According to the
Los Angeles Times, Warner Bros plans to announce officially tomorrow that
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be two films, written by Steve Kloves. Additionally, David Yates is signed on two direct both parts, which will be named
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I and
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.
The report includes comments by Dan Radcliffe made during a set visit last week:
Quote:
I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book. There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut -- although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans -- but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go.
Additionally, producer David Heyman denies that the move is an effort to make more money.
Quote:
I swear to you it was born out of purely creative reasons. Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book. You can remove scenes of Ron playing Quidditch from the fifth book, and you can remove Hermione and S.P.E.W. [Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare] and those subplots ... but with the seventh, that can't be done.
Quote:
The question will be, where do you break it? And how do you make them one but two separate and distinct stories? Do you break it with a moment of suspense or one of resolution? These are the interesting challenges. But each book has presented its challenges.
Heyman also noted that he was nervous about J.K. Rowling's reaction, but that she was quick to agree.
Quote:
I went to Jo and she was cool with it, and that was quite a relief.
Both films will be shot concurrently, with
Deathly Hallows Part 1 being released in November 2010 and
Part 2 hitting theaters in May 2011.
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UPDATE: Warner Bros. has sent us an
official statement where Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, states:
Quote:
“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.”
Producer David Heyman discusses David Yates directing the final films:
Quote:
“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.”
David Yates talks about how thrilled he is to complete the series:
Quote:
“I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both the Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince. It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo’s extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.”
Deathly Hallows is a two-parter, David Yates to direct (UPDATED) 
