Filmonic reviewer/reporter Joe Belcastro covers the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 release event live at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

On the weekend of the home video release (11/11/11) of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, an assortment of the cast and crew from the Harry Potter realm all gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, to yap with the worldwide press and mingle with fans in attendance throughout the three-day event.

Friday was the press conference as everyone from actor Rupert Grint to director David Yates – who helmed the last four Potter flicks – all descended upon the theme park that was inspired by J. K. Rowling’s literary gems in conjunction with the vision of the respective filmmakers, which was brought to life these last eleven years.

Saturday saw a massive red-carpet spectacle that ran through the entire re-created world, with the cast all going up on stage at the base of Hogwarts, while a firework display went off celebrating all they have accomplished.

So without any further ado, yours truly chatted with just about everyone at the presser and the red carpet.  Read some quotes and take a listen to a portion of the press conference below:

On whether the cast is sad that it is all officially wrapping up…

“I don’t whether sad is quite the right word,” says Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick & Griphook).

“I mean, it’s sad the paychecks aren’t coming through anymore,” he says with a grin.  “I suppose the thing that might be sad is not seeing everybody so often.  We are all used to going to work and hanging out; certainly with members of the cast together, and also the fantastic crew we had at the studios.  Going to that place every day felt secure.”

The animated Mark Williams (Mr. Weasley) added, “People ask us that question and we hesitate to reply and I think the reason is that this has never been done before.  And we are kind of struggling to understand what’s being achieved.  But I think celebration is a good word, I’d go with that one.”

Also reflecting on the moment was director David Yates; who in his gentle voice chimed in with this…

“It was always a very family atmosphere when we made these movies.  A real sense of community.  And I think that what we all will carry that forward with us, as well as the pride in the work.  It’s hard to get an angle on it; we’re so close to it.  It was such an extraordinary amount of work that we did together.  It’s hard to really contextualize it at the moment.  I think Rupert used the word surreal; it feels a little surreal at this point because we are that close to it.  But I think we’ll see each other whenever we pass and we’ll always be grateful for the experience and they will be relationships that will continue.”

The family theme came up a lot in all of their response.  Mainly because they all realized that this was going to be special.  As Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) succinctly put it…

“We all felt like we were privileged to work there.”

Isaacs also had an interesting response when people come up to him and say they are the biggest Harry Potter fans…

“The biggest fans of Harry Potter that I have ever met are at this table and the table before,” (referencing all the cast & crew that took part in the press conference).

A prime example of that is Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood); who admittedly came from the fan world and she is still in awe of being a part of something she loved so much.

Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum), also a fan, gave a deep response to what’s going on in his mind…

“To be honest, it’s very difficult for me to take in the moment that it’s come to an end.  I’d rather believe that it’s never going to come to an end, because Harry Potter and everything that’s done – for over eleven years now – you know, I think is going to live on forever in people’s hearts.  I’d rather think that, we are going to live in their hearts forever.”

That thoughtful answer put Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) in an interesting spot (for he was next to answer), as in: how do I follow that?

“Yeah, what he said (smiling).  It’s amazing.  So good to see everyone again, he says laughing.”

Focus shifted to David Yates and he revealed what his personal goals were when taking over the franchise…

“I think we had to absolutely get the last film right in its totality; because there was so much pressure riding on that story,” says Yates.  ”People had followed that story for ten years and there was a huge expectation about the finale.  So we carried that pressure with us for some time.  It was tricky of getting that balance of comedy, adventure, action sort of coordinated in the right way.”

And his most memorable directing achievements while working on the films…

“One of the scenes I’m proudest of, which I adore, is the kiss between Ron and Hermione in Hallows Part 2, just because of its charm.”

“I still remember the scene very fondly with Rupert and Emma; it was a delicate scene to get right because Rupert and Emma know each other really, really well.  And it’s quite a challenging thing to snog someone you know really well.”

The overall tone of the press conference was celebratory and that stemmed from the questions being asked.  They all talked about the little souvenirs they “took” from the set while filming.  Producer David Barron gave a funny story how passionate (or rabid) the fans are, when one approached him for an autograph.  Rupert Grint briefly told one that happened at one of the premieres…

“Yeah, I had kind of an encounter with an interesting character,” says Grint.  ”It was actually at one of the premieres, the fourth film maybe, in New York, and we were just about to be put away in the limo, and this man in a wheelchair grabbed onto the back bumper.  And we towed him along for a few yards.”

Grint also elaborated on how he and his now infamous “Ron” persona coexist…

“I kind of feel we merged into the same person in a weird way.  I always could relate to Ron, and not just cause we’re both ginger.”

With the home video release (DVD, Blu-ray, Download & Ultra Violet Digital Copy) producers David Barron and David Heyman said those expecting extended or a bunch of deleted scenes will be surprised that there are not that many on the disc.  Just about all the the footage that they shot was used in the film (Good!)

The inevitable chance of another movie had to be asked.  Artistically, there is no need to ever try to add on to this amazing achievement in filmmaking.  Well, unless J.K. Rowlings decides to conjure up another phonebook sized novel.  But with the business of Hollywood and how nothing is sacred, David Yates and David Barron answered with this…

“You could only do something additional to the eight films we have if it originated from Jo herself (Rowlings),” says Barron.  ”We would have to have the integrity she would give it.  And I can’t see what it would be, because she told a singular story over seven volumes that we took eight films to tell that same story.  And we reached the end of that story.  I can’t really imagine what it would be.  We know what happens to Harry – he got married, he had kids, he rebuilt the school, it’s no big mystery.  I think she did that on purpose really, so it was not left open”

“And there’s a sort of a time and a place for a story such as this,” added Yates.  And it seems wonderful to leave it where it is somehow.  I think that will gain value in time.  And I think it would be a real shame to continue.”

“But we’d like a part,” says the quick-witted Mark Williams.  And David Barron appropriately followed that up with, “And we would like to work on it, too.”

Finally, we come to the A-Ha moments.  The moment when they all personally realized that this Harry Potter phenomenon was bigger than they thought.  And they were a part of it.  A few of them – including Rupert Grint, James and Oliver Phelps (Weasley Twins), producer David Heyman, Jason Isaacs, Evanna Lynch, George Harris (Kingsley Shacklebolt), Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Argus Filch) and Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) – specifically recalled what they were doing and/or where they were when it more-or-less “hit” them that they played a role in the biggest movie franchise of all-time…

Below are a few audio interviews containing their ‘A-Ha’ moments:

In order: Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Filch), David Heyman (producer), George Harris (Kingsley), Phelps Twins (Weasley Twins), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

Rupert Grint

Devon Murray

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Lionsgate have released a short and action-filled second trailer for Abduction, starring Taylor Lautner. The movie follows a teenager who finds out that his parents aren’t really his when he sees his baby picture on a missing person’s website.

The movie is a mix of ‘teen stars’, and more establish actors such as three-time Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver, Alfred Molina and Jason Isaacs. Lilly Colins, who will be seen next year in Tarsem Singh’s Snow White movie, plays Taylor’s love interest.

Watch below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

What would you do if you found your own picture on a missing persons website? Teen Nathan Harper (Taylor Lautner) finds himself facing this very dilemma. Setting out to uncover his real identity, Nathan quickly learns his parents are far from who they say they are. When the police, government agents and shadowy figures start to pursue him, Nathan’s quest for the truth erupts into a full-blown “Bourne”-like man-on-the-run thriller.

Abduction is directed by John Singleton (2 Fast 2 Furious, Four Brothers) and will be released on September 23, 2011.

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Following on from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 poster we got earlier this week featuring Harry, Ron and Hermione in the rubble of Hogwarts, Warner Bros. has released one for the villains, namely Voldemort, Bellatrix and Lucius Malfoy, with Narcissa in the background.

Check the full poster below:

In related Deathly Hallows news Dark Horizons tweeted today that a new trailer “should hit early Friday morning U.S. time.” We knew one was coming, and it looks like Warner Bros are attaching it to Green Lantern. I can’t wait.

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Update: Deadline have since updated their article saying Neeson will be back and filming may take place later this year or early 2012.

Nobody expected Taken to make $226 million when it hit in 2009, especially as January is usually the dumping ground for movies. However, its success turned Liam Neeson into a bit of an action hero, and lead him to roles in The A-Team, Clash of the Titans, and more recently, Unknown.

Taken 2 has been simmering in the background since, and Neeson confirmed earlier this year that the script was being written. However according to Deadline Neeson may or may not end up returning for the sequel.

Apparently Neeson wants time off (he’s made 8 movies in 2 years), but the producers don’t really want to wait:

I’m told Besson has teamed on a script with Robert Mark Kamen, and that he’s in talks with his Transporter 3 director Olivier Megaton to direct the sequel. But he has been dealing with a huge problem: Neeson has all but withdrawn from reprising his role as Bryan Mills, the retired government operative who in the 2008 original decimated the Paris underworld to free his kidnapped daughter. The reason isn’t money, but rather scheduling: Besson wants to shoot it this year and Neeson wants to take time off. Continuing without Neeson is hard to imagine, but I’ve heard Besson has gone as far as assembling a list of actors to take his place. That list includes Mickey Rourke, Ralph Fiennes, Ray Winstone, Sean Bean and Jason Isaacs.

Deadline goes on to say “things started turning toward a Neeson return but it’s by no means definite. Besson went back to Neeson, and they are working up with a schedule that will allow Neeson to shoot the movie in Istanbul later this year, and still give the actor the time he needs.”

I’m not sure how appealing a Taken sequel without Liam Neeson would be. It would obviously follow a similar story (ie. main guy kicking ass), but Neeson was partly responsible for Taken‘s success.

Would you see Taken 2 without Neeson?

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Not only will the two upcoming Deathly Hallows movies draw to a close the story of Mr. Potter and his close circle of friends, it will also be the end of the road for all the supporting characters. Most haven’t had that much of an arc throughout the previous movies, but there are some such as Lucius Malfoy, played by Jason Isaacs, who have had a few small storylines over the course of the films, and they will be resolved one way another in the final film.

The following will contain spoilers, which those who haven’t read the books may want to avoid.

Lucius Malfoy has always been the slightly evil school parent who used to be among Voldemort’s inner circle during his reign of terror. In Order of the Phoenix we saw Harry and co. battle Lucius and some Death Eaters, which resulted in Malfoy being locked up in Azkaban. In Half-Blood Prince we saw the effect this had on Draco, who broke Harry’s nose in revenge and was given the task of killing Dumbledore without his father around to stand up for him.

At the beginning of Deathly Hallows we see that Voldemort has freed Lucius, however he has taken over the Malfoy residents and demands Lucius hand over his wand. By the end of the film both Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy no longer care for Voldemort and his campaign, and simply want to make sure Draco isn’t injured or killed during the epic Battle of Hogwarts. We see that while Lucius wasn’t the most pleasant of characters, he was only trying to protect his family. I think J.K Rowling wanted to show this, and that’s why she didn’t kill him off.

Although…during a recent interview with BBC Radio 2 Jason Isaacs hinted that Lucius’ story may not go along exactly with the one in the book:

“In fact, [Lucius' ending] wasn’t planned. It was a decision made about how Lucius should end his bit in the story and we’d been leading up to it for a while and David – the lovely director – came to me and goes “What are we going to do with you that’s really great? How are we going to do the ending?” And one day I came up with this thing and he went “gasp Oh that’s it! Oh that’s it. It’ll be great.”

We shot some particular bit but I still had months left to film. And I went to the trailer and took my wig off and the First Assistant came to me and said “Jason I’m just looking at the schedule and I noticed that, actually, we don’t need you now.” And I said “Why?” and he said “Well because that thing you decided to do means you’re not in that scene or that scene or that scene.” And I went [jokingly] “Ahhh! I’ve changed my mind!”

Did they decide to kill him off? Will Lucius be sent away somewhere? I guess we won’t find out until next year when Part II is released in July. While J.K Rowling ended the series brilliantly in the books, most of the focus was on Harry and we didn’t really get great send-offs for other characters that have been around for the past 10 years. I don’t mind if they change a few things around if it means the characters get some closure they deserved.

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There’s a new interview with Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs over at ComingSoon.net. In it, he talks about watching the kids grow up, being able to work with his idols, begging JK Rowling to bring his character back for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and not being recognized on the street without his platinum blonde hair!

CS: What was it like to pick up the final “Harry Potter” book when it came out and not know what was in there, especially for you?

Isaacs: I’m not quite strong enough to pick up a book of that weight. I had a couple of people to help me, and a winch. The secret can be out now. Before it came out I wasn’t quite sure – there was a point where I wasn’t sure I was going to do anymore because there wasn’t much for me to do in number five and I wasn’t in number six. I met Jo Rowling for the first time at a big awards dinner. I went over and basically fell to my knees and said “Get me out of prison, I beg you.” She looked over her shoulder and looked back at me mouthing “You’re out. Chapter One.” And that was it, that’s all I had to know, and I signed up immediately.

CS: Do you know when you start?

Isaacs: I think I start February next year, but I’m not sure. Dan’s [Radcliffe] got to go to Broadway first and wow them with all of his… with all of him. [Laughs]

Check out the rest of the interview HERE.

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