As the decade-long saga comes to a close, and after all manner of magical exploits dazzle Muggle moviegoers, the final image on screen in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2″ is low-key. The trio of young wizards stand silently side-by-side, their expressions revealing exhaustion, relief, triumph and anticipation.

This seems a fitting visual for the actors who have brought J.K. Rowling’s characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley to vivid life.

On Friday, the final movie in the eight-film series opens amid much fanfare and some nostalgia.

Daniel Radcliffe, 21, Emma Watson, 21, and Rupert Grint, 22, embarked on the Potter series as children not knowing what magical mystery tour awaited them. They have come out the other end as experienced adult actors with intriguing futures beckoning — though, with the millions each earned for the eight films, they could afford to take a very long sabbatical.

“Emma was 10 and Daniel and Rupert were 11 when I started writing for them,” says “Potter” screenwriter Steve Kloves. “I wrote appropriately for their age group. But by the end, I wrote as challenging material for them as I did for Michael Gambon (who plays Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore) or anybody else. In fact, I think I gave them the most challenging material.”

The series may be named after the bespectacled boy wizard, but his two best buddies have been just as instrumental in keeping record-breaking numbers of fans bewitched by the Potter films, the most financially successful film franchise of all time, having earned $6.4 billion worldwide to date.

“Casting the three was the single most important decision in the history of these movies,” Kloves says. “At the end of the day, the series will live and die on the strength of those three children. It won’t live and die on how cool a dragon looks. I think Jo Rowling would admit the plot is quite secondary to the characters and what they embody and represent.”

Where to from here?

Now that the final film is about to hit theaters, and the globally famous trio of young actors has walked the red carpet in London for the eighth and final time, their adult careers loom. They have morphed from wide-eyed, slightly gawky kids to full-fledged, graceful actors.

When half of your life has been spent making the most popular films in history, where do you go from there?

For Watson, spending a decade on the “Potter” set has been what she’s known best. “I’ve grown up doing this so it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like part of my identity.”

All three have taken roles while on breaks from shooting Potter, but now the next phase of their lives begins in earnest. “Little did I know when I started that I would be watching the last film while starring in a play on Broadway,” says Radcliffe, who is playing the lead role in the revival of the 1952 musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

“There are so many things I will miss about Harry and playing the part. There are some things I won’t miss, but I will miss playing an action hero. It’s bittersweet, absolutely.”

Grint was struck by sadness on the final day of filming, particularly after Radcliffe made an emotional speech about his production “family.”

“The last day of filming was unexpectedly more emotional than I thought it would be,” he says. “It was a weird feeling when we finished. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt kind of lost, really, without it. But it was a relief, too. I was exhausted and looking forward to having a bit of freedom. I was also quite sad because a huge part of my life had ended.”

Her years spent in the company of her two pals, Ron and Harry, left a deep imprint on Watson. “I’m going to miss it so much,” she says. “There’s a big hole to fill. Dan, Rupert and I have this amazing chemistry because we have years and years of history. David (Yates, the director) kept saying, “Use this bond you really have and bring it to the movie.’ And we really did try.”

Yates says Radcliffe relished being the series emissary.

“He is older than his years,” says Yates. “He would readily enjoy the role, especially when we had guests, because he is Harry Potter, basically.”

But Radcliffe also longs to be other characters.

In order to attempt something far removed from the magical world of Hogwarts, he took the role of ambitious young J. Pierrepont Finch in the musical.

During a break in “Potter” filming in 2007, Radcliffe also played the lead role in “Equus” on London’s West End and later on Broadway.

But “How to Succeed” called upon entirely different skills from riding a broomstick or acting with giant puppet creatures.

“I took a lot of dance lessons,” he says. “It’s not something I had a natural ability for. I just had to take a lot of time and learn it. The musical is a huge amount of fun. It’s not like Equus where it was a physical and mental effort.”

But Radcliffe has always been one for a challenge, according to those who have watched him grow up on set. Still, he recently owned up to drinking rather heavily in his late teens, during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in 2007 and 2008.

“I became reliant on (alcohol) to enjoy stuff,” he said in the latest issue of British GQ. “There were a few years there when I was just so enamored with the idea of living some sort of famous person’s lifestyle that really isn’t suited to me.”

He says he hasn’t had a drink since August 2010. Indeed, at the November premiere of the last film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1″ in London, he told USA TODAY that he signed autographs for fans gathering for days in Leicester Square, then skipped the premiere after-party.

“I came straight home,” he said the day after the London premiere. “I had a bowl of Sugar Puffs. I treated myself. I actually had some Ben & Jerry’s as well. I did not wake up with even a remotely sore head.”

Chris Columbus, who cast the trio and directed the first two “Potter” films (“The Sorcerer’s Stone” and “The Chamber of Secrets”), says he saw his job as “making those kids feel like they were in a really welcoming, warm, comfortable environment. They didn’t have a lot of experience, and they needed that to be able to perform.”

Columbus adds: “If we could have looked ahead 10 years and known it would be as successful as it has been, I think we all would have been a little more relaxed.”

But in those early films, Columbus says, he spent a lot of time standing beside the camera, encouraging the kids to focus on their lines.

“On that first film, at any one point any one of those kids would be distracted, so we had three, sometimes four, cameras running all the time,” he says. “The first film was shot a bit like a documentary because the kids were in such awe of being on a set that they’d say a line and then look at each other and smile or look up at the lights and start to laugh.”

Mature films beckon

Those days are long gone. All three are seasoned pros, and their upcoming projects don’t have a whiff of magic about them:

Radcliffe has “Woman in Black,” a horror thriller coming out in January.

Watson made a film called “My Week With Marilyn,” out in November. A young style icon, she recently took a leave from Brown University to create her own fashion line for People Tree and her eco-friendly Pure Threads. She also has modeled in Lancome ads.

Grint just finished shooting the World War II drama “Comrade,” which comes out next year. It’s based on the true story of a pair of British RAF pilots who shoot down a plane with Nazi fighters and then crash on a mountainside in Norway.

After playing a cheeky character known for comic relief, Grint was happy to undertake something weightier.

“To film in a different country where it was minus-25 and snow up to your knees was a real experience,” says Grint. “It was a lot more comfortable working on “Harry Potter’ when you have this big dressing room and there’s a bit more luxury. But it was nice to see a different side.”

Grint can’t imagine what next year might be like, with no Potter to return to. “I think it’ll really hit me next year after the DVD has come out and it’s all kind of faded away and become quiet.”
Watson also felt mixed emotions at the end of the Potter era.

“I felt very privileged to have played Hermione,” Watson says. “She’s someone young girls can look up to because she’s true to herself. She’s smart and an incredibly courageous and loyal friend who keeps a cool head in extremely difficult situations.”

The three on-screen pals have remained in touch since filming their final scene, just as their characters do after leaving Hogwarts. But will they still be friends 20 years down the road, as their characters are?

“Oh, yeah,” says Grint. “We’ll always be in touch because we’ve all shared this unique experience together. That will always keep us friends.”

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Original article found here: courierpostonline.com | July 11th, 2011

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With the massive impact the Harry Potter movies have had over the last decade, it’s difficult to conjure up the image of an anxious David Heyman.

But the Potter producer admits he was “incredibly nervous” about the future of the franchise just before the inaugural movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, opened in 2001.

“I couldn’t even get a two-picture deal before the release of that first one,” he recalled while promoting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 in London.

He has no worries now as the much anticipated Deathly Hallows — Part 2 opens on July 15. The blockbuster is poised to set box-office records, which will likely include surpassing the North American opening weekend of The Dark Knight, a staggering US$158.4-million.

Still, Heyman confesses that he has mixed emotions just like the films’ fans — a combination of sadness, celebration and frenzy befitting the dramatic conclusion to an iconic string of movies.

The great news for all concerned is that the series seems to be going out with a bang. In the finale, wizard Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) confronts the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in a momentous showdown. “Part 2 is like a big opera with huge battles,” director David Yates says.

Of course, this last instalment in the series also features the long-awaited kiss between Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), while their burgeoning relationship offers much needed comic relief from the unrelenting tension.

“We go off on this little adventure together,” Watson says. “It’s kind of like a comedy act because it’s the first time that you see them in tune.

“I really enjoyed the experience. Rupert is a great comedic actor, and so we had a really good time bringing the humour out of everything that we could.”

There’s also a graduation at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which includes “lump-in-the-throat” nostalgic sequences.

Some ghostly apparitions recall family and friends from the past. And, an ethereal Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) presents himself to expose mind-boggling secrets from his younger days.

Still, the epic wand duel between Harry and Voldemort is the climactic set piece. It’s rejigged from the book to include a chase through the halls of Hogwarts and a mind-boggling brawl in which the “apparating” combatants appear and disappear.

Most pundits predict that Part 2 will be the best Potter picture yet. “It’s the perfect way to sign off,” says Heyman, a former studio executive who first saw film potential in J.K. Rowling’s books. Indeed, he was the optimistic filmmaker who persuaded a skeptical Rowling to do movie versions of her novels before they became a global phenomenon. He was also the stubborn movie maven who resisted studio demands to Americanize Potter, and backed Rowling when she insisted on the English setting and an English cast.

All the fretting seems moot now. Rowling has set worldwide publishing records, selling more than 450 million copies of the seven-book series. The eight films, based on the novels, will likely hit a box-office total of US$7.5-billion by the time Deathly Hallows — Part 2 runs its theatrical course this summer.

Even more amazing is the fact that multiple directors have nurtured the film versions of the books, which became darker and more threatening as they progressed.

American director Chris Columbus, who made his mark with the Home Alone movies, introduced Potter to the film world with Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón brought a furious flair to The Prisoner of Azkaban. Brit Mike Newell took on the fourth, The Goblet of Fire, and added foreboding to the narrative.

Former British TV director David Yates arrived to heighten the tautness, in the fifth Potter movie, The Order of the Phoenix, then The Half-Blood Prince and the two-part finale.

Radcliffe credits Yates for refining the performances in the pictures by quietly expecting more from his three lead actors.

“He was always telling us that we could do better,” says Radcliffe, currently receiving raves for his headlining role in the Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

By the time they approached the acting demands of both Deathly Hallows pictures, Yates had them ready for great challenges. “It really was a natural progression,” Radcliffe says. “It didn’t feel like we were being asked to make a massive leap. It felt like we were being allowed to do what we had been preparing to do for the last two or three years.”

Watson agrees that the director raised the acting bar from The Order of the Phoenix onward. “The thing about working with David Yates is that you always hear this word truth, and finding the truth, and being honest and real,” she says. “He wants it to be from the heart. Because of that, I think that made us better.”

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Original article found here: arts.nationalpost.com| July 10th, 2011

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Grint’s Busy Working on the Fifth Film of the Series

A Mini-Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: “There’s a lot of really cool scenes in this one actually. We’re just doing all the major fight scenes and little death eaters and Lord Voldemort comes back. It’s a lot darker this one, so it should be good.”

Grint confirmed Harry Potter fans won’t be seeing him play Quidditch in Order of the Phoenix. “No, it was a bit – that whole Quidditch thing it didn’t sort of come about. But it’s such a big book they can’t get everything in. I was a little bit disappointed, next year probably [could be for me].”

Pondering the Big Question: Harry Potter fans know that J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final book of the series will include the deaths of more than character. Grint’s aware of that fact and a little worried as to who will bite the dust. “There’s a lot of rumors going around but I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind. It’s all right because you can always come back as a ghost, so it’s not too bad.”

Switching Directors on the Harry Potter Movies: Grint admits it’s been a challenge to work with different directors. “It makes it different. I mean, the first time it happened, losing Chris [Columbus] was quite a big thing because he was my first ever director and my first ever film. It was quite different not having him in there. But we’ve had some really good ones, Alfonso [Cuaron], Mike Newell and this one’s been really good, David Yates. He’s quite laid back and much more calm. [He’s] calmer than the other ones we’ve had, so it’s been good.”

On Growing Close to Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe: “We see each other every day for most of the year, so we don’t really need to see each other outside. We get on really well and that’s with all the other cast as well, because we’ve known them for six years. You get to know each other so it’s good.”

The Lengthy Harry Potter Shoots: Most films do not take 10 months to shoot. Even big budget action movies normally wrap up filming in four months. “Yeah, it is pretty crazy,” says Grint. “That’s not why they take so long; I think it’s there’s so many people involved in them. The books are huge as well, and the scripts are pretty big. We do have a really good time doing it, doing really good films.”

Emma Watson May Not Return for a Sixth Harry Potter Film: Watson’s apparently made it known she may not want to return for the final two films of the series and Grint says it would be weird to work with a new Hermione should Watson decide to call it quits. “It would be, yeah. I heard that as well. It’s quite a shock. She hadn’t really talked about it. I don’t know. It would be really weird. I think she will stick it out, I think, because I definitely am and I think Dan is as well. We’ll just have to see, really.”

Being Recognized as Ron from Harry Potter: “It’s not too bad, actually. It’s only been in the last few years where I get recognized a little bit more from [the Harry Potter films]. The hair does sort of stand out. But they’re always really nice, so it’s not really a problem. It is something really weird and I’ve not really got used to it because it is quite strange. But, as I say, it’s not really a problem.”

Upcoming Plans: Grint’s not exactly sure what he’ll work on between Harry Potter films. “I don’t know really. I’ll probably have a bit of a break. We’ve been filming this fifth one for about 10 months or something like that, so it’s been pretty busy. I definitely want to do something – try to get something else in – say something like Driving Lessons because it was a really good experience. I had a really good time doing it, so I’d love to do more stuff like that.”

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Original article found here: About.com | October 18th, 2006

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It’s about time that Ron Weasley got some wheels other than that bizarre, magical family car! Actually, when we spoke with Rupert Grint in Beverly Hills last week, he had just gotten his license in the U.K. and was driving a new Mini-Cooper!

The 18-year-old star of the “Harry Potter” film series was in town to chat about his film Driving Lessons in which he plays a shy teen with an ultra-controlling mom who finds freedom and identity when he becomes the assistant to an eccentric semi-retired actress played by none other than Ron’s mom (great actress Julie Walters)! News flash: Rupert has his first big screen make-out scene! The popular, ginger-haired actor let us know that doing a “love” scene really made him nervous but was worth it. Now if poor Ron can just catch up.

We got some pix of adorable Rupert in his purple tee with the green letters “Roswell” and “Area 51” on it. I told him that I was born 30 miles from there. He was fascinated but didn’t really know where Roswell was.. Somebody had given him the shirt. He’d never been there. I told him he wasn’t missing much. Let’s get down to talking about Rupert’s new role and, of course, what is up with “Harry” and friends…

AGW: Was it interesting to do another picture with Julie Walters, but playing totally different roles?

Rupert: It’s quite different, obviously they’re completely different characters. It was actually really good having Julie there, because I obviously knew her before in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, especially because we were only filming for like six weeks, it was good to have someone there you sort of knew. She was really fine, really easy to get on with, so she’s cool.

AGW: Was it strange acting with her and playing such a different role and seeing her in such a different role?

Rupert: Yeah it was, yeah, especially with all the swearing! Some of it was quite shocking. The first scene we rehearsed was the camping scene when she swallows the [car] key. She’s very funny and she’s really cool.

AGW: What was it about this movie that made you want to choose it as one of your detours from Harry Potter series?

Rupert: I wasn’t really looking out for anything. I was doing the fourth ‘Harry Potter’ film and it came up after that, and I just really liked the script and it was something really different, because I’d been filming the fourth one for about eleven months and I just wanted to do something different. I love being Ron, it’s just sort of good to do something different. So that’s why.

AGW: Both Ron and your Driving Lessons character Ben are going through life changes and maturing but are you sure you didn’t take this movie because Ben at least gets a girl! Was that a big draw for you?

Rupert: [laughs] Actually no. I was really dreading that scene. I was really nervous, because obviously, you’re in a tiny set and the whole crew is watching you, and it is a bit nerve-wracking. But, no, it was alright in the end. The worst part is watching it back with your family, that’s the embarrassing part. It’s not too bad.

AGW: So what did you do to get over your nerves before shooting that scene?

Rupert: I don’t know really, I mean once we’d – the first time was pretty awkward, but once we got into I suppose, it was alright – it was quite an awkward moment, yeah.

AGW: Did you have to have a drink beforehand? [Hey, Rupert is 18 now.. legal in London]

Rupert: [he laughs] No I didn’t, unfortunately.

AGW: Did you get a break before doing the next movie, or was it like you shot this and then boom, you went onto the next “Harry” right away?

Ron: Yeah, actually it was about three months or something spread over Christmas and it’s usually quite a quick sort of turnaround, and we’re doing the fifth one at the moment. We’re just about to finish it.

AGW: We hear that you just got your own driver’s license and are driving a Mini-Cooper. You didn’t want to get anything more ostentatious or bigger?

Rupert: No, a mini suits me.

AGW: So what were your own driving lessons like?

Rupert: Oh I had so many, an embarrassing amount actually. My test, I was really nervous, I failed my first one, but I passed my second attempt. It was quite scary.

AGW: What did you fail on your first one?

Rupert: I was doing a three-point-turn, and I didn’t look over my shoulder or something, something stupid like that.

AGW: Did the driving instructor recognize you? Actually, what is your day to day life like out and about?

Rupert: No. He didn’t say anything. It’s not too bad actually. It’s only been in the last few years where’s it’s got [crazy]. I get recognized a little bit more. The hair does sort of stand out, but they’re always really nice, so it’s not really a problem. It is something really weird and I’ve not really gotten used to it because it is quite strange, but as I say, it’s not really a problem.

AGW: What do you have planned between the two Potter films?

Rupert: I don’t know really, I’ll probably have a bit of a break, because we’ve been filming this fifth one for about 10 months or something like that, so it’s been pretty busy. I definitely want to try to get something else in, say something like Driving Lessons because it was a really good experience and I had a really good time doing it, so I’d love to do more stuff like that.

AGW: For the last three Potter films you’ve had three different directors. Do you like that?

Rupert: Yeah, I do, it makes it different. I mean, the first time it happened, losing Chris [Columbus] was quite a big thing, because he was my first ever director in my first ever film, so it was quite different not having him in there, but we’ve had some really good ones, Alfonso, Mike Newell and this one’s been really good, David Yates. He’s quite laid back and much more calm, calmer than the other ones we’ve had, so it’s been good.

AGW: A lot of people think that this is your first movie outside of ‘Harry Potter’ and it’s not. How different was the acting experience from Thunderpants?

Rupert: Much different, I mean, this is my first grown up film I suppose and it’s a bit more of a bigger part than Ron and my character in Thunderpants. It has been a real new experience. It’s been really fun.

AGW: Driving Lessons is a much smaller film. Did you have to adjust to a smaller trailer on set? Were there other differences?

Rupert: [laughs] Yeah, there’s new stuff like that. Obviously because it’s a smaller budget, you notice the few differences like that. I’m used to like having a dressing room and being based in a studio. That was one of the most different things, because on this we weren’t in a studio, we were just sort of going all around London, and it was really good fun though.

AGW: Were you shooting when the terror attacks happened last year in London?

Rupert: Yeah, yeah.

AGW: Did you have to shut down, what happened? Were you scared?

Rupert: Yeah, it was quite scary because on the actual day it happened we cancelled filming and didn’t go in and then we filmed throughout the next day and it was all about the aftermath, and there were a few like rumors and threats. We had to evacuate a building. It was quite scary.

AGW: Do you notice difference in fans from country to country?

Rupert: Yeah, definitely, yeah. They’re much louder and sort of crazier here than in England and I went to Japan on the third film and that was – they’re crazy out there as well. It’s quite funny. They send origami stuff, little swans and stuff, it’s quite strange.

AGW: Laura Linney is super strict in this film. Is your own mom anything like that?

Rupert: [looks frightened] Oh no, definitely not, no! I know, she [Laura] was scary in [this movie].

AGW: Who would your ideal leading lady be?

Rupert: [big smile..he’s not gonna tell us] Um, I don’t know really, I’m not all that fussy really, anyone will do.

AGW: Who’s more like the real you? Ben or Ron?

Rupert: Um, I’ve always felt like I could relate to Ron. I can’t really see much in common with Ben. I suppose I have a sort of teenage side, his awkwardness, around girls and that, I can sort of relate to that. No, I’m most definitely – I’m sort of more Ron I think.

AGW: Are you, Daniel and Emma very close, because you’ve grown up together? Between films do you see each other?

Rupert: We see each other ever day for most of the year, so we don’t really need to see each other outside. We get on really well, and that’s with all the other cast as well, because we’ve known them for six years, you get to know each other so it’s good.

AGW: Emma has said that she may not want to continue making the movies. How weird would it be to work with a new Hermione if they brought someone in?

Rupert: Yeah it would be – yeah, I heard that as well, it’s quite a shock. She hadn’t really talked about it, I don’t know, it would be really weird. I think she will stick it out I think, because I definitely am and I think Dan is as well, so we’ll just have to see really.

AGW: Have you been star struck by anyone since you’ve been here in Hollywood?

Rupert: Yeah. I’ve met quite a few people, especially at the premieres, which we do quite a few, like we met Robin Williams and it was really embarrassing because my grandpa kept doing Mrs. Doubtfire impressions. [laughs] Yeah, it was quite embarrassing.

AGW: What did Robin do?

Rupert: He was sort of humoring him, so it was alright.

AGW: Do you write poems like your character Ben?

Rupert: No, I don’t actually. I did at school a little bit but nothing like that. I think one of the poems, [the director] Jeremy actually wrote that when he was my age.

AGW: But, you do write rap lyrics?

Rupert: [laughing] Yeah, I did, that was my audition tape for the ‘Harry Potter’ films, I wrote a rap song.

AGW: Well, that evidently impress someone. Who’s your favorite musician now?

Rupert: I’m more into sort of rock, a lot of bands in England, Arctic Monkeys and people like that really.

AGW: What do you miss about London when you’re away?

Rupert: Not much really. (The weather) is pretty depressing out there at the moment. I quite like coming out to a place like this.

AGW: Have you moved out into your own flat yet?

Rupert: No, not yet. I’ll probably wait on it another year. I’m more [staying] at home at the moment.

AGW: Do you think that you’ll ever move here to L.A.?

Rupert: It’s definitely a possibility. I do like it over here, it is pretty cool, but I don’t know. I think I’d miss all the people at home, so I don’t know, I’ll have to see.

AGW: Then you would have to drive on the other side of the road and re-learn to drive!

Rupert: Yeah, I know. I’ve never done it, no. I don’t think I’m looking forward to it.

AGW: Were there any funny stories behind the scenes when you and Julie were stuck in the car in this film?

Rupert: I had to drive down this road and then park it on this hill, and down the hill just about five feet away was our camera crew and they were filming the front of the car, and in the scene, we had to get out of the car and do something. I drive up and we all get out of the car and I forgot to put the handbrake on, the parking brake, and this car started to go down towards the crew, that was quite a close call. I had to dive into the car and put the brake on, that was kind of scary.

AGW: You were younger making this film. So, were you driving in the movie without a license?

Rupert: [grins] Ah, yeah, but only on private roads. They didn’t trust me on major roads. There’s a load of ways to get around it, like I had a driving double. We had this guy over there wearing a ginger wig who just sort of drove around all these roads, so that was quite strange.

AGW: When you think about your future, do you think about a certain genre of movie like an action hero movie, or a heavy drama? What would you love to be in?

Rupert: I’m pretty open. I haven’t really given it that much thought. I have always sort of liked comedy films, I don’t know, anything really.

AGW: I remember you saying before you worked on the last ‘Potter’ movie how you were looking forward to the Dementors. Is there something in the next movie that you’re looking forward to seeing how they do it?

Rupert: Yeah, there’s a lot of really cool scenes in this one actually. We’re just doing all the major fight scenes and little death eaters and Lord Voldemort comes back. It’s a lot darker this one, so it should be good.

AGW: But is there no “Weasley is Our King” in the new movie? [Note: In the book, Ron gets to play Quidditch and he’s not very good and the other houses make fun of him with a mean song but his own Gryffindor house turns the song into “Weasley is Our King”]

Rupert: No. That whole Quidditch thing it didn’t sort of come about. But it’s such a big book they can’t get everything in. I was a little bit disappointed, next year probably.

AGW: Ron is afraid of spiders, what are you afraid of?

Rupert: Yeah, I’m the same, I’m afraid of spiders, yeah. I hate spiders.

AGW: You’re not afraid of girls?

Rupert: Girls? Yeah… No, not really.

AGW: Are you worried who’s going to die in book seven?

Rupert: Yeah, there’s a lot of rumors going ‘round but I don’t know, I wouldn’t mind, it’s alright, because you can always come back as a ghost so it’s not too bad.

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With only a few school plays to his credit, Rupert Grint infamously won the role of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series with an audition tape featuring a rap that extolled his suitability and desire for the part. Grint filmed a role in kid’s movie Thunderpants thereafter, but the new Driving Lessons offers him a chance to step into more adult roles. I spoke with Grint during his stop at San Francisco’s Ritz Carlton.

Groucho: Do you remember first catching the acting bug, as they say?

Rupert Grint: Yeah, I always sort of—I’d done a few school plays, at school. And I’d always sort of been involved in the drama there. But yes, I’ve always had sort of an interest in it.

G: You don’t know what drew you to it?

RG: I don’t know. Not really. I mean, no one in my family ever really—my dad was once on the shopping channel, QVC, selling stuff. (Laughs.) Yeah, right.

G: In your own school plays, I take it you played a more interesting role than the eucalyptus tree.

RG: (Chuckles.) Yeah, definitely, yeah. It was really good to get into something different—even from Ron, really. It was a lot more, sort of—harder, I suppose. ‘Cause Ron’s mainly just—just looks scared all the time, and this was something really—some really good, different things to go through.

G: How would you describe the character of Ben?

RG: He’s quite sheltered. I mean, he’s from a religious family, and he’s got no friends. He’s a bit of a loner. He goes through quite a journey through the thing. And he sort of comes out of his shells, as it goes on. As he meets Julie Walters, her character, he sort of changes slightly, sort of becomes more independent and grows up a bit.

G: How is it that the Julie Walters character draws him out, do you think? What is he responding to there?

RG: I think—I dunno. I mean, I suppose the first time they met, he’s like—she’s someone he’s never sort of—the sort of character he’s never seen before: she swears, she drinks, she steals things. And she’s just—just I dunno. They just somehow really get on, have this strange friendship. Yeah. Yeah.

G: What’s the status on your own driving? I understand that you passed your test.

RG: Yeah—last week.

G: It took you a while to do that, though, right?

RG: (Laughs.) Yeah—it was my second test. And I’d been learning for too long. It was like—oh, I don’t know how many lessons I had. Just too many—I’ll enjoy driving—it’s good.

G: And it’s not a publicity stunt to delay your driving?

RG: (Laughs.) No, yeah.

G: It would suit the film, wouldn’t it?

RG: Yeah, definitely, yeah.

G: How is driving changing your life? I guess you haven’t had much of a chance to figure that out yet, huh?

RG: Sure, well, yeah, ’cause I only just passed. But yeah, I mean it is completely sort of freedom now. You can sort of go where you want. I’ve got a car, as well. I’ve got a little Mini—Mini Cooper, so, yeah.

G: I heard that you nearly wiped out the crew at one point with the car in the film.

RG: Oh, yeah. We were doing this scene. And I didn’t really get to do too much driving on it. But I mean, I did a few sort of private roads. And we were doing this scene where I had to drive down this sort of hill, park it up, and get out of the car and do something. And this hill—there’s the crew about sort of five foot away from where I’m supposed to be stopping. And, yeah, I drive up there and get out of the car, and suddenly the car starts to roll. Roll towards the crew. And I had to dive in there and pull the handbrake. It was quite close, actually.

G: How did you prepare to play this role? I know it was in part based on Jeremy Brock’s own life. Did you ply him for more details about his own experience?

RG: Uh, yeah, we had a few—the whole cast had a few rehearsals where we did read-throughs. And I went to Jeremy’s house, as well, and we did a few sort of like sessions with him. And he used to talk about stuff, and show me pictures of his—when he was a kid. No, it was really useful, that. And then on the set, as well, he was really good for like—really clear at giving advice on that. Because he wrote it as well. And he sort of, um—it was sort of his story. So he was really good at sort of giving advice on that.

G: One of the themes of the film is how Ben’s faith affects his development, really. How did you see that: in what ways does it help him? In what was does it hinder him?

RG: Yeah, erm. I’m trying to think—it does sort of keep him in this shell, really. And his mum doesn’t let him do anything. She’s really sort of overprotective and quite scary. (Laughs.) Yes, I suppose it doesn’t really help him much, really. Yeah.

G: Do you have a strategy for embarking on a career as an adult actor?

RG: Uh, not really. I mean, I’m just—I want to do the next two Harry Potter films. And just see what goes from there, really. And maybe do some other stuff like this, in between, because it was a really good experience.

G: It’s probably hard to imagine life after Harry Potter, I guess.

RG: I know, it’s going to be weird when it all ends, ’cause it has been a big part of my life, really.

G: When you travel around for films and do press like this, do you get to do touristy stuff?

RG: Yeah, a little bit. But I usually don’t get much time. I mean, this—I’ve never been here before, and I got here last night. And we’re leaving later today, for Dallas or something. So, yeah, it’s a shame we don’t get much more time.

G: I understand you didn’t get on in school. Why is that, do you think?

FG: I dunno! It was—I mean, I liked the sort of social side of it, and my mates, and that. But, um, it was just the learning thing; it was just—I just didn’t find a subject I could really—except for art. I really got on there, but—. And if I could do anything—’cause I can always go back. I mean, I did my final exams, and left when I was sixteen. I can always go back and do a course in something, but I can’t really see it. I mean, ’cause—I dunno, it just didn’t really, didn’t really—

G: And you’re pretty determined to keep at the film, right?

RG: Definitely, yeah, I mean, I really enjoy it. It is good fun. Yeah, it’s good.

G: Do you have aspirations to branch out into ever writing or directing?

RG: Erm, I haven’t thought about it, really. It’s always sort of an option, I suppose, in the future, but I can’t really see it. (Chuckles.) Right at the moment.

G: I know you can’t talk about specifics, but could you describe what your latest director, David Yates, is bringing to the series?

RG: Yeah, he’s really different, actually, to the other ones. He’s much more sort of laid-back, and much more calm—than the other ones we’ve had. I think, he’s really good at sort of giving us—he’s given us a lot more freedom this time around. And sort of lets us do a bit of our own thing—which is quite good. No, it’s really good, actually. We’ve got a new writer, as well [Ed. Michael Goldenberg], who gives it sort of a different feel. So, no, it’s going to be interesting, this one.

G: I’m very curious what the culture is like on a Harry Potter set. I know it might change based on the director. Do the actors set the mood? Does it chnage with each director?

RG: Yeah, it’s quite amazing how each director brings their own atmosphere to the set. Mike Newell was quite funny, because he’s crazy. He did the fourth one, and he didn’t care what he said; he was really—would swear at us if we got it wrong, sort of shout at us. He was really funny. And obviously Chris Columbus was great for the first two, and Alfonso’s crazy—we’ve had some really good ones, actually. Yeah, so it was good.

G: When the cameras aren’t rolling, do you have much time to hang out with the other actors, or do you find yourself retreating to your trailer? What’s that like?

RG: Yeah, well, I’ve got, um—yeah, but, um…now I’ve finished school, I’ve got much more time off-set. And I’ve got a really good dressing room up there. I’ve got table tennis, pool, and TV and—yes, they know where I am, in my room, so it’s good.

G: What’s the greatest length you’ve gone to to avoid being recognized in public?

RG: (Chuckles.) I dunno, it’s um—it’s quite hard, really, having so much hair, in this color. It sort of does stand out. So it’s quite hard to—no, I mean, I try caps and that. I mean, they’re always really nice. And it never gets crazy, so. It’s never really been sort of too much of a problem.

G: The film is about lessons, and you learn your lessons from Julie Walters, who plays your mother in the Harry Potter films. What sort of acting lessons have you learned from working with folks like Julie Walters or Robbie Coltrane or the great British actors you’ve worked with?

RG: Yeah, yeah. I don’t know really. I mean, you don’t really—they don’t teach you anything particularly. It’s just really good just to sort of work with them, really. It’s pretty amazing, the sort of people who worked on the Harry Potter films. Erm. But no, it’s just really good to work with them. Working with Julie again is wicked ’cause she’s so funny. She’s really cool.

G: Do you ever observe methods that they’re using, or do you work with an acting coach? What’s your kind of acting method?

RG: I dunno, really. I suppose you do in a way, yeah. You’re always sort of watching what they’re doing, and that. No, it’s quite interesting. No, but in the early ones, we had, like, a voice coach, on One and Two and Three. Yeah, so that sort of helped us a little bit then…

G: And do you plan to ever trod the boards again?

RG: Erm, I dunno. I mean, I only ever experienced it on a really small scale, so it’d be a whole different experience, I think, on a big sort of stage. But I dunno. Yeah, I mean, definitely—it is quite a sort of a thrill about doing it; it does give you quite a buzz. But, yeah, maybe that’s something in the future. I know Dan [Radcliffe] is just about to do a big play in London, yeah.

G: Equus.

RG: Yeah.

G: Alright, well, thank you very much.

RG: Cool, yeah.

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Original article found here: Groucho Reviews | October 18th, 2006

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They’re the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew for the next generation: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. For newcomers, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, they are the roles of a lifetime.

Daniel Radcliffe says, “It was great and it was really exciting.”

But bringing the triumphant trio to the big screen’s “Harry Potter” was an unparalleled undertaking. It wasn’t the enormous amount of special effects, like these giant moving chess pieces, or the high expectations from book fans that had producers nervous. No, the trouble was Harry.

Author J.K. Rowling says, “It was a very hard part to cast. They just couldn’t find Harry.”

Rowling and director Chris Columbus scoured all of Britain, but they were held spellbound by 11-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, who Columbus spotted in the BBC production of “David Copperfield.” Then, the boy who would be Harry magically appeared to producers taking in a London play.

Columbus says, “Daniel Radcliffe was sitting a couple of rows behind them.”

Meanwhile, filmmakers were hunting high and low for Ron and Hermione. Emma says, “I had never done any professional acting, I’d only done school plays.”

Rupert, Emma, and Dan’s efforts ultimately brought them before Chris Columbus and the result was magical. Chris says, “There was just an amazing chemistry when they were on screen together for the first time.”

“I was overcome by CHRIS COLUMBUS (the director) because he is fantastic with children!” Says Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) “He would get them in little huddles whispering. Then you’d hear “and action,” and he’d get it out of them. The children’s performances were astonishing!”

The shock of it all won’t wear off anytime soon for Daniel, Emma, and Rupert. The trio could star in as many as six “Harry Potter” sequels.

Daniel says, “If I’m still enjoying them as much as I am now, I’ll be glad to do them all.”

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Original source unknown | November 12th, 2001 | Courtesy of DR.com

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Courtesy of Danradcliffe.com

US TV network ABC tonight broadcast the US network premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in a special four-hour presentation. In exclusive interviews from the Great Hall on the “Harry Potter” set, the film’s stars – Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) – talked about their work in the movie in interstitials that were featured throughout the telecast. The telecast itself presented an extended version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, including materials not seen in the original theatrical release (basically the deleted scenes on the DVD inserted into the film). And by exclusive arrangement, at the conclusion of the broadcast, ABC aired a 10-minute sneak peek at the third film in the “Harry Potter” series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Transcript

This is a transcript of the interstitials and the 10 minute preview.

Introduction

Daniel Radcliffe: Hi, I’m Dan Radcliffe.

Emma Watson: I’m Emma Watson.

Rupert Grint: And I’m Rupert Grint.

D: We are delighted to be with you this evening to host the network premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone here on ABC.

E: Throughout the night, we’ll be sharing with you some of our favorite memories from the first film.

R: We’ll also be giving you an exclusive first look at the new film

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which opens nationwide on June 4th.

D: At the end of the film, we will show you a great 10 minute making-of special with never-before-seen film clips, behind the scenes and interviews with the cast, filmmakers and our new director, Alfonso Cuaron.

E: Hope you enjoy the movie!

A Star (Or 3) Is Born

E: Rupert and I were together when we found out that we had the part.

R: Yeah, we were in David Heyman’s office.

E: Wow, that was scary.

D: I was in the bath… um… yeah… (laughter) we won’t go into too much detail about that one!

E: Tell us about your audition, Rupert!

R: I really wanted to be in this film so I made this videotape and at the beginning I dressed up as a woman and then I did this little rap song about how I wanted to be in the film.

D: Can you remember the rap?

R: No, I can’t remember the rap!

E: Oh come on, please!!

R: No, I can’t remember the rap.

D: I met David at the theatre completely by chance one night – he just happened to be sitting in the row in front of me. Yeah, and then I came to the auditions and then I met you guys and yeah, it kind of all went from there.

E: Yeah, because me and you (pointing at Rupert) had quite a few auditions together when we were doing it.

R: Oh yeah we did didn’t we?

E: You should all go to the theatre… that happens…

R: Or dress up as women!

E: Either way!

Lights, Camera, Potter

E: When I first walked onto the set and saw all these people and… oh my goodness… and the cameras and…

D: It was scary at first but it was really exciting I think.

E: …on the first day of the film…

D: It was kind of intimidating because the first thing we were ever doing was with loads of extras…

R: And the train…

E: Yeah, no pressure!

D: Yeah, the train was particularly demanding!

E: I was so nervous.

R: I know.

[clip: Trio and Snape in the corridor]

R: The sets were just amazing, some of them were just really big like this Great Hall.

D: I think one of the most intimidating things is probably the scale. I mean, they are, like, this is huge.

E: I think everyone has visions in their head about what Hogwarts, this magical place, is like but I have to say that the sets that they have created live up to the expectations of the book.

D: It’s weird because when I was reading the books, I always had this tendency to visualize cartoons as the characters – DOESN’T EVERYONE??? (as the others laugh) – so it was really weird seeing it all come to life and be real as well.

E: Great.

The Fame Game

E: I remember somebody saying to me “Would you sign a book for me?”. I could not believe it. It’s so hard when it, like, hits. I could not understand why anyone would want my name on a piece of paper.

D: Especially, I have really horribly bad handwriting. So it’s like, why do you want the handwriting of a five year old on your nice book? You’d ruin it!

E: Dan’s first… well, far from his first… encounter with quite a big fan… A massive fan…

D: I was doing an interview with MTV in America and there’s a girl standing down there in a towel, nothing but a towel, just a towel, with a huge sign saying “Nothing comes between me and Harry Potter”. But she seemed really nice.

E: That’s an everyday thing for Dan you know…

D: No, it’s really really not!

E: Girls were holding up signs with “Marry Me Dan”…

D: Really?

E: Properly.

D: Wow.

Conjuring up Sorcerer’s Stone Memories

D: Quidditch is quite an experience really because it’s very surreal because you are on a broomstick and you’re just kind of being thrown about in front of this bluescreen and it’s just very… It’s not the most comfortable of sorts to play I have to say but the end result is always so good that it’s always worth it in the end and you always kind of have that thought to see you through really.

R: Oh yeah, the chess scene, that was fun because I got to get on that horse. That was really cool, yeah.

E: In the first film, I remember the hardest scene for me to do was the troll scene because of those stunts. I literally ate dust for about a week. Properly ate dust. I had a bump on the back of my head where every time I went under them [the sinks] – bang, bang, bang, all the way down!

D: Yeah, but it looked amazing.

E: Well it was hard but it was one of those things that when I saw it, I was like yeah, you know, that’s really good. It looks good.

The Prisoner of Azkaban: The Magic Continues

D: I think Prisoner of Azkaban, compared to the last two films were… like the second film particularly was really an action movie. The third film is much more of a kind of emotional journey for Harry.

[Clip: Harry and Lupin]

D: My scenes with David Thewlis really make up kind of the emotional heart of the film and they are amazing scenes. They are so moving.

R: It’s a lot more darker as well. There’s a lot more scary things in it.

[Clip: Ron and Hermione outside the Shrieking Shack]

E: That moment we have outside the Shrieking Shack, all those nice hormones coming out…

D: I think the teenage tension between Ron and Hermione with the kind of hormonal thing is actually really funny.

E: There’s kind of a love-hate relationship going on there.

R: Some awkward moments.

E: Yeah, there’s quite a few of them!

D: The hand moment.

R: I get bogged down with the hand moment

The Prisoner of Azkaban: New Film, New Director

D: It was great to have the transition between Chris and Alfonso because we did learn so much with Chris Columbus, we were now getting a chance to put everything we learnt with Chris into practice with a new director which is of course a challenge in itself.

E: I think Alfonso gave us so much freedom. He’d always turn around and say to you “You know what, it’s not me, you’ve got to decide for yourself, you come up with whatever feels natural”.

D: And eventually I think we all got into that and I think it worked really well in the end.

E: And a lot of the things that are in the second one are still in the third one. I mean they haven’t changed – he kept a lot of sets, the same kind of stuff but it’s just evolved. He wanted it to be really fluid. He wanted it to be real. He wanted to take the gloss off it.

Big Bad Boggarts

D: A boggart is basically a shape-shifter which, if it confronts someone, it assumes the form of that person’s worst nightmare.

[Clip: Lupin's first DADA class]

D: So in Ron’s case it would be spiders.

[Clip: Ron confronts a boggart-spider]

D: That’s gonna be a really funny scene.

E: It will be so mad.

D: That was actually one of the first things we shot.

[Clip: Neville confronts boggart-Snape]

D: Any scene with Alan Rickman in a dress has got to be worth seeing, really!

E: Exactly! Alan Rickman… full blown, you know… the dress… we had the beautiful hat… Great!

The Making of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

D: And now we would like to share with you this exclusive sneak preview of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

E: You’ll definitely meet a few new things – new characters, new creatures and finally, Hermione wearing jeans!

R: As you can see, we’ve grown a bit. So enjoy the show.

[Assorted behind-the-scenes clips]

E: This one is sort of a bigger picture.

R: Yeah, it’s a lot darker as well, there’s a lot more scary things in it.

D: The fact that it’s darker is because it’s in the book.

R: In the second one we had the spiders – that was scary for me, yeah – but this time we’ve got Dementors.

E: It’s a bit of a different ballgame to go from creepy spiders to go to, suddenly, people which suck your soul out.

D: We do have other things in this one.

R: Yeah, the hippogriff was really cool.

D: Prisoner of Azkaban, compared to the last two films, is a lot different. There’s so many different people.

E: Emma Thompson – I was so pleased to be working with her.

D: Gary Oldman – I have so much respect for him as an actor.

E: Michael Gambon entered into his own perception of what Dumbledore was going to be like.

R: He was really amazing.

D: It is a much funnier film.

[Clip of Knight Bus]

E: Smack! Bam! Crash!

D: I get thrown against windows, I’m all over the place!

E: I think you can tell it’s a different director – he’s just done it in a different way. It’s great.

Alfonso Cuaron: Chris Columbus had done the first two films and he had put together a universe that was very eloquent, so I felt very comfortable to play in that universe.

Chris Columbus: Alfonso’s got a real good visual sense, he’s always been really strong with actors. I really grew to care about these kids and I wanted to make sure they were in the hands of someone who would take care of them, who would look after their best interests and I think they formed a really strong relationship.

A: I was the luckiest guy because I got these three kids that they’ve done already two Harry Potters. They knew everything relating about their own characters and the universe around them.

C: I was completely blown away by their performances because there’s such a maturity, there’s such an assurance, there’s confidence.

E: Alfonso, he was very trusting, he wanted us to put a lot of ourselves and our thoughts into the characters. He’d always turn around and say to you “You come up with whatever feels natural”.

D: And eventually I think we all got into that and I think it worked really well in the end.

R: Yeah, that was quite cool. He’s funny, he’s really funny and easy to work with as well which is really good.

E: In the series so far, you have never ever seen us fight and then suddenly in this one, it all falls apart. It’s me and Ron, it gets really bad, it’s the whole cat and the rat thing isn’t it?

David Heyman: The actors are growing up with the characters and the characters are growing up with the story and the story itself is obviously much more mature.

D: In this film there’s a major stand toward the Dursleys with Aunt Marge getting inflated by a spell that I don’t even try to do.

E: In this one, Hermione really comes into her own. It’s like meeting a different person you know, she’s girl power. Malfoy insults her and instead of, you know, keep walking, just ignore him, that’s it – smack!

D: It’s about time really.

E: Take him down a peg or two.

E: We look like teenagers.

D: Yes.

E: I mean, Hermione gets to wear jeans.

R: Ron’s clothes, they stay the same throughout the whole thing, it’s like… Weasley jumpers and poor clothes. I like that, I felt you got into the character a bit more.

[More clips from trailer]

DH: The Prisoner of Azkaban refers to a character by the name of Sirius Black who has spent the last 12 years in prison because it is thought that he murdered, or was responsible for the murder of Harry’s parents. When the film begins, the Prisoner of Azkaban has escaped and he’s on the run and coming to find Harry Potter.

Gary Oldman: I look like I’ve escaped from prison, don’t you think?

D: Working with Gary Oldman this time was just the highlight of my life! When you’re working with Gary, David Thewlis, who is amazing – the scenes with David in the film are just stunning – and Timothy Spall and Alan Rickman all in the same room at the same time, it’s kind of… I was just going to sit down in the corner and be quiet and you guys can…

E: Whoa! No pressure!

Michael Gambon: It’s like every actor’s fantasy isn’t it, playing somebody like Dumbledore, being in Harry Potter, so I’m delighted, I enjoyed the making of it.

Maggie Smith: This is a stunning cast this time and they’re so good, all those guys. There’s a whole lot new. The magic never kind of goes, it’s a magic place to be.

[Clip of Professor Trelawney]

A: She portrays this eccentric character.

D: Professor Trelawney’s scenes are actually, the earlier ones, are really funny.

E: She’s insane. The much earlier ones, she’s absolutely crazy and your reactions to her are really funny.

D: There are scenes of me and Rupert in Divination, just kind of slowly falling asleep…

R: Yeah, snoring, yeah.

D: …and then being woken up by her HUGE EYES behind these glasses!

Emma Thompson: She does see really truly frightening things. She’s looking into tea cups where she sees something very nasty in store for Harry. She ratchets up the suspense basically, she’s there to sort of really get the plot going and get us all feeling a bit nervous.

R: Hagrid becomes a teacher in this one.

E: He is so pleased to be a professor.

Robbie Coltrane: Basically he’s in charge of the magical creatures and some of them are a bit unpredictable.

[Clip of Hagrid introducing Buckbeak]

R: Yeah, that was really amazing – it was like, half horse, half eagle. That was quite cool.

RC: And it’s Hagrid’s job to introduce it to the children and show them how to do it right and how not to offend it or frighten it and so on and of course GUESS WHO gets it wrong.

D: Dobby was kind of the star in the second film and I think Buckbeak’s going to be the star of this one really.

E: So real… so real…

[Clip: Harry flying Buckbeak over the lake]

A: The film is a story filled with magic and magical creatures. Effects are looking really cool. We have a war whoop, the Monster Book of Monsters.

D: And you do kind of think that if all textbooks had teeth and were this vicious, you would pay a lot more attention…

E: …Attention in class, definitely.

A: There’s a creature – the Dementors – they project the fear within.

D: They act almost as a wakeup call, to say “I do have weaknesses, I’m not that kind of powerful or that strong”.

A: The theme of the film – this kid finding his identity as a teenager and he’s learning that both the fears and the power to fight them reside within.

D: It’s more of an emotional journey…

E: Yeah, it’s all emotional, everyone’s on the edge…

D: And then it’s just really exciting at the same time.

The End

D: Well that’s about all we have time for tonight.

E: We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the film and our special sneak preview as much as we’ve enjoyed making all the Harry Potter films over the past few years.

R: We’ve had a great time being your hosts this evening and we look forward to seeing you again when the movie opens June 4th.

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Original article found at Dan Radcliffe.comI May 9th, 2004

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Written by Hugh Davies

The hunt will begin for a new Harry Potter, if, as expected, Warner Brothers decides the stars who have appeared in the first two films will outgrow their parts.

Actors who play the main characters in the films are already contracted for a third movie, The Prisoner of Azkaban.

But director Christopher Columbus, who made both The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets which has its UK premiere in London on Nov 3, predicts a change in the cast will be necessary.

He feels that all the young stars will probably leave the cast after The Prisoner of Azkaban. Filming is due to start at Leavesden studios, Hertfordshire, next March, under director Alfonso Cuaron, whose films have varied from A Little Princess to the Mexican erotic hit Y Tu Mama Tambien.

Columbus said: “If I were a betting man I’d say they’ll probably stop after three. If they ask my opinion, my advice would be to go back to being kids.”

The current young wizard is Daniel Radcliffe who is now 13. His co-stars are Emma Watson, 12, cast as Hermoine Granger, and Rupert Grint, 14, who plays Ron Weasley.

Asked about his plans, Radcliffe said:”We’re all definitely doing the third film. After that, who knows?”

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Original article found here: The Telegraph | October 23rd, 2002

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