Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to Reprise Roles in the Final Two Installments of Warner Bros. Pictures' ''Harry Potter'' Film Franchise



    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will reprise the
    roles they have made their own: teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley
    and Hermione Granger, respectively, in Warner Bros. Pictures' "Harry
    Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly
    Hallows," the final two motion picture adaptations of J.K. Rowling's
    best-selling book series. The announcement was made today by Jeff
    Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    In making the announcement, Robinov said, "When Daniel, Rupert and
    Emma were first cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione, we knew they were not
    only talented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years,
    and in each of the 'Harry Potter' films, we have watched them grow
    into extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors. It
    would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which
    they have become so identified, so we are thrilled and proud that
    Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete the arc of their
    characters in the final two films."

    Both "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter
    and the Deathly Hallows" are being produced by David Heyman, who has
    produced all of the Harry Potter films to date and was instrumental in
    bringing the franchise to the screen, beginning with the first
    blockbuster, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." David Barron,
    who served as an executive producer on "Harry Potter and the Chamber
    of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and is a
    producer on the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,"
    will also be producing the final two installments of the franchise.

    Producer David Heyman said, "One of the highlights of this journey
    has been to witness Dan, Rupert and Emma blossom from children into
    young adults. They have emerged as consummate professionals who are
    dedicated to honing their craft and striving for excellence. And yet,
    throughout, they have retained their enthusiasm and spirit, and they
    remain, to this day, the same wonderful, kind and generous individuals
    I met all those years ago."

    Daniel Radcliffe remarked, "Playing the role of Harry Potter has
    been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the
    series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and
    the fans who have supported these films over the years. During
    filming, I have learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people
    who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros.
    and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity."

    Emma Watson stated, "I could never let Hermione go--she is my
    hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I
    am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her
    in all seven of the films."

    Rupert Grint offered, "Ron Weasley has become a big part of my
    life and not just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so
    proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world.
    I'm really looking forward to filming the last two films and being
    back with my 'Weasley family' and, of course, to seeing my good
    friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive
    over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."

    Warner Bros. Pictures' fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and
    the Order of the Phoenix," is slated for release in the U.S. on July
    13, 2007.