Aside from being naked on stage with horses (seriously) and December Boys, all Daniel Radcliffe can really claim is that he in fact is Harry Potter, and the star of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix due out on July 11 is blabbing about his contract and the fate of young Potter in the final book due out on July 21.
Following up Order of the Phoenix will be Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in November 2008 and then Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows following that. While it was already confirmed that Radcliffe had signed on for the final two Potter films he is singing a bit of a different tune now.
When asked about starring in the sevent film (he is definitely signed on for the sixth) Radcliffe told the Herald Sun, “It all depends on the script and who’s going to direct it… It would be foolish to make it for the sake of it.”
Considering Order of the Phoenix was written by Michael Goldenberg (Peter Pan and Contact) and directed by David Yates who has pretty much directed nothing I can’t say I see the logic in Radcliffe’s statement. Sounds to me like it doesn’t matter who is directing. I also don’t think Warner Bros. would jump the gun on announcing that Radcliffe, along with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, would reprise their roles if they weren’t already signed on to do so. As a matter of fact, the press release announcing the return of the trio carried this Radcliffe quote:
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.â€
Going out on a limb I am going to say Danny boy is signed up. Don’t worry too much.
Radcliffe also let his opinion known on how he thinks the series is going to turn out as the seventh and final film in the Potter series hits shelves on July 21.
“I think Harry will die. It’s the only appropriate way of ending it. How else will J.K. Rowling be able to resist the deafening calls for her to continue (with the books) if Harry is still alive?
“And, on a selfish level, every actor wants to do a death scene… I’m going to milk it.”
So, let me get this straight… Radcliffe is already prepping his death scene in the final film, but hasn’t decided if he is going to be in it? Come on, I think the Herald Sun needs to do a little work on their follow-up questions and fact checking. I also am now assuming some of his comments may have been taken out of context.
However, the question of Potter’s fate is certainly up in the air leading to the book’s release. Our current RopeofSilicon Poll has 37.5% of all voters thinking “Yes,” Harry Potter will die in the final story, and only 22.8% saying “No.” Place your vote right here.
Also, we here at RopeofSilicon just saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix today, so expect a review soon!
