for the underwater task in GOF!
• Dan also says to fans, "Thank you to everyone who sent me a Valentine card in February - I am always touched by the kind wishes I am sent."
• In February, Dan and his family went on vacation to South Africa and in the letter he gives more detail along with tour tips!

If you want to find out more about what is in Dan's latest newsletter, then you will just have to write him to get your own copy - we don't want to spoil all the surprises!!

Harry Heads For The Highlands

Story dated: Apr 22nd, 2004.  Source: Daily Record.

HARRY Potter is set to return to the Highlands in June for a two-day film shoot.

Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the teen wizard in the hit movie series, will be filmed chasing a dragon through Glen Nevis, near Fort William.

But it is likely to be the only piece of Highland action in the latest movie, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.

Most of the filming is taking place in Exmoor,Devon, and Leavesden studios in Hertfordshire.

Scotland featured prominently in the first two Potter movies.

This time, focal points such as Hagrid's Hut, the Bridge To Nowhere and the Glenfinnan railway viaduct will only be filmed for continuity shots without actors.

The quidditch match in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone was filmed in Glen Nevis. Now Harry will meet the dragon in a maze on the same quidditch field.