Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is an upcoming 2009 fantasy adventure film, based on the novel by J. K. Rowling. It is the sixth film in the popular Harry Potter films series. Production is in the post-production stage. David Yates, the director of the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is returning as director for this film. David Heyman and David Barron are producing the film,[1] and Steve Kloves, writer of the first four films (but not the fifth), has returned as screenwriter for this film.[2] Filming began on 24 September 2007 and the film was originally planned for a UK and US release on 21 November 2008,[3][2] but on 14 August 2008, it was announced that the release date for the film was to be pushed back to 17 July 2009.[4] Like the previous film, the sixth film will be simultaneously released in regular cinemas and IMAX 3-D.[5]
Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defences and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny (Bonnie Wright), but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave) has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealousy but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.[6]Development
Before David Yates was officially chosen to direct the film, many others had been offered the job, and previous directors had expressed an interest in returning. Alfonso Cuarón, the director of the third film, stated he "would love to have the opportunity" to return.[7] Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell declined a spot to direct the fifth film, and was not approached for this one.[8] Terry Gilliam was Rowling's personal choice to direct Philosopher's Stone. However, when asked whether he would consider directing a later film, Gilliam said, "Warner Bros. had their chance the first time around, and they blew it."[9]
Yates has retained composer Nicholas Hooper, costume designer Jany Temime, visual effects supervisor Tim Burke, creature and make-up effects designer Nick Dudman, and special effects supervisor John Richardson from the third film.[2] Since February 2007, Stuart Craig, the production designer of the first five films as well, has been designing sets, including the cave, and the astronomy tower, where the climax of the film takes place.[10] Academy Award nominated Bruno Delbonnel is the film's cinematographer.[2]
Yates and Heyman have noted that some of the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may influence the script of the film.[11] Steve Kloves, who wrote the first four films, returned for the sixth adaptation.[12]
There are a number of changes from the book in the film. Much of the book's ending has been changed, with the Battle of Hogwarts and Dumbledore's funeral being removed. Heyman commented that the end battle was removed to "[avoid] repetition" with the forthcoming adaptation of Deathly Hallows. The funeral was removed as it did not fit with the rest of the film.[13] The collapse of a Muggle bridge (which is only mentioned in the book) acts as the opening sequence.[14] All but two of the memory scenes, including that of the Gaunts, have been cut. Only the flashbacks of Tom Riddle at the orphanage and Riddle asking Slughorn about Horcruxes remain.[14] Yates noted: "We're making a decision right now to compress those a wee bit, but we've still got some really cool ones."[15] Characters who are cut include the Dursleys and the Muggle Prime Minister, but Quidditch returns.[14]
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