Remember those rumors from awhile back about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being split into two films? They aren’t rumors anymore.
Warner Bros. has ended all sorts of speculation about the Hallows adaptation, actually, announcing that not only will it be spread across two films, but they’ll be directed by David Yates from Steve Kloves scripts. Warner Bros. President Jeff Robinov shared the news:
It has been an honor for our studio to be entrusted with bringing J.K. Rowling‘s extraordinary book series to the screen, and we have always felt a great responsibility to be true to her vision. In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.
Series producer David Heyman added his two cents:
Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films. ‘The Deathly Hallows’ is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice. I am thrilled that David Yates is returning to direct ‘The Deathly Hallows.’ He is both inspired and inspiring and is a passionate fan of the remarkable world and characters Jo has created. I know he will lead our incomparable cast and crew — most of whom have been with us since the very beginning — in bringing the series to the unforgettable conclusion it deserves.
As warmly as the Potter films have been received by fans and critics, a consistent complaint has been the necessary removal of the books’ various subplots; this decision should give the fans everything they’re asking for in terms of storyline — not to mention make Warners twice the dough. Everyone wins, right?
The studio currently plans on releasing the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows during the 2010 holiday season, with the second half reaching screens during summer 2011. The next Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is due to arrive in theaters November 21.