The Official Thread For: Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix

[Dr. Fate]

Well obviously Dan has to be used as Harry, saying as Harry is the lead and it's his name on the movie title. Steve Kloves has said that Hermione is probably his favourite character, so she gets a lot of development time. When you are pushing those two, apparaently it's difficult to also develop Ron :s

Oh right. I forgot. Silly me.

Also Grint has shown a natural ability at comedy. Maybe they think that's all he can do and play to that.

Still seems like a waste.

The thing is, I hate the character of Harry in OOTP. He was a very dislikable person, he was literally the stropping teenager. Now that's all very well in books, but on screen I don't think it will translate too well. Dan isn't a good enough actor imo to make it come accross as something different other then whining and moaning like some struppy teenager. That's what I think I will have the problem with.

It can only go 2 ways - either they'll tone Harry down or they'll make him completely over the top. I admit I didn't enjoy Harry much in OOTP either. Just one of the many reasons that reading OOTP made my eyes bleed.

 

[OtepApe]

Still seems like a waste.

Oh I agree it's a waste alright.

It can only go 2 ways - either they'll tone Harry down or they'll make him completely over the top. I admit I didn't enjoy Harry much in OOTP either. Just one of the many reasons that reading OOTP made my eyes bleed.

Dude, do you actually like anything about HP? You hate the movies, don't like the actors and everything I have heard you say about the books has been negative. I thought I disliked a lot of things, you are blowing me out of the water here.

 

[Dr. Fate]

Oh I agree it's a waste alright.




Dude, do you actually like anything about HP? You hate the movies, don't like the actors and everything I have heard you say about the books has been negative. I thought I disliked a lot of things, you are blowing me out of the water here.

I liked books 1 (Philosopher Stone), book 3 (Prisoner of Azkaban - probably my favorite of the bunch) and book 6 (Half-Blood Prince). My favorite character is a draw between Dumbledore and Luna Lovegood. I prefer the humorous exchanges or observations between characters over the more melodramatic stuff. I'm sorry for not being more "supportive".

 

[OtepApe]

I liked books 1 (Philosopher Stone), book 3 (Prisoner of Azkaban - probably my favorite of the bunch) and book 6 (Half-Blood Prince). My favorite character is a draw between Dumbledore and Luna Lovegood. I prefer the humorous exchanges or observations between characters over the more melodramatic stuff. I'm sorry for not being more "supportive".

Hey, no, whatever floats your boat. No criticising, just wondered what you did like. So you don't like any of the movies? I can understand if you don't, most people I know don't like them. They are more popcorn films to me.

 

[OtepApe]

Lord Voldemort was voted the number one villain in the BigBadRead, an online Bloomsbury poll to find the UK's favourite literary villain from a children's book.

Here's what Jo had to say about this "honor":

I am thrilled and honoured beyond words that Lord Voldemort has been voted best villain in the Big Bad Read poll. I am not sure how he would react to knowing that he had won a Muggles' unpopularity poll. A mixture of pleasure that you recognised his power and menace, coupled with fury at your nerve at mentioning his real name, I think. His author, however, is absolutely delighted.

I am sorry not to be there in person to join your celebration of literary evil, but Lord Voldemort requires my constant presence at the moment, as his Dark plans are unfolding in all their grisly glory. I hope those of you who voted for him in the Big Bad Read enjoy reading about him in book seven, where he finally gets the legroom for which he has been aching during all those years in exile.

I have always felt that cardboard baddies make weak heroes and that Harry deserved a really deluxe model, so I have done my best to make Lord Voldemort a real person, red eyed and snakelike though he might be. He, of course, is one of the reasons the Harry Potter books are often banned, but I remain of the firm belief that we need our imaginary villains, the better to brace ourselves for the ones we need to fight in reality.

Voldemort heads an extremely distinguished list, and I shall enjoy picturing him at the head of the table, while Sauron [#2], Lex Luther [#4] and Mrs. Coulter [#3, from Artemis Fowl] glower at him, awaiting their chance to topple him. In the meantime, thank you again, on his behalf and mine, for the great honour.

Rounding out the top ten were The Joker (Batman), Count Olaf (A Series of Unfortunate Events), The Other Mother (Coraline), The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), Dracula, and Artemis Fowl respectively.

from Mugglenet.com

Now I really don't agree with this. I love the Potter series an all, but no, this isn't right.

 

[LEX]

I can't see Voldemort as being superior to the Joker, Dracula or Lex Luthor, however biased that may be.

 

[OtepApe]

No, I agree with you. There are far superior and more iconic villains out there then Voldy. I like him, don't get me wrong but's not in the same league as say...The Joker.

 

[Dr. Fate]

Hey, no, whatever floats your boat. No criticising, just wondered what you did like. So you don't like any of the movies? I can understand if you don't, most people I know don't like them. They are more popcorn films to me.

I sort of liked the first film and sort of liked the 3rd, films 2 and 4 don't do much for me (you should see the many threads people have at IMDB bashing the pepto bismol pink dress worn by Hermione/Emma Watson in the 4th film's take on the Yul Ball). But something about the film adaptations of Potter just don't draw me in enough to merit repeat viewings. I liked Richard Harris's portrayal of Dumbledore, even though one of my friends kept bashing him for not being a fan of the books, him not reading the books, saying he was bored, dispassionate and that his voice was too weak and that he was obviously in poor health, blah blah blah. I liked Harris and his shattered, whispery voice though; it kind of gave something to Dumbledore, made him seem more mysterious and ancient, in the good way of course. I also count myself among the people who do not hate Ginny Weasley, but I fear that Ginny, like Ron, will ultimately get the short end of the stick on screen.

 

[OtepApe]

I sort of liked the first film and sort of liked the 3rd, films 2 and 4 don't do much for me (you should see the many threads people have at IMDB bashing the pepto bismol pink dress worn by Hermione/Emma Watson in the 4th film's take on the Yul Ball). But something about the film adaptations of Potter just don't draw me in enough to merit repeat viewings. I liked Richard Harris's portrayal of Dumbledore, even though one of my friends kept bashing him for not being a fan of the books, him not reading the books, saying he was bored, dispassionate and that his voice was too weak and that he was obviously in poor health, blah blah blah. I liked Harris and his shattered, whispery voice though; it kind of gave something to Dumbledore, made him seem more mysterious and ancient, in the good way of course. I also count myself among the people who do not hate Ginny Weasley, but I fear that Ginny, like Ron, will ultimately get the short end of the stick on screen.

That's fair enough. Although I hate Ginny Weasley, I can't stand her character. But yeah, Harris' Dumbledore was spot on to what I had always envisioned in the books.The way his voice was, the frail looking person who was playing him gave DD a sort of wise, experienced aura around him. I always loved that. I can also see why a lot of people dislike the movies, I mean they aren't true to the books, the kids are annoying, and the get polluted with what other people want from them, like execitves etc

 

[Dr. Fate]

That's fair enough. Although I hate Ginny Weasley, I can't stand her character. But yeah, Harris' Dumbledore was spot on to what I had always envisioned in the books.The way his voice was, the frail looking person who was playing him gave DD a sort of wise, experienced aura around him. I always loved that. I can also see why a lot of people dislike the movies, I mean they aren't true to the books, the kids are annoying, and the get polluted with what other people want from them, like execitves etc

Basically, yes. It was nice having Harris while he was there.

I think JK Rowling should have put a little more effort into Ginny. I don't hate Ginny but I think she was under-developed as a character.

 

[OtepApe]

I think JK Rowling should have put a little more effort into Ginny. I don't hate Ginny but I think she was under-developed as a character.

I can agree there. I mean she obviously had a big part in COS, but then we didn't really hear that much with her until the end of OOTP and HBP. We are just expected to accept this new character she has become. Plus, is Bonnie Wright....well right for this new Ginny? Isn't this new Ginny supposed to be beautiful and strong as a character? Personally I just don't see it in the person who is playing her now.

 

[Dr. Fate]

I can agree there. I mean she obviously had a big part in COS, but then we didn't really hear that much with her until the end of OOTP and HBP. We are just expected to accept this new character she has become. Plus, is Bonnie Wright....well right for this new Ginny? Isn't this new Ginny supposed to be beautiful and strong as a character? Personally I just don't see it in the person who is playing her now.

I guess Bonnie needs to be "Emma Watsonized".

 

[OtepApe]

The thing is, I don't think Emma Watson is overly nice. She's just...well, ok.

 

[Dr. Fate]

The thing is, I don't think Emma Watson is overly nice. She's just...well, ok.

Nice in what sense?

I often hear a lot of bashing on her for being "too pretty" for the Hermione role. What do you think, OtepApe?

If the filmmakers took their own liberties to expand on Ginny in film 6, would that be an improvement or a slap in the face to the source material?

 

[OtepApe]

Nice in what sense?

I often hear a lot of bashing on her for being "too pretty" for the Hermione role. What do you think, OtepApe?

If the filmmakers took their own liberties to expand on Ginny in film 6, would that be an improvement or a slap in the face to the source material?

You know, attractive. She looks like any regular girl of her age really.

I hear that quite a lot aswell. I suppose she is too attractive for Hermione, Hermione isn't really supposed to be attractive, she's supposed to be a very plain (if not slightly odd looking) girl. It doesn't bother me too much, but I understand what those people mean.

Well we always like everything close to the source material, that's what most people swear by. I have never thought like that. I have always though that things should be close to the source material unless they can improve on it. Writers are not perfect, they sometimes make mistakes or don't explore fully certain avenues. I think that if they were to expand on her in film 6, it would kind of make some sense as to where her character is going in the books.

 

[Dr. Fate]

You know, attractive. She looks like any regular girl of her age really.

I see what you're saying. But would you say she is nicer looking than Bonnie Wright?

I hear that quite a lot aswell. I suppose she is too attractive for Hermione, Hermione isn't really supposed to be attractive, she's supposed to be a very plain (if not slightly odd looking) girl. It doesn't bother me too much, but I understand what those people mean.

As long as we're on the same page.

Well we always like everything close to the source material, that's what most people swear by. I have never thought like that. I have always though that things should be close to the source material unless they can improve on it. Writers are not perfect, they sometimes make mistakes or don't explore fully certain avenues. I think that if they were to expand on her in film 6, it would kind of make some sense as to where her character is going in the books.

So it wouldn't really bother you one way or another if they did or didn't?

 

[OtepApe]

I see what you're saying. But would you say she is nicer looking than Bonnie Wright?

Well yeah, but only because I have never been partial to ginger haired people

So it wouldn't really bother you one way or another if they did or didn't?

Well I probably would prefer it. I guess we are supposed to give a crap about Ginny in the sixth book, only thing is, we have practically seen nothing of her since COS. And even then it was all plot and no depth. So yeah, I would like to see them do some expanding of the role.

 

[Dr. Fate]

Well yeah, but only because I have never been partial to ginger haired people

That's alright. For the most part I harbor a psychologically unhealthy hatred of blondes, so I guess that balances us out.

Well I probably would prefer it. I guess we are supposed to give a crap about Ginny in the sixth book, only thing is, we have practically seen nothing of her since COS. And even then it was all plot and no depth. So yeah, I would like to see them do some expanding of the role.

I'd have to say that's one of the spots where JK really fumbled the ball.

 

[LEX]

Matthew Lewis was given tons to do in GoF and my assumption was that it was to get him up to speed for his slightly major role in OotP and HBP. Perhaps we can expect the same for Bonnie Wright to be given more to do in OotP for her big role in HBP.

 

[Dr. Fate]

Matthew Lewis was given tons to do in GoF and my assumption was that it was to get him up to speed for his slightly major role in OotP and HBP. Perhaps we can expect the same for Bonnie Wright to be given more to do in OotP for her big role in HBP.

We can only assume/hope.

 

[OtepApe]

Matthew Lewis was given tons to do in GoF and my assumption was that it was to get him up to speed for his slightly major role in OotP and HBP. Perhaps we can expect the same for Bonnie Wright to be given more to do in OotP for her big role in HBP.

Well yeah, that's how I would like to see it play out. There will probably be a lot of *****ing by purists, but I think it's nessercery if Ginny is going to mean anything to us in the later movies.

 

[LEX]

New photos from King's Cross filming
HP4U has posted five new pictures, albeit slightly blurry, from the OOTP filming at King's Cross on Monday. They include shots of Daniel and Natalia Tena (Tonks).http://www.mugglenet.com/

Young Severus Snape discusses filming 'Phoenix'


In a recent interview Alec Hopkins, who was cast as a young Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, discusses the process of landing the role, filming and what he had to learn to portray the role for Severus.

Alec sent in some pictures and then waited a nerve-wracking four months till news came that he had the role. Alec mentions meeting Alan Rickman and how he prepared for the role:

Alan Rickman spent a couple of hours having a chat with me about the part and obviously that was nerve wracking; there was me as a nobody and then this famous actor.

He's very serious about acting but he likes to joke around. It was really nice and it surprised me - I thought a big star would be different but he was so nice.

I watched how he moved, spoke and the emotions he goes through. He also gave me some pointers about the character - how he would walk and hold himself, like keeping a straight back.

Rick also mentions that working on the films is a lot harder than people think:

Everyone is really nice but it's very daunting. You don't realise how many people there are and if you messed up you'd be so embarrassed.

It's been a great privilege just to be part of it. It's not just a film, but it's a Harry Potter film.

You will be able to read more on this story tomorrow.

Video from King's Cross filming
Veritaserum has several video clips from Order of the Phoenix filming at King's Cross in England that occurred last week.

UPDATE: WB has asked us to remove these clips.

Ok, I will offer to give a blow by blow... I saw the clips, but sorry I didn't save them. FYI - you couldn't hear anything, just crackling the whole time, and it was all through the walkway at a distance so you didn't get a clear look at faces either. Clip #1 The weasley family (twins, ron, ginny, molly) is who I could see clearly. They walked along the walkway quickly then stopped and turned back around. A member of the crew went to talk to Rupert about something. Clip #2 is similar to clip one with the weasley family walking along the walkway at a good pace but when they reach they end they stop and turn around, looks like they're doing a few takes. Clip #3 - you can clearly see Tonks, Moody, and Harry. They are all walking very fast across the runway, the weasley family is behind them. When they stop walking, (and cut) you can see a tall man with them but he's wearing a mask, I couldn't make out what it was... Clip #4 - dan is standing around between takes. At first he's just tapping his legs and looking out of the walkway kinda smiling, then someone starts talking to him and they have a conversation. That's about all I can remember. Hopefully that helps..

 

[TrailerCues]

So who saved the clips ? Someone had to have had to & if they did not save them the links should be there in the history folder

 

[Farren]

Someone PLEASE tell me they saved the clips

 

[LEX]

New report and pics from King's Cross filming Sunday Sept 3rd


Wonderful! fantastic! Un-real, just a few of the words used to describe the full days filming a few lucky fans experienced on Sunday 3rd Sept, Kings Cross, London....

Just a few words from us before the report:
We were due to bring you two set reports from the day, sadly one of those has had to be scrapped, or shelved at least until 2007 because of some goings on with Warner Brothers and another site we’re told.
Our apologies also for the lack of pictures this time around too and the quality; as with the above we will have more next year. The images posted here are not the best quality in the world but we’re very grateful as I hope you are to see them. They are ALL from the Public area of Kings Cross and would have taken some doing to get….
Remember, if you’re ever lucky enough to get to a film location, respect the Crew’s instructions, Security requirements and you will have a great time…
Thanks – Sirius.

Thanks K for this report.

With the temporary set covering some 3 sections of the Station this was a large scale event. Some of the crew had been there since 11pm the previous evening making preparations and taking care of most of the work required; co-coordinating with Transport Police and the Rail authorities whom a bit of a thank you wouldn't go wrong as without them we couldn't have had these scenes. Kings Cross of course was targeted by Terrorists sadly and will always require high security; which was excellent. Still a bit-unnerving even on Sunday to see Sniffer dogs with handlers walking around…

There were in fact three scenes filmed today; with some additional filler footage using the Hogwarts Express as a backdrop we were told, presumably to add to a scene filmed at Leavesden... Scene one in the morning concentrated on comings and goings in and around the Hogwarts Express. Scene two was filmed in one of the many Kings Cross waiting rooms (the bottom of Platform 1 in this case) and finally the third was a scene on the iron bridge over the top of the tracks, used previously in the Philosophers Stone with Harry and Hagrid we think.
During the morning anyone wishing to take photos of the Hogwarts Express were free to do so from a platform directly alongside the train, provided there was no other train there of course. This opportunity was too much for dozens of fans. Steam billowed out at points from the engine and with the sound of the whistle blowing made for a great atmosphere. The public were snapping shots of their loved one's with the train and occasionally some Hogwarts paraphernalia in the background. It was very easy to see why some scenes need the reality of a location and this environment to capture the whole realism.
As has been mentioned somewhere previously, around Platforms 9 & 10 of Kings Cross there is now a permanent sign reading 'Platform 9 ¾' near the rear entrance of the station with a BR cart in the wall, so if your ever down there be sure to get your picture taken as many people do we're told.

Once all the props, lighting and sound were ready the many crew set about preparing a scene of the students boarding the Hogwarts Express and for this around 40 'extra's' were brought in, each in their Muggle clothes through the station, down platform 4 to the waiting train, along with body and stunt doubles for Dan, Moody, the Weasley's and Tonks, etc....
Throughout the morning the main actors arrived. Although there was relatively few fans at the Station the frenzy soon started with many autographs being sought, pictures taken if possible while the actors were ushered through the Station from the rear entrance to the first set....

It was quite amusing to see fans (including me) scrambling around with camera’s and positions to get pictures of favorite stars, only to realize they were ‘doubles’ when then the real actor walked by and it was too late! Such is the likeness of some of these talented extras and make up artists.
It was also so wonderful to see all the various ‘live’ animals and birds being brought through the station with their trainers. We didn’t see Hedwig or a white Owl but did see quite a few gorgeous Owls in cages being carried to the train. Scabbers and his many ‘doubles’ were also to be seen, with Sirius as his Animagus arriving later in the day.

Although we can’t confirm as yet, we were sure Lucius Malfoy or perhaps his double were on set? Once again speculation from eye witnesses ranged from it being Voldamort to Malfoy Snr. Even so, it would not have been the real actor but a double no-doubt. What we can tell you is the mysterious figure in a black suit (we heard) had a wisp of silver/white hair showing from just underneath the full face covering hood item he wore; obviously to protect his identity while being led down Platform 4 to the train. I felt sure it was Voldemort otherwise why hide his face? But the white hair? In what was rumored to be a change in script it could well be possible that the scene runs according to the original book with the exception of Harry seeing or feeling Voldemort at the Station. Draco certainly was not there so we’ll just have to wait and see what magical surprises Warner Brothers have in store for us!
Sadly all of the action took place for the train shots too far down the platform to see what was going on for the Public; and with the arrival of the Weasley twins and Kingsley Shacklebolt, etc they were well underway for around an hour with Daniel, Emma, Rupert and rest all working when they were required, arriving at separate intervals.

As was the entrance of the Actors into Kings Cross, so too the exit was just as frenzied. For lunch Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the actors were all taken back to their waiting cars one at a time and a few on Mini-buses. Thanks to two wonderful Security members and at Rupert’s behest we saw a few small boys being allowed their books signed near the rear exit and the waiting cars. Autographs are very, very rarely given on location shoots with such tight deadlines but perseverance of the few kids paid off and they were very happy, talking about it no doubt for a long time to come.

Although last time a Harry Potter production used Kings Cross the cast had lunch with some of the Station staff, this time they were off the premises. The majority of the crew however were at the rear of Kings Cross in a large building where Caterers were set up; the main Actors we understand however were at a local Hotel for lunch.
After the various lunch arrangements were taken care of the cast returned for a scene being filmed in Platform one's waiting lounge. We were told this involved Harry, Ron, Hermione and Moody though this we can’t confirm and couldn’t find out anymore, what the scene could be we don’t know. We didn't see the real Mad-Eye Moody but his double was certainly there.
Scene three, the last, longest and probably the most important of the day was filmed on the bridge above the Platforms involving many of the cast and extra’s present. We’re told the scene is set for Harry returning to Hogwarts from Grimmauld place with his escorts and of course Sirius – you all know the scene im sure from the book. If it was Voldemort then who Harry witnesses it’s a marked difference to the original version – we’re all just going to have to let WB do their magic and wait until HP5 is out!

Despite this being a very long day, up at 4am, back home at 9pm it was worth every minute with an added bonus of finding out the UK’s TV show – Good Morning was there also and the following morning they showed some of the action ive just described showing some clips, including an Interview with Rupert Grint which was seen by many of my friends.