Warner Bros. Plans Two-Part Film Adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" to be Directed by David Yates

Warner Bros. Plans Two-Part Film Adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" to be Directed by David Yates

BURBANK, California, March 13/PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that the screen
adaptation of J.K. Rowling's final book in the series, Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, will be released in two parts. The announcement was made by
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

Robinov also announced that director David Yates, who earlier
helmed the 2007 summer blockbuster "Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix" and is currently in production on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood
Prince," will direct "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." This marks the
first time any one director will helm more than two releases in the Harry
Potter film franchise.

In addition, David Heyman, who first brought the project to
Warner Bros. in 1997, will be completing the film franchise as the producer
of all of the Harry Potter films. David Barron will also continue as
producer. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be adapted by
screenwriter Steve Kloves.

In making the announcement, Robinov stated, "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."

"This is a very special moment for us, as it is the final
episode in the great journey that J.K. Rowling undertook more than a decade
ago," said Alan Horn, President and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. "It has
been a journey for all of us at Warner Bros. as well, and we are confident
that our filmmakers will finish our series of films as a fitting complement
to Jo's completion of Harry's story on the page."

"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" said David Heyman. "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."

Director David Yates remarked, "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."

Part one of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will open
Holiday 2010, with part two to be released in quick succession in Summer
2011. Both parts will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros.
Entertainment Company.

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

For more information, please contact: Director of Publicity: Jayne Trotman, +44(0)20-7984-5222, Jayne.trotman@warnerbros.com; Publicity Manager: Louisa Radcliffe, +44(0)20-7984-5286, Louisa.radcliffe@warnerbros.com; Publicist: Stuart Gurr, +44(0)20-7984-5207, Stuart.gurr@warnerbros.com; Head of Harry Potter, Production Publicity: Vanessa Davies, +44-192-368-5131, vanessa@hpfilms.co.uk

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