WB issued a new press release today announcing the awesome news that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I has overtaken Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as the top grossing Harry Potter film! According to the release:
With just months to go before the release of the finale of the record-breaking film series based on the beloved books by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has earned a staggering $657.24 million and counting, soaring past the previous record-holder, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which grossed $657 million. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.“It’s tremendously gratifying to reach this benchmark as we enter the final stretch of this remarkable journey,” said Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We share this achievement with Jo Rowling, whose books are the foundation of this rich and vibrant world, as well as the talented people who brought her vision to life on the screen.”
“We are also incredibly proud of our teams around the world who have brought a consistent level of excellence, passion and ingenuity to the campaigns for these films,” said Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures. “And, of course, we’re thrilled that longtime fans and new audiences alike have continued to champion each film, resulting in the huge success of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.”
Kwan-Rubinek added, “These numbers speak to the phenomenal and enduring strength of this property, which has captivated audiences across all borders, regardless of age or culture. We’re looking forward to releasing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 this summer, which will be a fitting way to bring to a close the movie event of a generation.”
With the success of its first six of seven titles, the Harry Potter series had already achieved the distinction of being the top-grossing film franchise of all time, with a combined worldwide gross of $6.37 billion. This benchmark for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1—which has earned $951.8 million worldwide—as well as the anticipation for Part 2, opening globally on July 15, 2011, should ensure its place in film history for years to come.
Harry Potter fans can register now for Harry Potter: The Quest in advance of the Blu-rayTM, DVD and Digital Distribution release of Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 on April 15th. Harry Potter: The Quest will continue through the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Distribution later this year.
Harry Potter: The Quest allows registered users to play games, watch videos and have all new Harry Potter experiences to earn points as a global community. As the global community reaches a predetermined point level each week, they will earn exciting rewards such as exclusive never-before-seen content from all the Harry PotterTM movies and more. Registration for Harry Potter: The Quest is free.
Registered participants in Harry Potter: The Quest are eligible to receive monthly prizes such as Noble Collection Harry Potter merchandise, tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Blu-rays, DVDs, Games and more. In addition, there will be two Grand Prize sweepstake opportunities for registrants of Harry Potter: The Quest. The first sweepstake opportunity is a chance to win tickets for two to attend the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 2 in London this July. The second sweepstake opportunity will be announced later in the year.
WB have just sent us a new high quality photo from The Tale of the Three Brothers animation sequence in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. The photo is of Death giving the Resurrection Stone to the Second Brother in the story. See the photo in the gallery!
As part of the Harry Potter: The Quest online game, which had its official opening today, we have a new behind the scenes video! Since fans reached 1,000,000 points collectively WB have released a new video entitled Secrets of the Castle Revealed. You can watch the video below and make sure to join The Quest to earn points and help reveal the next video: Go Behind the Scenes!
Good morning everyone! Tomorrow I will have the chance to ask the Warner Bros. team behind The Quest for the Hallows online adventure game any questions that you guys might have about it. The game officially launches this coming Monday.
“In celebration of the release of the final Harry Potter films, Warner Bros. has launched the online adventure game “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: the Quest”. Users who register for the Quest are able to collectively earn points, which reveal exclusive content from the world of Harry Potter. “
So if you have any questions be sure to post them in the comments or send a me a tweet @MM_Official!
Additionally, Emma Watson recorded a video telling fans a bit about the game.
Here’s a very interesting news story to add some spice to a somewhat boring day in Harry Potter land. The New York Post is reporting that Warner Bros. have had to spend $500,000 so Daniel Radcliffe will be able to promote Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II and miss a few nights of his play, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. According to the article:
In tense negotiations, “How To Succeed” producers refused to release Radcliffe for the days when Warner needed him — forcing the studio to buy out the whole theater for the nights he’d have to miss.
A source told us, “Warner Bros. is furious that Radcliffe committed to Broadway when he should be promoting ‘Harry Potter.’ This is the final film, so it’s a big deal. A grand world premiere is being planned as well as a US premiere and a press tour. They absolutely couldn’t do it without their big star. But the theater producers dug their heels in and said they wouldn’t release Radcliffe unless Warner bought out the entire theater for the nights they need him. Studio bosses are furious, but they have no choice but to pay up for five nights costing over $500,000.”
Radcliffe’s rep said, “Everything is fine, Dan is promoting the film and is happy to do so. With all productions there are scheduling issues but everything has all been worked out. Warner Bros. is very supportive of Dan, and there is no issue.
I don’t usually post stories like this but I thought it was very interesting and worth sharing.
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