|
AUGUST 14, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: Business Wire
Warner Bros. has just announced
that the release date for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been pushed back and will be released on July 17, 2009 instead of this coming November. This news has been confirmed to HPANA by Warner Bros.
Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros. stated:
Our reasons for shifting Half-Blood Prince to summer are twofold: we know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment. Additionally, like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers’ strike, which impacted the readiness of scripts for other films—changing the competitive landscape for 2009 and offering new windows of opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of. We agreed the best strategy was to move Half-Blood Prince to July, where it perfectly fills the gap for a major tent pole release for mid-summer.
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, confirmed:
The release date change does not alter the production schedule for this or future Harry Potter films. Post-production on Half-Blood Prince was completed on time, and the studio’s release plans for the two-part Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will not be affected by this change. We know Harry Potter fans are eagerly anticipating seeing the final chapters unfold onscreen. In fact, the good news for them is that the gap will now be shortened between Half-Blood Prince and the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
While producer David Heyman offered:
When Jeff Robinov explained the rationale behind moving the release date of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to July 2009, it was immediately apparent that this offered us the potential to reach the widest possible audience. I am extremely proud of this latest film and of the work of David Yates and our incomparable cast; I believe we have developed and pushed the series further still. We are all looking forward to sharing it with Harry Potter fans around the world, even if we have to wait just a bit longer.
UPDATE: The official Potter site has been updated with the new release date.
UPDATE II: We don't normally do this, but fan reaction to this news is understandably heated (to put it mildly) and we thought it would be fun to post links to petitions that will try to convince WB to rethink their decision. (No offense, but it will have no effect whatsoever except to make them feel bad -- momentarily -- before going back to counting money --Ed., Cheeser.) Feel free to send links to any petitions you find!
UPDATE III: IMAX was apparently caught by surprise. They've just released a very short statement concerning the change:
Reflecting today's announcement that the release date of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has moved to July 2009, IMAX Corporation confirmed it is already exploring alternative titles for this year's holiday season and is confident it will secure a solid film for the IMAX(R) theatre network.
UPDATE IV: Hold on to your hats, folks. Studio head Alan Horn told the Associated Press today after the announcement:
"The picture is completely, absolutely, 100 percent on schedule, on time. There were no delays. I've seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November."
UPDATE V: 16-year-old explodes due to delay of 'Harry Potter 6'
Reader Comments (289)
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2009 HPANA. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 
HPANA is an unofficial fan site, in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling,
Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Bros. Entertainment. All
trademarks and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners.
About HPANA | Movie 6 | Send a news tip | Contact us | Privacy policy
226-250 251-275 276-289
Auror
Points: 2536
caroline81 says:
"changing the competitive landscape for 2009 and offering new windows of opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of."
Well that is just hilarious; I mean, leave it to capitalistic goals to come up with that pile of rubbish. The bottom line: Warner Brothers is scrambling to make every last cent they can from this franchise, and they are scared to death to lose one teeny cent. Honestly, I expected more and I am very disappointed. Of course, this could all be a ploy to make sure we see the WORST film made in the franchise yet...because Order was nothing to write home about...
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:18 PM EST
Witch
Points: 979
Absent Minded says:
Multiply the frustration I had when we weren't getting a HBP trailer, by 100. Then, you'll see how pissed off I am.
This has got to be some sort of cruel joke. Please, let this be some sort of joke.
All this for money? Tell me I'm just misreading it, that I did not read it correctly. This is wrong.
Urg, I just can't believe it. Sick
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:23 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 35
Xanthippe_Svanstrom says:
I've just thought of something else. It's rather foolish of them to wait so very long before releasing it as there will be more opportunity for certain altruistic (why surely they'd be considered altruistic in this case, wouldn't they?) individuals 'on the inside' to snatch a copy of the film and torrent it. Hrm! Stuff that into your hat and smoke it, WB!
Well, again, may they come to their senses.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:25 PM EST
Heir of Gryffindor
Points: 5731
Gryffindor Lord says:
I would hope that since WB is *bad word* with us like this, that they could at least release some new pics or a new trailer! *bad word* you WB!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:29 PM EST
Witch
Points: 718
lonelyzephyr83 says:
This is ridiculous...they're even admitting that it has NOTHING to do with this movie and all to do with the fact that they have NOTHING better slated for the summer...what complete bull...
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:44 PM EST
Points: 644
digicasey says:
Don't get me wrong.....I'm as disappointed as everyone else about this movie being postponed. However, this has less to do with the landscape of the competition as much as the movie's special editing and effects being ready in time for November. That was one reason there was such a delay for a teaser trailer.
And yes this does have to do with money as well (more of a minor reason). But, in the end, the main reason is WB wants to be sure to get this movie right and just need additional time so it won't feel rushed or incomplete.
:-)
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:45 PM EST
Student
Points: 230
Twilight/HarryPotter-<3 says:
Ok, sorry, I've calmed down. I apoligize for the language. :) (My post got kicked off here for being a bit too crazy) Now I have reached the stage of denial.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:48 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 45
MissyRaine says:
Ahhh NO!!! That's so far away! And I have so much I'm doing next summer I can't afford to go to a movie too>.<
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:52 PM EST
Hogwarts Social Worker
Points: 3599
SnoopyLover says:
are they for real?!!!!
This is a family site,but there are words for these studio execs who have obviously lost their minds.
All they care about is the money, and not a bit for the fans.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:58 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1240
Luna Lovegood* says:
Im a huge fan, but I dont really mind that they are waiting. I think that its a good thing, and now we dont have to wait so long between the two halves of the movie.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:59 PM EST
Witch
Points: 673
Rupert's Fangirl says:
No way!!! WTH! WTH! I can't believe this!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 8:59 PM EST
Witch
Points: 819
accio_kim says:
This push back is purely for profit, no matter how they say it, and it is disgusting! This is so disappointing when the author is so charitable and philanthropic, just to have this absolute contrast. Good one WB.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:04 PM EST
Legilimens
Points: 3013
Extendable Ears says:
I'm so annoyed about this. I much prefer a fall release for the Potter films - I think it fits in to the holiday schedule much more nicely than amongst he super hero, summer blockbuster fair. Ah well, I'll wait of course, but I'll complain for the year about it!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:12 PM EST
Witch
Points: 532
Mrs.EdwardCullen says:
It was expected from WB. But that's just something you CAN'T do, get the fans all hyped up and then just push the date back?! That's messed up...
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:13 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 31
macaujoh2011 says:
This REALLLLLLY SUCKS
what is everyone going to be doing for the other 8 months cause this movie was going to be ready to be released in November so now we have got to wait longer just cause they are greedy and want to make more money they already know that they are going to make a ton of money any way so whats the point????????????????????? please tell me this is a joke please
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:14 PM EST
Witch
Points: 528
asfaloth12 says:
Christ in Heaven!!
Is the movie going to be that bad? I'm really starting to think it is; after seeing OOTP, I was worried when I heard the same director was returning for HBP. This confirms my fears,despite WB's excuses; perhaps it would be best to sit this one out and wait for the DVD.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:16 PM EST
Hogwarts Valedictorian
Points: 2807
Lily*R/Hr says:
YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING! "We know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment." When was the first installment released? NOVEMBER! Do they honestly think fewer people are gonna go see a Harry Potter movie just because of the convenience of its release date???
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:16 PM EST
Witch
Points: 532
Mrs.EdwardCullen says:
This blows!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only have Twilight to look forward to in December, no break from school! ugh!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:21 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 323
Basilina says:
Sorry for my other, shorter post. I was on my way out the door to go to cross country practice (4.2 miles gives plenty of chances to get some of your anger out!). I still can't believe it. I'm trying to convince myself this is a cruel joke. Next year that time I'll probably be camping on a primitive island in the Florida Keys!!!!!!! WB is the biggest sack of money-grubbing douche bags full of bull! That's putting it nicely!
Someone make T-shirts as well as petitions! We have to spread the word of this!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:25 PM EST
Professor of Seanology
Points: 5282
Dr. Nicole says:
They want to make sure the movie is perfect... However, I don't think we have to wait until next year to see it.
From what many have suggested, it's all about the profits. From an accounting standpoint, WB is in the business to make money. With Harry Potter being one of it's powerful franchises and (possibly) concluding in 2011, they want to stretch it out. That is wrong, all good things have to come to an end sometime. If they absolutely have to postpone the release date, make it for January or February 2009.
From a fan standpoint, I am disappointed that WB would consider doing this. Filming wrapped up a few months ago, we've gotten a teaser trailer and then this happens. All I really have to say is that this movie had better be good after all of this.
Thank you
Nicole
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:29 PM EST
Squib
Points: 185
cshorte says:
That just really sucks!!!!! I am very annoyed and disappointed that they would do that. UGH!!!!!!!!!!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:31 PM EST
Witch
Points: 699
Victoria611 says:
WHAT??? We are THE MOST LOYAL FANS! How can they change something just to make more money? They sure are not treating the fandom with very much regard! It makes me feel like boycotting, but they know I won't of course.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:31 PM EST
Rupert's TRU 1 N'Only
Points: 4419
ImRupertsGurl4Lyfe says:
just goes to show that they aren't making the movies for the FANS. they're doing it for the money.
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:35 PM EST
Points: 0
Im4everawesome says:
What about those her were planning to attend the November Premiere Screening, What about every one who saw the "November" at the end of the trailer after Mummy, what about all the world release date that had just sent out a week or two ago, what about the Half Blood Prince Video game being released in November (are they going to move that back too?), what about all us loyal Harry Potter fans who have been anxiously counting down the days until November 21st (and now we have to wait an extra 8 months)! Why this late WB, why not earlier this year? WHY WB, WHY?!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:37 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1661
shivon says:
Oh, how sad! I am very disappointed that the release has been pushed back. Well, I guess it will be worth the wait. I think HBP looks so good and dark!
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:38 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2204
Degamo says:
Geri
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one shocked at this news. I thought that it was an April Fool's joke, interestingly enough seeing as we're nowhere near April. I'm beginning to lose my faith in the Harry Potter film franchise. First we get a belated trailer which wasn't up to my liking, and now those of us planning around this release have been slapped in the face by the W.B. moving the film back over half of a year! Oh well, at least we have 'Beedle the Bard' to look forward too (and the books are better than the films in my opinion anyhow).
Posted Aug 14, 2008 at 9:40 PM EST
226-250 251-275 276-289
Back to top of page