News Archive, 4th Quarter 2003

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Harry, Frodo and Peter!

Story dated: Dec 24th, 2003.  Source: Empire, Daily Mail.  Tip credit: Claire, Hogwarts Express

Jeremy Sumpter, star of the new "Peter Pan" movie, was recently interviewed by Empire magazine (Jan 2004 issue) and had this to say about meeting Dan on the set:

"When I was in London, [Jason Isaacs] was filming Chamber of Secrets, so he invited me on set.  I met Daniel Radcliffe."  Make no mistake, this is an epoch-making moment, a pre-pubescent passing of the torch...  So, did Sumpter lay the smackdown on speccy four-eyes Potter?  "Of course not!  He's cool.  I'd actually love to work with him," says Sumpter.  "You know how they made Freddy Vs. Jason?  They should make Peter Pan Vs. Harry Potter."  And who would win that titanic struggle?  "I would!"'

Hmmm, we beg to differ....  And while we're on the subject of meetings, this little exchange was first reported in the Daily Mail back in October but we've only recently received official confirmation that it did indeed take place!

Lord of the Rings star, Elijah Wood is peeved he doesn't rank highly in the recognition stakes. Moans Wood, 'I just met Daniel Radcliffe recently and I said 'Everybody thinks I'm Harry Potter,' and he replied, 'Man, everybody thinks I'm Frodo', so he gets it too and that's really funny.

Trio attends Julie Walters BAFTA Tribute

Story dated: Dec 20th, 2003.  Source: BBC.  Report by: Claire.

Dan, Rupert and Emma were among the numerous celebrities who turned out to honour one of Britain's best loved actresses, Julie Walters, at a special BAFTA tribute gala last night.  The star-studded audience also included Victoria Wood, Billy Connolly, Dame Helen Mirren, Robert Lindsay and Sir Michael Caine.  The tribute included classic moments from Julie's hit films, including Educating Rita, Billy Elliot and Harry Potter (in which she plays the character of Molly Weasley, Ron's mother), and TV series, including Mrs Overall of "Acorn Antiques" and Petula Gordeno of "Dinnerladies". The event, which aired on BBC1, was hosted by British TV personality Clive Anderson.

Once in a while, the lovely people at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts put on a gala show in honour of someone who has done truly sterling work for British entertainment - and few have done more over the last 25 years than Julie Walters, as anyone in the UK knows!   

It was a red carpet event, and Rupert, Dan and Emma arrived together all looking very smart - Rupert in a black t-shirt and Jacket, Dan in a sharp black suit with a blue tie and Emma wearing a colourful and stunning 'Egyptian' style dress.  They smiled and Dan said hello to the cameras as they passed.  They had front row seats for the show, which was introduced by Clive Anderson, who also presented 'The Big Read' on the BBC recently, where 'HP and the Goblet of Fire' reached number five in the list of the UK's favourite books.    

Clive brought on a whole host of British stars from stage and screen, who in turn presented the audience with examples of Julie at her best - whether playing straight roles, funny roles or saucy roles - her diversity and talent were celebrated.  One such montage was introduced by Rupert: that of 'Julie playing Mum', and included a clip from Chamber of Secrets when the Weasley boys arrive at the Burrow with Harry - and get caught!  "You best hope I don't put bars on your window, Ronald Weasley!"    Said Rupert:

"Julie makes a wicked Mum, not a wicked witch.  Her magic in the Weasley home is amazing: dishes that wash themselves, jumpers that knit themselves.  I've spent the last year trying to get my Mum to learn some of Julie's secrets.  The coolest thing though, is a clock that tells her where all the Weasleys are, which is great - unless you don't really want her to know where you are!  I was so excited and nervous when I learned that Julie Walters was to play my Mum - but not for long.  She's funny and mad and puts everyone she works with at ease.  But Mrs Weasley isn't the only Mum she's played.  Here are some of the best bits of Julie playing Mum."   

While Rupert was on, Dan and Emma looked on supportively.  Dan looked very serious there for a second as he watched his friend!  The whole show was highly entertaining, particularly Billy Connolly, who spoke of his time with Julie, both professionally and as a friend.  He made some slightly rude but incredibly amusing comments about TV shows today which had me in stitches - Dan and Rupert too!   

I'm sure the three stars were delighted to represent the rest of the Harry Potter team at an event which so rightly praised one of their fellow cast members.  Julie's role of Mrs Weasley - along with her leading role in the film 'Calendar Girls' - is one of her most famous and popular.  Congratulations, Julie!

Third Installment of Harry Potter Film Series to Be Released As IMAX(R) Film In Summer 2004

Story dated: Dec 18th, 2003.  Source: PR Newswire.  Tip credit: HPANA.

Highly Anticipated Film to be Digitally Re-mastered Using IMAX(R) DMR(TM) Technology 

Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX Corporation Sign Deal Following Successful IMAX Release of Last Two Chapters of The Matrix Trilogy 

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third installment of the Harry Potter film series, will be released to IMAX(R) theatres in addition to conventional theatres in June 2004. This family event film, based on the third book of the world renowned and best-selling series, will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) through proprietary IMAX(R) DMR(TM) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. 

This deal represents the second IMAX DMR film commitment from Warner Bros. Pictures in the last year, and comes on the heels of the successful performances of the second and third chapters of The Matrix trilogy in IMAX theatres. Based on the best-selling series of books by J.K. Rowling, the first two movies in the Harry Potter series broke worldwide records with a combined box-office gross of nearly $1.9 billion. Warner Bros. Pictures is to be the exclusive distributor of Harry Potter to IMAX theatres worldwide. 

"Our partnership with IMAX has been extremely rewarding and has allowed our films to expand their reach beyond our traditional audiences by offering viewers a whole new way to see Hollywood event films that is uniquely immersive and exciting," said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are so pleased that this summer, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which lends itself beautifully to IMAX's format, will play throughout the IMAX theatre network. Besides Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, we are discussing an IMAX(R) 3D release of Polar Express in November 2004, and an IMAX DMR release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the summer of 2005." 

"We are thrilled to be expanding our mutually beneficial partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures that began with the successful release of the last two chapters in The Matrix trilogy," said Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, IMAX Corporation. "This announcement is yet another indication that we are achieving our goal of bringing the very best Hollywood event films to IMAX theatres, which we believe is key to expanding the IMAX network around the world. Our research has shown us that moviegoers want to see blockbuster films in IMAX's format and are paying a premium price for the experience. We believe that the magic of Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban will translate into an amazing cinematic adventure in IMAX theatres, and will continue the strong performances of IMAX DMR releases to date." 

"We are very excited to bring the adventure and fantasy of Harry Potter to life on the giant IMAX screen," said David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter film series. "When Alfonso Cuaron, the film's director, and I, saw IMAX DMR, we knew we had to release this film in IMAX theatres, as it will bring a whole new perspective to this magical story. Whether they've read all of the Harry Potter novels and seen the first two films, or are just now immersing themselves in the world of Harry Potter, fans will amplify their experience with IMAX's exceptional and immersive cinematic presentation."

'Prisoner of Azkaban' trailer will be shown with 'Return of the King'

Story dated: Dec 8th, 2003.  Source: Mugglenet.

Nikki Daniel, marketing assistant for Rave Motion Pictures, reports that HP fans will have a further opportunity to see the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in movie theaters later this month.  The trailer is expected to be attached to the release of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the final part of the LOTR trilogy which opens in the US on Dec 17th.

Newell Confirms Potter IV Details

Story dated: Dec 8th, 2003.  Source: Sci-Fi Wire.  Tip credit: Mugglenet.

Mike Newell, who will direct the fourth Harry Potter film, told SCI FI Wire that he has spoken with Alfonso Cuarón, director of the upcoming third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, to make sure his film picks up where Cuarón's leaves off. Production of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will begin in late April or early May, with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione) reprising their roles. "They're all actually the age they are in the story," Newell said in an interview.

"What Alfonso has done very remarkably is he's developed the films from a sunny vision of childhood into something that is much darker and blacker," Newell said. "And he's done that without taking away any of the romance of the thing. But he has transformed it into adolescence, and I must go on from what he's done. [I] can't go back."

Newell added that he is currently in preproduction, dealing with creature design. "I am currently working with dragons," he said.

'Prisoner of Azkaban' featured on Access Hollywood

Story dated: Dec 6th, 2003.  Tip credit: HPANA/Sidekicks

US entertainment show Access Hollywood had a short feature on the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban last night and briefly interviewed Dan, Rupert and Michael Gambon.  The program showed behind-the-scenes footage from the main Harry Potter set at Leavesden Studios and clips from the POA trailer.  A transcript of the feature is available here.

Screencaps from the clip can be found here: Access Hollywood Screen Captures

Video clips can be found on our onsite videos page (subject to availability). 

A Wizard Performance

Story dated: Dec 5th, 2003.  Source: icLiverpool. 

by Philip Key for the Daily Post.

WHEN Harry Potter wanted to learn magic, he did not go to Hogwarts School: that is, after all, a fictional place. No, he went to see the top man, Paul Kieve.

Kieve is the man behind some of the great stage illusions, many of which will be seen in Scrooge, the musical which opens for a Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire next week.

So when Mexican film director Alfonso Cuaron, the man behind the new Harry Potter film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, decided he wanted real magic in the movie he called in Kieve.

"It was quite a curious thing," says Kieve. "I have spent my life developing live illusions and this was a film on which millions were being spent, a lot of it on computerised effects.

"But Alfonso was keen to have live magic as well as the computer effects to layer things to create a more magical world." Kieve was asked to give a two hour demonstration to the film's Oscar-winning designer and the American producers showing just what he could achieve. "It was a bit nerve-wracking," he admits.

But the film people were so impressed that not only will Kieve's magic effects be an important element in the film, but he will be appearing in a small role himself - as a wizard.

One of the first things he had to do was to hold a magic school on the set for all the youngsters taking part to assess what skills they might possess.

"The strange thing was that Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry was the only person who did not have to attend the magic school and he was upset that everyone had learned magic apart from him."

So Kieve agreed to take him on as a private pupil. "Now he has taken it up as a hobby. It's really incidental to the film but he has become rather good and has been practising hard. We meet up on his days away from the set and we spend two or three hours doing magic.

"Like any other 14-year-old, he has been bitten by the bug. When the producers took him for a Chinese meal, he was doing magic at the table."

Londoner Paul Kieve was bitten by the bug at the age of ten when he had a box of magic tricks on his birthday. "There was a Canadian magician called Doug Henning doing magic specials on the television and I recorded them and tried to duplicate his illusions using cardboard boxes from the supermarket.

[Note: You can visit Paul Kieve's web site at www.stageillusion.com.] 

Potter sequel works Bafta magic

Story dated: Nov 30th, 2003.  Source: BBC.  Tip credit: HPANA

The second film based on JK Rowling's best-selling books won ahead of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

BBC news correspondent Rageh Omaar and singer Kym Marsh were among those who presented awards at the ceremony.

The Harry Potter film was voted for by thousands of children from across the country in the Lego/Bafta Kids' Vote.

But the separate Best Feature Film category was won by Whale Rider by New Zealander Niki Caro, despite Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also being nominated.

The British Academy Children's Film And Television Awards were held at the Hilton Hotel on November 30, 2003 in London, England.  Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, collected the award.

Emma proudly displays the award for Most Popular Film with a Lego model of Harry.  Photo: Getty Images.

POA Wraps Principal Photography

Story dated: Nov 24th, 2003.  Source: The Leaky Cauldron.

Principal photography has just completed on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and cast and crew members and their families celebrated yesterday with a private wrap party at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire.  The Leaky Cauldron reported:

Dan, Rupert, Emma, Tom, Jamie, Josh and other cast members (no adult actors) were in attendance, as well as Alfonso Cuaron and various producers.  In the giant tents, soft drinks and hot chocolate with marshmallows and candyfloss were served to the children, with the adults drinking mulled (hot) wine and beer. Food included hot dogs, burgers and filled jacket potatoes.

Two of the Knight Buses used in the movie were on display and the crowds were entertained by magicians, a Mexican band and a massive firework display.

The remainder of filming on the movie is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

Extra and E! Cover POA Trailer Release

Story dated: Nov 13th, 2003.  

American entertainment shows Extra and E! News Live both marked the release of the first trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with 90-second features tonight.  Extra showed behind-the-scenes footage shot on location at Virginia Water, Surrey.  E! News Live  showed behind-the-scenes footage from the main Harry Potter set at Leavesden Studios.  Both showed clips of the trailer and offered short interviews with Dan, Rupert and Emma.

Screencaps from the clips can be found here:

E! News Live Screen Captures
Extra! Screen Captures

Video clips can be found on our onsite videos page (subject to availability). 

Lycos' Top Ten Teens

Story dated: Nov 13th, 2003.  Source: Yahoo Finance.  Tip credit: Mugglenet

Terra Lycos, the global Internet Group, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the 50 most popular user searches for the week ending November 8, 2003. For a complete list of The Lycos 50(TM) and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com. Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

The top 10 most-searched teens over the past month are: 

1) Actress Hilary Duff 
2) Singer Avril Lavigne 
3) Actresses The Olsen Twins 
4) Rapper (Lil') Bow Wow 
5) Singer Mandy Moore 
6) Singer Stacie Orrico 
7) NBA star LeBron James 
8) Actress Amanda Bynes 
9) Actress Emma Watson 
10) Actor Daniel Radcliffe

POA Teaser Trailer Released

Story dated: Nov 12th, 2003.  Source: HarryPotter.com

The first trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has been made available at the official Harry Potter site.  The 1 min 28 sec trailer includes scenes of the Knight Bus hurtling down a street, Aunt Marge blowing up and floating away,  Professor Snape dressed as Neville's grandma and Harry, wand drawn, staring down an unseen menace, all set to a choral arrangement of the trailer's tagline: "Something Wicked This Way Comes".  The trailer will make its first appearance in US theatres on Friday Nov 14th, accompanying the movie "Looney Tunes: Back In Action".

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be released in the US and UK on June 4th, 2004.  Warner Bros has set up a special promotional web site for the movie at www.azkaban.com.

Click here to see the trailer at the official Harry Potter site.

New Exclusive Promotional Pic of Dan

Story dated: Oct 28h, 2003.  

We received a very special package in the mail today from Warner Bros in the UK, containing a brand new signed photo of Dan, taken at Leavesden Studios while filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is an exclusive preview, granted to both our site and DanRadcliffe.co.uk, of the photo that will be sent to fans who write to Dan at his official mailing address over the coming months.

Dan's New Promo Photo
(Please note that we have watermarked this image in an effort to prevent people from making copies and selling them at online auction sites.)

The photo was accompanied by a very nice (and complimentary!) letter from Alan Radcliffe, Dan's dad, thanking us all for our enthusiasm and sharing some very interesting info that should answer a few of your questions. He also had some more nice things to say about the Birthday Scrapbook Album, for those of you who contributed! With his permission, we have reproduced the letter here.

We are delighted and honored that Dan has invited us to share this picture with you before its general release and would like to thank him and his family for allowing us to post it and for their kind comments. It is always a pleasure to run this site, and Dan, we look forward to following your career for many more years! Many thanks too to Warner Bros for arranging to send this package!

Potter's in the fast lane

Story dated: Oct 5th, 2003.  Source: Herald Sun.  Tip credit: Ashley.

By Ben English. 

Draco Malfoy drives a BMW, Harry Potter is keen on Jane's Addiction, and Hermione is into break dancing.  They're all growing up at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

On the set of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -- the third blockbuster of the series -- the stars show how much they have matured in the three years since filming of the JK Rowling books began.

"I love my cars," Tom Felton, who plays Draco, told the Sunday Herald Sun.

"I have a black BMW 316 Estate for my training car while I'm 16 and I'm looking at getting a 1.8 sports coupe for my first proper car."

Draped in a gold necklace and matching bracelets, with hip polo shirt and trainers, Felton looks more like a big-time street rapper than the Hogwarts bully.

No less sophisticated is Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter. At 14, one of his favourite movies is the raunchy R-rated Y Tu Mama Tambien Alfonso Cuaron made before he took over directing duties at Hogwarts from Chris Columbus.

He named Jane's Addiction, the Libertines, Rage Against the Machine and the Darkness among his favourite bands.

Rupert Grint, 15, who plays Ron Weasley, is a crack pool player -- he has a table in his dressing room -- who has taken up golf.

And Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) loves dancing: "While I'm here, I have lessons -- modern, street, body popping, break dancing and that. Back home I just hang out with my friends."

But, at 13, what appears to thrill Emma most is that she is no longer the shortest of the three main characters. "After all these years of being the shortest, Dan has come to face the fact that I'm taller than him," she said.

"By half a millimetre," Radcliffe pointed out.

Prisoner of Azkaban has grown up with its actors.

Cuaron admitted the film would be noticeably older than the first two, with more sinister themes. The stars also would have a more contemporary look.

We can expect more exotic animals, including a half bird, half horse creature called a Hippogriff.

Emma Thompson will make a guest appearance as the eccentric Professor Trelawney, completing an ensemble cast that boasts Gary Oldman, Julie Christie and Robert Hardy.

Filming is nearly finished at Leavesden, near London, but the movie is not due for release until June. Pre-production on the fourth film began this week.