Variety is reporting today that Harry Potter director David Yates is in heavy talks to direct the new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films for Warner Bros. The first film, of what is believed to be a trilogy, will be released on Nov. 18, 2016. Yates is currently filming Tarzan at Leavesden Studios, where Potter was filmed. According to Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Yates, who directed several Harry Potter movies including the final “Deathly Hallows” pics, has agreed to return for the first installment of the Harry Potter spinoff trilogy “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
No deal has been made but insiders confirm both sides are in negotiations.
Warner Bros. had no comment on this story.
We will of course keep you updated on whether this news is true or not. But, as always, treat this as a rumor until it is confirmed by Warner Bros.
We’ve learned that J.K Rowling along with many of the Harry Potter cast and crew were also at the inauguration of the updated WB Studio Tour London with The Royal Family. Additionally, Prince Harry’s Facebook page has been updated with numerous photos of the trio – not the Potter trio of course; Harry, William and Kate – touring the Harry Potter section. UPDATE: The Duchess’ Facebook also has an album with photos from the day.
The following members of the Potter family were in attendance: David Heyman, David Yates, Mike Newell and Matthew Lewis . We will have photos of them as soon as they become available. For now view these (which will be updated as more appear online):
David Yates, director of Order of the Phoenix – Deathly Hallows 2, has become another Potter crew member to receivean honorary degree. The University of Essex presented him (along with 3 other alumni, and 4 others) with an honorary degree. Yates graduated from Essex in 1987 with a BA in Government. At the graduation ceremony for East 15 Acting School and the Department for Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies he said:
“Today is a celebration of everything you have achieved in your years here. I want to wish you the very, very best for the future.” He urged graduates to maintain the “spirit, energy, conviction and enthusiasm” he had seen during his visit to the Colchester Campus.
Today we have our video footage from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter Grand Opening which was held at the studio s on March 31st! We caught up with Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, Harry Melling, Evanna Lynch, David Barron, David Yates, David Heyman, David Bradley, and Nick Moran. I apologize for the sound, it was very windy so sometimes the sound cuts out. You can also view our photos from the even in the gallery.
Make sure to visit wbstudiotour.co.uk today to book your visit to the studios! Prices range from £21 for a child to £28 for an adult for the basic package and £30.95 (child to £39.95 (adult) for the complete package which includes the souvenir guidebook and digital guide.
Since we will not have our actual photos and videos up for a few days I thought I would let everyone know what is coming from the Grand Opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Myself, Feltbeats and Harry Potters Page worked together to get photos and interviews with the stars.
We interviewed Tom Felton, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Harry Melling, Nick Moran, David Bradley, Nick Dudman, Mike Newell, Director David Yates, and Producers David Heyman, and David Barron. We also have footage of Alfonso Cuaron, Evanna Lynch, George Harris and a few others. In addition to interviews we also spotted David Thewlis, Natalia Tena, Warwick Davis, Alfie Enoch, Helen McCrory, Chris Rankin.
Just as a teaser we asked Harry Melling (Dudley) what it was like moving from playing a muggle in Harry Potter to a wizard in the last series of Merlin!
Photos and video will be up as soon as possible when I get home! We will also have a video from the press conference held last Thursday when WB sends it over! So make sure to stay tuned!
The Jameson Empire Awards were presented tonight and Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, David Yates, Gary Oldman, Jamie Campbell Bower and Helena Bonham Carter were in attendance! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows won Best Film and “Best Film Presented by Sky Movies” with David Yates winning for Best Director. Gary Oldman also won Jameson Best Actor, and his film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy won for Best Thriller Presented by Café de Paris.
Some photos from the event may be viewed at Empire’s website. I will also post more videos from the event if and when they appear online.
Digital Spy has posted a video montage where they talk to multiple stars and ask what movie they think will be the best out of ‘The Avengers’, ‘Prometheus’ or ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ Matthew may be seen at 35 seconds.
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