Harry Potter delayed until 2009, `Quantum of Solace` stocks go up
16-Aug-2008 • Quantum Of Solace
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Only two weeks after the Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund selected the "Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince" world premiere over 007 for the 2008 Royal Performance, having hosted James Bond in 2002 ("Die Another Day") and 2006 ("Casino Royale"), Warner Brothers have pulled the rug from under the CTBF event by announced a massive delay to the film.
The sixth instalment in the Harry Potter film franchise will now open in July 2009, eight months later than originally planned.
The 22nd James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace", will enjoy its world premiere on schedule with Princes William and Harry at the Odeon in Leicester Sqaure, London, on Wednesday 29th October 2008.
According to Warner Bros, the decision to delay Potter was made to ensure the studio has a major "tent pole" release next summer - reports the BBC.
Had Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opened on 21 November as originally scheduled, it would have entered a marketplace dominated by Quantum of Solace. Does moving the former to summer 2009 avoid a potentially damaging competition for audiences?
"I don't think there's a great overlap in the audiences for Bond and Potter," says Jamie Graham of Total Film magazine. "They're different films aimed at different markets, so I don't see them as competitors or rivals."
One thing they might have been competing for, however, is cinema screens.
"You want to put your biggest releases on as many screens as possible," agrees Graham. "If there is a scenario where they're being hogged by a film that is lingering around, why not wait?"
In a tersely worded statement on their website, the CTBF said, "The Royal Film Performance of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Price will no longer take place on November 17th as advertised. We hope to confirm details of the Royal Film Performance 2008 in the near future."
Thanks to `Panchito Pistoles` & `Neil` for the alert.
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