1

I really do hope Warner Bros sees how negative the fan reaction is so they'll reconsider. My sister is really pissed about waiting 8 more months, and I can't help feeling that way too since the studio didn't give us a sufficient reason. I mean, they should be able to find something else to use as a summer tentpole. I can see that after The Dark Knight's success that they'd want to try and repeat that success, but that doesn't really work as well as they think(ex. putting 10,000 B.C. on the same weekend as 300 the previous year). Plus the July date pits Potter against a lot of competing movies, while the november date leaves it poised to rule the box office with ease.
Apparently Terminator: Salvation isn't worth betting a farm on, so they need a "safe" choice for next summer.

Andrew on Aug 15, 2008

2

when i read the first article of HP6 being released in july i was pissed off but thought it would subside and it wouldn't make a difference for me. Needless to say, I was wrong. I stayed pissed about it and wondered which dumb-ass fuck up at WB really decided to move it for marketing ( if that is in fact the real case ). Now reading this second article has gotten my hopes up that if it's because of marketing HP was moved, maybe a fan outburst would do the trick to bring it back to it's Nov. release.

the point - hopefully this will get such bad press that they will be forced to move it back to november. If so not only will it be amazing that fans actually had an impact on the film's release date but i'll be one very happy HP fan and reader.

Corey B. on Aug 15, 2008

3

At first I did not think it was true.. but it was! Sad.
Greedy pigs.
What they are doing to the fans - I don't think they are aware of what they are doing.
I know that some has written something on to WB about this. I think there's a link where you can send them e-mails.
This is a bad move, a really bad move!

Cath on Aug 15, 2008

4

Me thinks the backlash would be a little less serious had they stated a reason. Fans don't take crap like this anymore, studios need to remember who keeps caviar on their tables. We don't like being kept in the dark. Love your work WB - don't hose us like this - we all saw the movies and have the DVD's.

bozoconnors on Aug 15, 2008

5

Yes, they are being greedy! Dissapointing the fans, specially the young ones. This is no fun at all.
I sure hope they now realize what this is doing to the fans, and maybe.. (but I don't believe it before I see it with my own eyes) they will change the release date back to November!

Wolfie on Aug 15, 2008

6

This is all ridiculous . If it takes them 8 more months to get a well done and polished movie then it'll take 8 more months.

The Better Bard on Aug 15, 2008

7

They ruined my birthday in advance. Thx a lot f**** Warner! >:(

I planned to see it with friend on the Sunday after the release and it was hard to agree on a date where everyone was available.

So thanks Warner for ruining by birthday! I won't go and watch the movie 8 months later! Your loss and I hope fans will boykott the movie!

Daniela on Aug 15, 2008

8

I'm sure there will be plenty of other movies to go see that weekend as it's going to be one hell of a competitive Summer…your loss Warner Brothers

Peloquin on Aug 15, 2008

9

Okay…what is wrong with you people? I'm disappointed too but come on!

Movies are big and complicated things. I went to college for filmmaking, I know that movies aren't easy to make. They require a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of love. and If the director can't finish it by Nov. 21st, then of course I'd like them to delay it. Who the hell would want it out back, and released early, if it's gonna suck??? I want to see the best Harry potter movie ever, and this movie has the potential, but only if they're given enough time.

And seriously, who the hell are you to boycott a film because of a change in release date? I mean how can you call yourself Harry Potter fans if you refuse to support the film when it comes out.

Lets just look at the logic here. You're pissed off because you cant wait to see a film, and you HAVE to wait longer…so what's your solution? You're not gonna watch the movie you can't wait to watch at all? How does that make any sense?

Be patient people, and don't be retards. The world has enough of those already.

Aldonn on Aug 15, 2008

10

Here is the link mentioned for the petition http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/HalfBloodPrince . I personally am sick of companies punishing the fans/public for their mistakes. WB we are not sorry you had poor planning for the Summer 2009 release schedule or that we as fans brought you too much money for Dark Knight. This is sure one hell of a way to thank the fans that are paying to see Dark Knight in many cases more than once.

JP on Aug 15, 2008

11

I suggest, given that fellas at WB think we are extremely patient, that we skip the release date next year by a month, instead of going in July, we can go in August, September, I know it's hard, but if they make us wait 11 months, why not a full year. This way at the beginning box office will be zero and they start respecting fans of the series, just in case they wanna change release dates for the deathly hallows movies afterwards, they'll think twice about it.

Fernando on Aug 15, 2008

12

Production schedule for Deathly Hallows will not be affected. And Warner Brothers knew this would piss off Harry Potter fans so obviously they don't care.

Joshua on Aug 15, 2008

13

This is not good. If anyone comes out to see it I'll be surprised. Since I had to wait an extra 8 months, I might as well just wait a few more and buy the DVD and watch it as many times as I like in the comfort of my own home. Why bother to drag my self out, pay $9 or so per ticket, plus the cost of treats? I think this is going to be a big mistake on the part of WB, in this particular instance. Do they take into account that there is a recession on? Going out to a movie is a luxury in the best of times. Now it is last on the list of expenditures for us, hell it doesn't even make the list most of the time anymore.

Beth on Aug 15, 2008

14

Aldonn #9, I agree with you that this world is full of retards, but if they create a competition to find the biggest retard of them all, you are way up there buddy. Please tell me how a movie can take almost 2 years post production??? Since it's a low budget movie, they'll probably have 1 guy for editing, visual and sound effects??? Give me a break!!! And who the hell we think we are??? We are the guys who supported this franchise from the beginning, filling the pockets of the WB executives who come now and with a completely lack of respect for us change the release date without even giving the right reason. At least be honest with the fans, if it's complex visual effects or a very complicated editing job, whatever reason related to the production of the film we'll eventually understand, but don't go blaming it on the writers strike or global warming, we are not 10 year old kids, those are the twilight fans.

Fernando on Aug 15, 2008

15

Let me just say to you people out there that are saying its not a big deal and that movies require a lot of time etc. The reason why Warner gave for moving the date was first and foremost because they think they will sell more tickets during the summertime. Secondly they tried to blame the Writer's Strike.

It goes to show their first priority is MONEY $$$$$

Accidental Sexiness on Aug 15, 2008

16

Option 1 - Move the movie back to allow it to be made the best that it can be.
Result: Pissing off fans because they want their movie now.

Option 2 - Release it on time even though it sucks.
Result: Pissing off fans because they made a crappy movie.


I'd much rather have option 1 than option 2. Sure I'm disappointed that it won't be released until next year too, but people need to stop being bunch of selfish crybabies. It's not like the movie is sitting there completed and they're putting off releasing it because they want a holiday weekend opening to increase profits.

Jedi on Aug 15, 2008

17

bitch all you want, but you know i'll see all your asses at the box office on 7/17/09…

evs on Aug 15, 2008

18

they might as well just reschedule Christmas…

Mike on Aug 15, 2008

19

The Harry Potter Fans are stupid. People frothing at the mouth for a release date being pushed back are stupid. This is just a film, you're not going to die if you have to wait some months more to see your movie. (And I know what I'm talking about.) The reactions of the fans and the petition just screams again of 'fan entitlement' (And it does happen a lot in the HP Fandom). WB owns nothing to the fans, they'll see the film anyway, for all their righteous whining they giving the world now.

Pissing off the fanbase because said fanbase can't be arsed to understand why WB is doing that change. They only think of themselves and hoooow loooong they have to wait. I was looking forward to the film too but I can understand why they're doing that choice. It does not mean I'm happy but at least, I can take a step back. And WB is not not being 'an evil greedy corporation', it's simply being a business. God forbid they try to make as much money as they can with a film ! God forbid they try to place some big films in 2009.

I hope they won't give in to the whining of the fans because that would be pretty stupid and weak in my opinion. I love how a studio can be encenced for something and as soon as they do something you don't like, they're bad, evil and do not deserve respect.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

20

The problem is not that they are pushing it back, it's the reason they are pushing it back.

WB exec has said it's NOT TO WORK ON THE FILM. The film is pretty much done, he's seen it and it's wonderful.

The reason is that there is a weekend in summer now where they can make more money on ticket sales. This is why we are IRATE!

If WB came out and said we need more time to work on the film, the fans would be upset yet understanding. Although it still seems odd that it is a full 3 months before the release date that they decide that. The reason we are angry is because it comes down the the almighty dollar.

Please check out the quoted material from an article posted on the web and you will see how it is affecting other things too and WB's response.

""""On a related note, the rescheduling of the film has impacted other events tied in to the previously scheduled release this fall. The BBC reports that indeed the Royal Performance and UK premiere of the film had been canceled. Quotage: “It was the first time the annual gala – held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) – had been scrapped since 1958. CTBF chief executive Peter Hore told BBC News he was “very disappointed” with the decision to shelve the Potter premiere.” In the same article, WB’s Alan Horn is also cited as saying “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.”""" This was for charity, and it would have been ready but they are shelving it for ticket sales.

reseam on Aug 15, 2008

21

What it comes down to is this…Money and Greed. They are doing this for no other reason. If it was earlier this year they had announced this, yes people would have been angry, but we would have been accepting. To announce this change 3 months before the release date and then tell us the movie was ready to release in November, but uhh we decided to move it to Summer because of low competition due to the writer's strike is ludicrus!

If they had at least lied and said the movie needed some tweaking or additional work, we wouldn't be so angry. But the movie "Is fabulous and we would have been perfectly able to have it out in November" is what is pissing people off!

reseam on Aug 15, 2008

22

Im really not a huge Harry Potter Fan so i can only imagine how painfull it must be for some of you to wait an extra 8 months!!! But at the same time..July 2009 looked extremely weak as far as movie releases (summer 09 in general doesnt look too promising but thats another story…) that it only makes sense for Warner Brothers to release it in this empty slot because i dont consider 2012 or Land of the Lost as direct competition!

I think its a strategic move! It does however suck for all the Excited Fans! ( and i personnaly think that the movie has a lot potential) ..but to call for boycotts and petitions and such…just seems a little too extreme..!
..I had to wait 19 years for a bad Indy..you guys can wait 8 months for a great Harry!

Maxwell on Aug 15, 2008

23

No, I don't think they will change the date back and I don't think the negative reaction will effect sales. I think fans will calm down and yes they will be mad right now but as the year goes on and we get closer to next summer and start seeing trailers again then the hype will be back. This whole fiasco will be present in the minds of fans but ultimately overshadowed by excitement for the movie…finally.

janet on Aug 15, 2008

24

#20

You would have preferred that they lied instead of telling the truth ? And when the truth would have come out, everyone would have bashed them for not telling the truth. Either way they wan't win. They give an explanation perfectly understandable but the fans only think of themselves.

Btw, I love how making money is being greedy. It is such a shame to do your bloody job nowadays !

(Concerning the quote from WB's Alan Horn, I would like to see the source of that quote before assuming it's legit.)

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

25

WB owes everything to the fanbase and JK Rowling( seriously did SHE even know about this). Almost every Harry Potter fan will tell you they love the books, but only think the movies are ok, or they don't like them at all. By pushing back the movie release 8 months, it's just pissing off the fans even more. The worst thing is Half Blood Prince was only 3 months away, and we never heard even a small rumor it might be pushed back until the official announcement was made.

What is really pissing me off is that this is an obvious money scam. WB thinks they will make more money with a summer release. I accually hope this plan will backfire and some of the enraged fans won't go see the movie. In my opion, they could make just as much money on a November release because I am pretty sure there aren't any other good movies coming out over Thanksgiving. If the reason for moving back was for visual effects, ect. then i might understand a little better. But the movie finished filming in like… March… What the hell have they been doing since then?!!!

In conclusion of my ongoing rant, Fuck You WB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Noelle on Aug 15, 2008

26

I laugh at these people's petition. Right deprive yourself of the thing you really want because it's delayed. I bet none of these people who signed the petition will keep their words, that's who insignificant most of the online petitions are.

Samm on Aug 15, 2008

27

All this really is, is a bunch of rabid, spoiled fans that don't understand the decision and wouldn't even if an executive personally explained it to them. A boycott at this point is laughable. Warner Bros knows these same people will turn out in droves come July, and be happy and thankful for a great movie.

Just remember… an angry blogsphere only accounts for 0.1% of gross receipts. The masses don't give a flip.

Devon Shaw on Aug 15, 2008

28

But didn' t the move have all the final editing done in July? Why the hell did they push it back?

Shanice on Aug 15, 2008

29

**Movie
Typo .

Shanice on Aug 15, 2008

30

Aldonn, in response to your concerns the film isn't being delayed for technical reasons to enhance the film, but instead due to marketing tactics…

Peloquin on Aug 15, 2008

31

I can't believe this! Yahoo! says that it is just to capitalize on the summer season. That's a bunch of CRAP! I really hope WB realizes they should go ahead a stick to the November date! I was so looking forward to November now I'm pissed they are pushing it off. PLEASE WB CHANGE IT BACK TO NOVEMBER!

arielle on Aug 15, 2008

32

I'm kind of happy that they pushed this back, they want to work on it more, debug it or clean out the problems and glitches. That means they care about the success and how good it will perform. Not very wise to push it back so close to the release date, but that is how Hollywood works. And it also means more money for James Bond, Quatum of Solace.

Fish on Aug 15, 2008

33

Alot of good points but have to agree with the sentiment that this anger will dissipate and when the time rolls around people will watch it regardless.

In response to "making money is greedy" its not that WB is greedy for making money, its greedy for wanting to make THAT MUCH MORE money. Ah well, such is the American way.

As for action now while we're all "angry" and stuff, I'll just not pay to watch anything WB and even avoid buying DC comics… hahaha

Jimmy on Aug 15, 2008

34

So now it's greedy to want to make more money ? Get a reality check, it's their job to make money, to make as much money as they can. Or else everyone on earth is greedy for wanting more money. It's their job to find marketing tactics to make more people go to the cinema, to make more money. I will never understand this new moral conception of the modern society in which making more money is evil and shameful.

They need a big film in the summer season, they don't need HP in November this year, they push it back. End of the story.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

35

For many fans, including myself, this is a devastating loss! Of course, if this has to do with editing and effects I will understand completely. But, seeing as they have released the teaser trailer and other pictures that look to me, very polished that does not seem to be the case. Obviously, those money fiends at WB have no idea what they are doing. Fans of Harry Potter will be seeing the movie no matter what the release date! This change will just cause chaos, I really hope they listen to what the fans have to say and return the date to November. I was once very happy with WB, the producers of my favourite show and movie, now I see them in a completely negative light. And to those who say it's just a movie really don't understand what an impact it is on many's lives. Harry Potter is a way of life!

Lena on Aug 15, 2008

36

They push it back to make more people go and see it and to make additional changes to improve the whole thing. Would you rather have a worse adaptation released during a kiddy season or a better, more polished one released at a time when more people can see it and let the franchise have more fans so they can get more cash to make a worthy finale ?

Shige on Aug 15, 2008

37

The more outcry there is over the film's pushed RD, (such as there is now) the more hope there is that WB will change it back to the original RD of Nov. 21st.

Signing a petition is one of the easiest ways of attracting attention to a cause. So, if you want the film to be released as planned on Nov. 21st, sign here:

http://www.petitiononline.com/hbpfrela/petition.htm

Keith on Aug 15, 2008

38

I can be angry all I want to. You wanna know why? Because Alan Horn said the film was complete and great. They aren't delaying it for production reasons, they're doing it out of greed and money. Jeff Robinov thinks that delaying the film is a good decision because the gap between Half-Blood Prince and the first Deathly Hallows movie will be shorter. I think its crap, that's just expanding the gap between Order of the Phoenix and this one. I would have been okay waiting til July, but not after how close we were to November 21 and not after watching that intense trailer. They should have made this decision half a year ago.

Micah on Aug 15, 2008

39

Harry Potter sucks, and regardless of how angry these people are now they're still gonna go see the damn movie, even if their forced to wait. And as for the boycott on WB, you'd have to hardcore hate them for something as trivial as this. I don't even really keep up with which company is releasing my movies, if it looks good I go see it, not once have I looked at the production company and passed on something I wanted to see.

I could even see this as being a PR stunt, I haven't even heard much on this movie besides this and it was supposed to release in November. Everyone will shout and yell and more people will become aware of the movie and they'll put the date back and everyone will think they made a difference by protesting and being angry and even more people will go to see it.

Nick on Aug 15, 2008

40

Cain maybe you need the reality check. Where do you think all the money comes from? It comes from the fans that love Harry Potter and have supported it for nearly a decade. WB's success is built on the people who watch their movies. As a Harry Potter fan, Warner Brother's decision feels like a slap on the face. They had promised the November 08 release date for well over a year, touted that date on the most recent trailer, and now a scant three months away from the release they decide to pull the carpet from underneath the fans that have been eagerly waiting for this movie. They ADMIT that it's NOT because the movie needs work. If you bothered to read the articles you would have seen Horn's quote that the movie would be ready for a November release. Entertainment Weekly has Half-Blood Prince on it's cover this week touting it as a fall 08 release.

This was obviously a last minute decision that was made WITH NO REGARD FOR THE PEOPLE WHO PUT MONEY IN WARNER BROTHER'S POCKETS (AKA: THE FANS). They are showing a complete disregard for the people that have helped make these movies so successful in the first place. It's shameful.

It might also backfire on them in the long run. There are no more books to keep the fans interested and a year is a long time to wait. Many people might move on by 2009. There's a chance they could lose momentum. And although, I doubt a Harry Potter movie would ever flop there's a chance it will underperform and not make as much money as the studio is counting on to justify their greedy decision. It would be nothing less than WB deserves for thinking they can treat the fans like rubbish.

Emmeline on Aug 15, 2008

41

"it will be just as bad as Order of the Phoenix"
If only it were that bad. Order of the Phoenix is one of the better HP movies, along with Prisoner of Azkaban

Douglas on Aug 15, 2008

42

I love you people, seriously. The righteous indignation of a minority in the HP fans is tremendously funny. You think you're entitled to anything while you're not (A clue : most people don't give a shit about the release date, only a minority is screaming in outrage.) and you don't understand the reason why WB this decision.

Let's do a little skit, shall we ?

—

WB exec 1 : Hm. We don't have that much movies in 2009 because of the writers' strike. Maybe we should push Harry Potter back to the summer. Besides, considering the success of The Dark Knight, at the same, we might gain more money that we would have in November.


WB exec 2 : It may be a good idea but… Think of the fans ! They're going to tear us apart for changing the release, even if we gave them a good reason ! Nevermind that it'll be a small part of the audience who will cry in outrage.

WB exec 1 : You're right. We should gain less money, keep her 2009 slate thin because of a minority of fans who will end up seeing the film anyway. That's the better decision we could make.

WB exec 2 : Being a business and wanting to make more money is evil after all.

—

See how stupid it looks ? You have the right to be upset but the degree of the reaction ? Way over the top. I do admit that three months before the former release date is not really clever but they did not promise anything. If you're used to go to the cinema, you have to know that release dates are never fixed. WB did not slap you (you as in 'the HP Fans') in the face, stop taking it personally and stop feeling entitled.

Yeah, it's shameful to do marketing tactics, it's shameful to do your job.

… Seriously, the sense of entitlement of the fans is amazing.

"WB did not do as I wanted to ? Then I hoped the film will flop, it'll teach them to bow to the will of fans. *stomps her/his foot*

Do you realise how childish most of the fans sounds ?

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

43

Oops. Typo.

"keep our 2009 slate thin because of a minority of fans who will end up seeing the film anyway."

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

44

But it's not going to happen. The WB doesn't care about petitions or anything. They aren't going to change it back.

And everyone who says they'll be boycotting the film because the WB has betrayed their fans…let me ask you something. Are you a fan of the WB, or a fan of Harry Potter? Because the WB delayed the movie, but thats not Harry Potter's fault.

And on another point WB couldn't careless if you boycott their film. There will still be a billion kids who'll want to see it…and there'll be me and every other sensible person on the planet who'll go see it because it's gonna be a good film.

Why judge a film on it's business sense, and not it's artistic qualities?

Aldonn on Aug 15, 2008

45

Cain, the fact is movie studios depend on the audience for their money. That means making people want to see their movies. I don't appreciate being jerked around and this disregard for the audience only serves to make me feel disillusioned with the franchise. I hate to see WB tarnish something I love. You can applaud them for wanting more money at the expense of the people who have supported them until the cows come home but that doesn't make it any less wrong. AND GUESS WHAT? IF I PAY FOR SOMETHING I AM ENTITLED TO GET MY MONEY'S WORTH. Harry Potter movies have always done well in the fall. PoA was a summer release and it made the least of all the HP movies. A summer release is no guarantee for success. I know people that have already lost interest and moved on to different fandoms like Twilight. It's better to strike while the iron is hot. But instead WB feel the need to alienate their fans and keep them waiting? What happens when people lose interest and get tired of being jerked around by greedy corporations?

"On a related note, the rescheduling of the film has impacted other events tied in to the previously scheduled release this fall. The BBC reports that indeed the Royal Performance and UK premiere of the film had been canceled. Quotage: “It was the first time the annual gala – held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) – had been scrapped since 1958. CTBF chief executive Peter Hore told BBC News he was “very disappointed” with the decision to shelve the Potter premiere.” In the same article, WB’s Alan Horn is also cited as saying “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.”

So it's not just the fans WB are screwing over. It's charities as well.

Emmeline on Aug 15, 2008

46

of course people are going to be angry. They don't steadily release these films. Sometimes they go for a summer release and sometimes they go for a christmas. I know I saw two of them on thanksgiving. With the book series being complete I think the wiser decision would be to try to Shoot back for November. The last thing you want are the fans wrath. The internet is a powerful tool. Aslo they release these trailers so early that when they push back like this people are bound to get mad. I mean to some November is a huge wait. For those to find out they have to wait longer is almost down right dangerous.

-JayBear

Jaybear on Aug 15, 2008

47

#44

And most of the audience don't give a shit. The online fandom is a tiny part of the whiole HP fans, not including people who aren't fans and are going to see the film. Stop your entitlement leitmotiv 'without us, WB would have nothing.' You're not the biggest part of the audience, most people don't care about a release date pushed back. Do you realise how trivial it is ?

Disregard for an audience who's going to see it anyway ? Why would they change for an audience who will go anyway. Here's the thing, they don't need the money this year, they need it next year. Period.

How hard it is for rabid and spoiled fans to understand this simple logic ? Oh, I forgot they got no logic !

I don't applaud them for wanting money. It's just normal, it's what you called being a business. I just don't see what's shameful about it.

It's not because you pay that you're entitled to decide every little thing about a film. They know their job better than you. If it's better for them to push it back to July, it's their right and their choice to make not yours.

If you don't go to HP because you move on Twilight, then frankly, you have nothing to be proud of and you won't be missed.

"But instead WB feel the need to alienate their fans and keep them waiting? What happens when people lose interest and get tired of being jerked around by greedy corporations?"

Entitlement + (Money = EVIL) : You got the Jackpot of the fanbrat !

Concerning the charities, I would like to see a link please I don't believe in hearsay

Btw, pushing back a release date != screwing the fans over.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

48

Right. It's okay to take advantage of the fans and jerk them around because "they'll see it anyway" regardless of how much WB push them around? I'm sorry but hoping to squeeze more money out of people is frankly a shitty reason to disappoint a bunch of people who have been very loyal to WB and the franchise in the past. TDK may have made them a ton of money this year but HP has made them more with a total of five successful movies. I just think it's sad how little the fans actually matter to WB and they have the audacity to say "we love our fans" after pulling something like this. It's more accurate to say "we love our bottom line" $$$$$$

I understand that as a business they need to make money and they would make a ton of it if they release HP in November. Like I said, a summer release won't guarantee them more money. It's a crap-shoot. People could just as well lose interest in seeing it by then.

It's their choice to push the movie back, you're absolutely right. But it's the fans choice to decide whether or not they'll decide to spend money on it. This decision isn't sitting well with a lot of people.

Maybe you should get some reading comprehension. I didn't say I was moving on to Twilight. I don't give a toss about Twilight. I'm saying that I KNOW people who have moved onto that fandom and lost interest in HP. With nothing to keep fans interested it's possible other people will move on to different things as well. They might not be as interested to see it in a year. There are no new books to keep people hyped.

Here's your link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7562557.stm

Emmeline on Aug 15, 2008

49

just pirate the movie when it does come out, they'll hate that even more then not seeing it at all.

Logan on Aug 15, 2008

50

You don't understand, do you. Pushing a release date back is not jerking around the fans. Pushing the release date back has nothing to do with 'Fans matters little to WB'. You do know that it's not the first time that a film was pushed back ? These things happens but most of the time people don"t go around crying in outrage and feeling offensed. It's only a vocal minority among the HP Fans that is complaining. WB does not take advantage of the fan, neither do they jerk you around. If you really believe that everything is about you, you need a big reality check.

Movies studio have been doing that for years. It's part of the business to choose the best date of release for one film. For HP, there's several reasons already explained and some that you don't answer to. I was not comparing TDK or HP. I wa saying that, considering the money TDK made in summer, they could expect a huge success at the same date. And more importantly, they needed a big movie at that date. They don't need HP this year. Why can't you just understand this logic ? Why do you always go back to you (as in 'the fans'). It's not a shitty reason. Coming from a business, it's perfecty understandable.

Seriously when I'm hearing the fans complain I only hear : "Me ! Me ! Meeee !" And WB are the selfish ones ?

People won't lose interest. It's HP for God'sake ! If they lose interest for the next summer, what about the last two films ?

FFS, Fans whining on the Internet != Main audience.

Most people don't give a damn.

Maybe YOU should get some reading comprehension, I did not say YOU had move on to Twilight. I used the 'you' for any HP Fans who did move on to Twilight. Well, if I follow your wonderful logic, WB should not do the last two films then since people will lose interest.

Thanks for the link. I'm reading it.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

51

Holy misquotation, Batman !

The whole quote is :

"It was the first time the annual gala - held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) - had been scrapped since 1958.

CTBF chief executive Peter Hore told BBC News he was "very disappointed" with the decision to shelve the Potter premiere."

The sentence "It was the first time the annual gala - held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) - had been scrapped since 1958." is linked to that sentence : "Last year's performance was cancelled amid controversy about the chosen movie, Brick Lane." Not to the cancelling of HBP.

Although it is indeed sad that HP won't be part of this Royal Premiere, it's in anyway screwing over the charities. And from what I'm reading, it is not sure that the film is really cancelled from the Royal Premiere :

"But he was hopeful a Royal premiere would still go ahead this year.

He said: "The Royal Film Performance has been around for a long time and has a tradition of showcasing the best films. We are confident we will be able to do that again this year."

Mr Hore added that he expected to make an announcement shortly."

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

52

And I forget a part of the whole quote. Sorry.

"Royal performance

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince had been chosen for this year's Royal Film Performance, on 17 November.

Last year's performance was cancelled amid controversy about the chosen movie, Brick Lane.

It was the first time the annual gala - held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) - had been scrapped since 1958.

CTBF chief executive Peter Hore told BBC News he was "very disappointed" with the decision to shelve the Potter premiere."

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

53

Warner Bros ruined my day. I hope everyone who works for that company suffers a painful, tragic death

greg on Aug 15, 2008

54

Well, If the date is not changed I shall boycott the film. Plain and simple. That's about all the power I have against the corporate world: not to buy their products if they piss me off.

Someone on myspace has posted a protest page though:

http://www.myspace.com/potterreleaseprotest

Kristin on Aug 15, 2008

55

You forget the fact that HBP was THREE months from being released that's what makes it so infuriating. It's the fact that this was a split second decision that has disappointed a ton of people. Up until recently they were advertising this movie for 2008. The trailer is touting that date, magazines have spreads anticipating the movie's fall release, the video game is prepped to come out. Everything was prepped for this release. They are sitting on a completed movie which the president of the studio says is great and he says everything was on schedule.

It's not like with the new Star Trek which was still filming when the studio changed the date of that movie. It was relatively early on. With this situation it's them changing the date so close to the release that is outrageous. Can you really not understand why people are so damn angry? And YEAH, it is a shitty thing to do to people in the hopes they'll make a million or two more.

HBP's premiere at the Royal performance was going to be for charity. Now they're being forced to look for a new feature so yeah, WB screwed them over.Not to mention all the people with a stake in the merchandising for HP that will have to shelve the products their businesses spent money on because of WB's split second decision.

This whole thing sucks.

Emmeline on Aug 15, 2008

56

I think this was a terribly selfish act by Warner Brothers. The only thing this movie will bring is that a million more n00bs like me will actually know what "Tent Pole" means this weekend.

But aside from that dont they consider the the seasonal essence that that a fall release connects to the films? I know not every one lives in a desert climate, but it feels wrong seeing Harry Potter in the smoldering heat. Harry Potter has never been a film that is portrayed in the relentless heat of summer. The movies are always fall, winter spring-ish, they are cozy. They are more overcoats and mitts, not boardshorts and sandals.

Not to mention pulling the rug out of everyones expectations. Listen Warner Brothers. We the fans who pay terribly inflated box office prices are the mechanism that makes or breaks your attempts to create box office MAGIC. We have no share in your little back door meetings where you discuss the profit margins you will reap with these shifts in release. We only spend our hard worked cash on seeing something that makes us happy. You made a proper decision to put HBP where it was. You cannot create another Dark Kinght. Those things are not forced they just happen. I hope Harry Potter nation runs Roughshod over your plans.

You want a better IDEA? Spend a ton of cash on proper marketing for the HBP like you did the dark knight and meet your margins that way. Obviously if your worried about the kids not in school, do you think they'd be reacting like this if they were concerned about that much?

Hey comment #49, EBOD Eat a bag of D*&$'s.

Alex on Aug 15, 2008

57

I already said that the three months thing was not clever. And frankly I could not care less about the release date since it's only a film, and also a process quite regular in the film business. But nevermind that, the HP fans are sooooo speshul, they need a speshul treatment from the Industry. It has disappointed a lot of people online, which is in fact close to nothing in the wide audience of HP. Yes, they did prep the film for 2008, yes they should have announced that sooner, I don't disagree with that. It could have been done better. But the event in itself is not worth the rage of some fans. It's like fans will be going through withdrawal if they don't have their potter fix.

It's not a shitty decision, it's a common decision in a business. I don't mind people being angry and upset. You have the right. I just think the degree of the reaction (see #52) is over-the-top. It's just a film ! It's not like they're cancelling the film, they're just pushing it back. You just have to wait, the world isn't ending. (And yes, you shall be glad they could million or two more. You know why ? Because the HP films were only made for the money they can gain from it.)

HP Fans sound just like spoiled brats who did not get what they want. You have to wait eight months ? Boooo. I live in France, I always have to wait more than you do to see films I like and it can go from one month to eight. It upsets me, I can't deny it. But I don't go on and on complaining and cursing WB. I don't like it but I know I have to accept it, because it's the way it works.

First fo all, it's not sure (according to the article) that HBP is indeed cancelled at the Royal Premiere. And while I think it'd be indeed a bad thing if it were to be cancelled, it's not the end of the world either. They can search for another film.

This whole thing has been poorly handled, I can agree on that. As for the rest, HP Fans will always be speshul snowflakes.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

58

HPs are November releases period………

This is the worst news I have heard since we found out Dumble is a Nancy Boy.
Thanksgiving is gonna suck!

D-9 on Aug 15, 2008

59

It boils down to this. The WB has angered fans because they figure they can make more money next July because of the lackluster movies coming out at that time. First of all, how many more fans are they going to attract to a franchise that is 6 movies in. If you haven't seen the first 5 movies, what is going to make the average summer moviegoer pony up the money to see a movie where they won't know what the heck is going on.

Secondly, can some of you posters out there please read the friggin' article before you claim (like you know for certain) that it is being delayed to "make the movie better" or "improve the special effects". This is not the reason for the delay…you're uninformed comments just make you look dumb when you secretly think in your pea-sized brains, that you just dropped some knowledge on us all.

When it comes down to it, this was all based on money, plain and simple. Now I'm not knocking the WB for wanting to fill their pockets. The problem I (and many others) have with it, is the money they will be making by releasing it next summer as apposed to this November is going to probably be the same if not less (because of this stunt). The only difference I see is that it will be made in Q3 2009 instead of Q4 2008 (the Q's stand for quarter for the non-business savvy). Either way, they have the cash. Although potentially a bit less due to the anger of the fans.

And I will second the comments made by commenter Emmeline (#39) in response to all of you who say "why is them making more money so bad". Its not bad, but pissing off the very people who provide you with this money is.

And to end on a cliche…Think of all the little children!! There are many kids out there that have been looking forward to this movie all year. This is their Dark Knight!! Look them in the eye WB, and explain to them the reasons why you're moving the event they've been PATIENTLY looking forward to for over a year, farther away.

Justin on Aug 15, 2008

60

The difference between the release in November and Summer si that they don't need the money this year (thanks to The Dark Knight.) but because of the writers' strike, they have less films in 2009 and they need a big one in July. That's the reason. I don't see why people have to take it personally and start cursing WB and all the nice little things you can see on the net when it is srs bsns in fandom.

Fans will be angry but next summer, they're all going to see the film anyway. That's how the fans are. They complain, they scream in outrage, they're angry but in the end, they're going to see the film.

Be angry and upset all you want. That's your right. But bashing, petitions and protests ? Puh-lease. You have to draw the limit somewhere.

They're not pissing the very audience who paid for the money. They're pissing off a minority online. The average fan (like me) will not care of the film is being pushed back as long as the film is being released.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

61

To those of you who are planning on boycotting:

It would be smarter to boycott all of Warner Bros' OTHER films leading up to the release of Harry Potter. That way, you can still get some revenge against WB and still get to see Harry Potter.

Keith on Aug 15, 2008

62

Typo again. Sorry.

[...] They're not pissing off the very audience who paid for the money. They're pissing off a minority online. The average fan (like me) will not care if the film is being pushed back as long as the film is being released.

Cain on Aug 15, 2008

63

I read all the Harry Potter books. I have seen all the movies on the weekend of their release and I have genuinely enjoyed the Harry Potter experience. This 8 month delay thing, well, I just don't care. Eight months is nothing. It's trivial. It won't severely affect anyone's life at all (god save the fans who die between Nov. 2008 and July 2009).

Nathan on Aug 15, 2008

64

That story about the Punisher War Zone PG-13 rating never rang true to me. I believe THIS guy:

There is a rumor that has started circulating around this little thing called “the internet” that Lionsgate is pushing for the next installment of The Punisher to be rated PG-13. Given all we know of the franchise, this immediately smelled foul. Not being without charms and fully utilizing our ruggedly handsome looks, we tracked down our own source who is, of course, “close to the production.” Their word? *beep*

We could add some words in front of that, like “complete,” “total,” or “utter,” but it throws off the feng-shui of the post, but they would be appropriate. It looks like this originated over at Latino Review, who indicate that they have their own source. Now, I love those Latino Review guys, but I have no idea who they’re talking to. I do, however, definitely know our source and know that I trust them completely. Punisher: War Zone will be Rated R for Rambo-Levels of violence. Which is a good thing, because the kill count of Rambo (another Lionsgate release) was 236 and featured some of the best gore violence in years.

Now, while being Rated-R, the film is still facing a troubled production run, detailed by our Neil Miller at the end of last month. Who knows what else is going on in making the film “presentable,” though it probably has to do mostly with timing. While our source is more than enough for me, for you kids keeping count at home there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, former Marvel Entertainment CEO Avi Arad (and current Marvel producing partner) Avi Arad has always said that The Punisher was one character who would carry the R-Rating at Marvel (the other being Blade). Second, producer Gale Anne Hurd spoke at great length at Comic Con about the film and stressed the level of violence that would be in the film. Lastly, the exclusive footage shown at Comic Con, which was very well received, was definitely from a film that was Rated R, and it was the point they were selling - brutal.

In summation, this PG-13 rumor is total *beep* Punisher: War Zone is still not a ship sailing smoothly, but it will come to theaters with that Rated R stamp all over it on December 5. And just in case you need more evidence of the R-Ratedness, have a look at the clip below, which was launched a few weeks back at Comic-Con.

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/punisher-still-to-punish-in-r-ra ted-way.php

Nomad on Aug 15, 2008

65

Hey alex, i dont know if you will answer this, but can this just be a stunt to make people want harry potter more, then they will bring it back. Is it anywhere near possible?

sean on Aug 15, 2008

66

I think if the Harry Potter film need time to be finished properly ( special effects, et all) then I can understand the delay.

If the movie is being delayed ( as I have read elsewhere) because Warner Brothers thinks it will earn more money playing in the summer than in November - then I beg to differ. They might loose money. I will not boycott the film ( whenever it comes out) but I would prefer that it is in November. Why? Because after I go to the theater to see the film, I will have to wait until it comes out on DVD and I can watch it again at home. I have bought all five of the DVD's and am looking forward to owning all 8 of them

So, please, Warner Brothers release the movie in November and by summer have the DVD available…

Thank you,
Kitty

Kitty on Aug 15, 2008

67

This is comical. just peeking at some of the petitiions online, you can see on the first page that its the same person signing two or three times… this just weakens the effect of petitions. However, this could be an interesting case study as the HP online community is quite large and if they could actually mobilize and affect a big corporation that would be something to see. Kinda reminds me of the "boycott" certain gas stations to drive down the price…

In regards to my previous comment about being "greedy" I think the question I really want to know is how much is enough? And that isn't even the issue with this movie. After the fanboy side calmed down, I agree with poster #58 about balancing the books. Unfortunately, the bottom line is what decides in the end.

And #62, that comment at the end you made had me in a stitch.

Jimmy on Aug 15, 2008

68

Can we also mention that if WB keeps the release date in late November, it would be a perfect tie-in with J.K. Rowling's release of the book "Beetle the Bard" around x-mas time. This I believe could only bolster the returns on HBP with that coming out weeks apart. Plus, with a November release, they can have the DVD come out right around summer of 2009. And we all know that movie studios tend to make a boatload of cash on DVD sales….there's your missing cash for ya WB!!

Justin on Aug 15, 2008

69

I cannot BELIEVE what Warner Bros has done!! "We love our fans" my ass! All they care about is making more money, like Harry Potter wont make a killing in November! And pushing it back 3 months before it was to be released? Stupid and even more upsetting. I can't believe how pissed off I am right now and how greedy Warner Brothers is!

Kathy on Aug 15, 2008

70

i think pushing it back into TDK's slot is a very poor excuse, becuase it didn't matter the date for the dark knight, it could've came out in june and ppl would've still seen it in the same manner. the release date just doesn't matter in this case, so wtf are u thinkin wb???

granted harry potter will prolly do slightly better in july than in nov bcuz the holday season is so crowded with non- blockbuster films, but y the hell must u dissapoint so many fans?? what the hell's your competition? bolt, punisher, day the earth stood still, that's nothing. hp and the hbp had the potential to cross the 300M in november, but you've ruined that wb, so go fuck yourselves.

LeeMan on Aug 15, 2008

71

I am a casual Harry Potter fan, but it is disappointing. Not like I would boycott the movie so much, but it does prove that it is a very greedy move for quarterly numbers as opposed to making a better movie. They could have at least lied and told us it was for reshoots. I wouldn't have been so miffed.

L on Aug 15, 2008

72

GIVE US POTTER GIVE US POTTER GIVE US POTTER!!!!!!

Coolness on Aug 15, 2008

73

If the studios came out with better movies, they would'nt need to lean on there "Blockbusters" to fill in the gaps. Business is business and I understand that however, Harry Potter is more than "just a movie". Everyone has the things in life that they enjoy. What if the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA all pushed their league start times?? Sometimes you have to do what's right, not always what's in the best interests of business.

People want something they can look forward to these days. With everything that's wrong in this world today, people want a chance to go do something and be HAPPY and escape from the crap that's going on around them. Think about all of those kids who look forward all year to see something that lights them up. This isn't just about a movie and if you think it is…YOU JUST DON"T GET IT!!!

Mare on Aug 15, 2008

74

http://www.petitiononline.com/hbpfrela/petition.html

Leland Rogers on Aug 15, 2008

75

If in March, WB announced they were pushing back the Dark Knight until November (for the plethora of holiday ticket sales)- this thread would be full of angry comments and not one dissenting voice.

It's annoying - you get psyched up for a film and then it gets moved, just so they have a "better?" shot at my money?

Let people be annoyed - if you just lie down and take everything corporate America gives you, you get…well… pretty much what we have today.

Heather on Aug 15, 2008

76

No, it wont hurt them. All the Harry Potter fans are going to pretend to be outraged until they forget about it. When the movie comes out theyll have forgotten all about their "boycott" and then go and spend money on a better harry potter movie. This wont hurt the studio, but I feel people need to stop being so whiny. I doubt WB will care anything about what anybody says, because they have one of the most solid products that barely needs any advertisement. I doubt theyll increase their product value by releasing it at any time, so thats not the reason so then you have to assume theyre in need of reshooting some areas. So when it comes out later, youll be able to leave the theatre less dissapointed in the movie and more in the time frame. In summary, quit whining.

Allen Johansen on Aug 15, 2008

77

They have shamelessly admitted they are delaying this film to make more money.
This comes just a few days after publishing release dates for countries worldwide! A major charity event in England is now cancelled because of their greed.

Of course most of us will go see the movie whenever it is released. But there are many WB movies coming out between now and July '09 that we will be boycotting. There is also a theme park being built in Florida, scheduled to be opened late '09. We can just as easily go to Disney!

Patti on Aug 15, 2008

78

The big problem is that they are pushing the movie clearly because of money…


thats one slap on the face to the millions of harry potter fans, many that EVERYDAY visit the harry potter fan sites like "mugglenet" to have notices of the movie


how many times i fucking went there this year and had NO NOTICE of the movie, but i was ready to return later WAITING FOR ONE PICTURE


now they just push that to JULY 2009


they dont have idea how some harry potter fans are addicted


some fans had this release like THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF THE YEAR

some fans in 01/01/2008 said "THIS YEAR WE HAVE HARRY POTTER"

ppl make plans, they plan to cosplay in the release date, ppl plan to go to the premiere…

less than 100 days to the movie and they just push that…BECAUSE OF MONEY?


dear warner bros, you cant figure out that when it comes to harry potter, you can release the movie in december 24! you will get YOUR MILLIONS, YOUR MONEY, you already have fucking addicted fans that will make this movie a blockbuster, in november or july!

THAT SUMMER THING IS BULLSHIT! the first movie was released in november and made much more money than the third that was released in july!


i dont know if i will be able to boycott the release, even if it comes out july 17, 2009, BUT BE SURE, i can boycott ALL the other warner bros movies(less batman xD), you know why? THEY ARE NOT MOVIES LIKE HARRY POTTER! i am not addicted, i can just choose the other movie that is not one from the warner!


you are making the worst move that you could! you had a fucking win year with The Dark Knight, release Harry Potter this year will just make 2008 the biggest year for warner so far, what about break a record so?


you are assuming the risk of this movie get leaked to the internet, and you will loose alot of money, it will end up backfiring, and the harry potter fans dont want that!

Jeanne on Aug 15, 2008

79

I consider myself an average HP fan. I've read all the books and seen all the movies, but didn't exactly queue up to buy the book at midnight, or see the premiere. In fact, I usually borrowed the books from my speed-reader friends who had finished reading them a day after they released, and only saw the first three movies on rented DVDs. I love the magic and fantasy of it all, and think Rowling is a genius for coming up with the whole wizarding world, but am definately no diehard fan.

However, I beg to differ from some of the comments directed at angry fans, and have been tempted to comment because I enjoy seeing all the different povs in these charged discussions, and putting in my two penny's worth. So here is my humble opinion. First of all, some comments have pointed out that 'business is business' and that WB have every right to try and make as much money as they can from their baby. Granted, that's how business works. On the other hand, I am a project manager. When I assess a project and tell my clients 'I will deliver by this date' - I have to deliver by that date. If I don't, I face severely pissed off clients, incur penalties from my fees, and lose face, reputation, and future assignments. Yes, it is not unheard of to delay films, for production reasons, or to position them better in the market. On the other hand, to release a trailer effectively promising a November launch date, and then come back and say 'Well, we're not going to deliver on that date, sorry!' is not on. Such a move should have definately been made earlier. And since WB have announced this decision so late in the day, and if good business sense prevails, it would be silly for them not to anticipate severely pissed off clients, penalties from their fees and loss of face and reputation (if not necessarily future assignments).

I also do not agree that only a small internet following are objecting. The news of the delay has been covered in various forms of the mass media, and most of the people who have mentioned it to me, whether HP die-hard fans or people who usually go 'er….Harry who?', have tutted, raised eyebrows and commented that it's a very risky move at the very least. As someone mentioned, to a vast (I would hardly call the hardcore HP fans limited in number) following of HP, the movies represent more than just a film - people have grown up with the books in many cases, and have been visualising them for years, and are genuinely excited about seeing the movie in November - and they are not happy. I agree that most of them will eventually pipe down and go see it anyway, but is it good business sense to dampen your key followers' (who will probably attend multiple showings) enthusiasm, even if only by one iota?

Related to this is the fact that too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Successful movie promotion gives viewers the proverbial carrot on a stick. They show you a glimmer of what you can expect if you comply (by attending). They assault you with promo pics, trailers, associated websites, viral marketing campaigns - literally teasing you, whetting your appetite, getting you hooked and reeling you in. A teaser has already been realeased. A number of fresh pics have apparently been released following the delay announcement, in an attempt to appease the so-called 'rabied fans'. If they keep up at this rate they will have shown us virtually the whole film in promotion, and a lot of the non hardcore viewers who aren't really fans anyway will think 'why bother' in favour of the other blockbusters which usually come out at that time of the year. On the other hand, stopping the realease of future promo material will probably not help much either - promotion doesn't work in fits and starts, its a gradual build up to a climax. Plus, I do agree that there would probably be a loss of interest - no more books coming out, no more unanswered questions to answer, a lot less hype than there was for OoTP (which was no doubt boosted by the close release of the final HP installment, making July 07 'HP month'). People grow up and change, there's a recession that's not getting any better any time soon, oil prices are increasing - again the non-die hard fans are the ones I would worry about - they are the ones who some people have claimed are more numerous and they are the ones who are more likely to say 'eh, I know what happens anyway, can't really remember why I was so darn excited about the books, I think I'll save a buck and wait for the DVD'

If it gets that far…let's face it, a polished, finished movie is sitting on a shelf at the WB batcave somewhere. For 11 months. How long before someone thinks 'I can make something of this' and puts it on the internet for all to download….for next to nothing or even free? The movie could be leaked by November, but increasing the time window increases the risk. Plus, if the so called 'whiny' die hard fans knew the film was coming out in November, they would be less likely to watch a poor quality download in the interim. If they are so antsy to watch it and would otherwise have to wait 11 months…that poor quality download would probably look a lot more tempting.

Finally, I recently went to see DK. I wanted to see it. I saw Batman Begins, and when I started to hear of DK, I thought 'Cool, a sequel, I hope it doesn't suck - I'll definately be giving that a look see'. Whether it was realeased in July, November or bloody April Fool's day wasn't the point. I was going to see it because it's THAT kind of film. People anticipate it and they want to watch it, they wait for it, they probably organise candlelight vigils or something the day before it's released. I've read about people who planned their birthday celebrations round HBP. So I honestly find it hard to believe that people are going to find it uninteresting, or impossible to go watch in November, but suddenly flock from distant lands in the Twighlight zone to see it just because it's in July. As Cain said, they need it more next year - but if that's at a high risk of LOSING money, than I would prefer to strike while the iron is hot. But that's just my opinion…

claire on Aug 15, 2008

80

Thank you Warner Brothers for not giving a crap about your fans, we've waited long enough. Warner Brothers has ruined my Thanksgiving as I promised to take my little sister to it for her birthday as it is one of the only times I will be visiting home for the next year or so. It's a really low move on Warner Brothers part and I hope that they don't make a dime off of the Half-Blood Prince. Pirates unite and leak the Half-Blood Prince all over the web, because I plan on boycotting Warner Brothers and will not pay to see the film after what they have done! I hope this terrible decision comes back to haunt them, and I hope they realized that they have lost some loyal fans.

Melissa on Aug 15, 2008

81

Seriously……if a delayed movie screening is the biggest problem in your life then you are a very lucky person. If it isn't your biggest problem, then can I suggest you pour your energy and effort into dealing with that problem, instead of whinging about a completely irrelevant issue such as this movie.

Chris on Aug 15, 2008

82

I have been counting down the days since the beginning of 2008. Not only that, but I have been searching for the flippin teaser trailer since then as well and didn't get that until a couple weeks ago. But hey, I was happy to know the movie would be released in 3 more months. Oh wait, now I have to wait 11 FREAKING MONTHS!!! I hate your warner brothers and I hope you pay for making this outrageous decision. I know for sure I will not be seeing the movie in theaters. FUCK YOU!

Matt on Aug 15, 2008

83

I am so pissed, I could punch a baby right now. Warner Brothers, rot in fucking hell. I will devote my heart in soul into getting people to fight against you and not see the movie in theaters.

Alexa on Aug 15, 2008

84

Fuck you comment number 80. Harry Potter fans take matters like this very seriously. Obviously you're not one. Anyways, screw you WB - move the movie back to november or I will avada kadavra your fucking asses.

Alexa on Aug 15, 2008

85

When I heard this news I didn't believe it. I thought for sure it had to be a joke that somehow got leaked into the media. I am furious at you warner brothers, and I am going to send you as much hate mail as possible. You've already screwed up most of the movies, you give us a teaster trailer 5 months late, and now you move the 6th movie almost a year. Way to SUCK!!!!

John on Aug 15, 2008

86

I'm a giant HP nerd and I am not going to lie, I hate WB more than anything right now…They completely just put a hole in my movie plans for my fall/early winter schedule. Damn you WB!!! Harry Potter is a fucking November movie, not July, you asses!

Stephanie on Aug 15, 2008

87

This is ubsurd. I'm going to have to wait a whole fucking year for this fucking movie to come out. Let's get fans all excited and release tons of new photos and put out a nice teaser trailer; then lets rip their hearts out by changing the release date of the movie to July! OMG what a great idea!! Seriously Warner Brothers, you guys are really smart! Well done!

Melanie on Aug 15, 2008

88

i love warner even more now.

Buttons on Aug 15, 2008

89

While everyone is so upset about this subject (me being one of those upset people), I highly doubt that any of us who say they won't see it in the theater 11 months from is full of shit. By the time Watchmen releases and they have a full trailer out for HP, everyone who is mad now will come out again and say how excited they are for Harry Potter. In the end, this push forward will be a footnote. I know we are all mad now, because I am too! Lets all be patient, and focus on the now marquee November film Quantum of Solace!!!

Andy Adair on Aug 15, 2008

90

The rage over this money driven decision has over flowed from the HP fan world into the Alan Rickman Fan world. The disrespect they are showing the fans who have financed these movies is staggering. I mean how many more houses are cars do you have to have before the profits can take a back seat. HBP is ALWAYS going to break records and produce an obscene amount of money – when EVER it was shown. I for one will boycott Warner Bros until the film is released. I was going to see Dark Knight this weekend – no way now. These big movie companies need to show the punter some real respect. It is WE who fund this films and to so casually ignore us is appalling, let alone doing this to a child’s story/book and what about the Royal Performance charity? They say this is a careful and measured decision but seems their sister companies had no idea with a number of magazine promoting the movie for November.

Warner Bros you LACK of consideration, your cynical, one-track mind on profits has damaged your reputation and is frankly beyond repair.

Reeds on Aug 16, 2008

91

blockbuster put out the harry potter movies in the series and sequels section of the new release wall. Guess they are wrong now.

Buttons on Aug 16, 2008

92

@80

If you are biggest problem is people complaining about this movie, have you thought maybe you are the one with the fucking problems?

Coolness on Aug 16, 2008

93

If you are a serious fan of HP, like I am, then who cares when the damn movie comes out… as long as it does!!
I could understand fans being upset about WB saying that the movie isn't coming out at all!!… hell I would be the most pissed but that isn't what is happenning here! The movie is coming out… quit getting your panties in a bunch and have some fucking patience for crying out loud!!!!!!!
Get a grip people!! You will be satisfied soon enough!! WB always delivers!!
Have any of you thought how the actors might feel about the delay??? Some people are so selfish!!!
I for one am gonna wait patiently, not worrying about the realase date cuz it is "going to make more money for WB" or anything! I am a total fan and they all have my support!! Anyone who bitches can go spit!!! Only true fans wanted here!!

Foxspirit726 on Aug 16, 2008

94

When I first heard this I thought it may have been a hoax, but became furious when I realised that it was in fact true.
From the second I left the cinema after seeing OOTP I have been looking forward to HBP. My daughter and I have both been very excited about seeing this movie (despite the fact that us poor Aussies already had to wait a further 3 weeks more than most other fans), we are both extremely disappointed about WBs decision.
I am seriously considering boycotting this movie in protest, as I know many other fans are also planning to do.

If WB had said they were having post production problems, or if there was a LEGITIMATE reason for the extra EIGHT MONTHS delay then I would have been understanding. To read that it is purely to increase profits however has angered me very much. What do they seriously think is going to happen? All of a sudden in 8 months time there are going to be thousands more Harry Potter fans? It doesn't matter when they release this movie they are going to be rolling in cash, so it is not only unacceptable but downright disrespectful to their fans to delay the release until the middle of next year (even longer no doubt for Aussie fans).

Shame on you Warner Brothers - you have disgraced yourselves.

Kate on Aug 16, 2008

95

I am amazed that we have a few people commenting that they are happy to be treated in this manner by big business but there are always those who are happy to be treated like a commodity for the sake of profit.

For those that are not so comforted that an 11 month wait indicates that WB are delivering, may want to vent their anger directly to WB

susan.fleishman@warnerbros.com
jayne.trotman@warnerbros.com
desiree.finnegan@warnerbros.com
vanessa@hpfilms.co.uk
nickie.snape@warnerbros.com (yes her name is actually Snape)

Or sign a petition that has nearly 20, 000 in under 2 days - people are not happy.

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/harrypotter6

Reeds on Aug 16, 2008

96

WB is just plain stupid for making this decision (it makes hardly any business sense!). I agree with the poster who talked about striking while the iron is hot. Why the WB thinks waiting an extra 8 months would get more excited fans to go see the movie is beyond me - have they learned nothing from disney's narnia debacle?! (fyi narnia was delayed from a winter to summer release as well … look how well that worked out!).

It makes even less sense to announce the delay so close to the release date (i.e. a bunch of pissed off fans). While the number of online "hard-core" potter fans might be minor (to the big picture or whatnot) - these are most likely the "repeat customers" of the movie, the people who give a movie "legs" at the box office. So yes, they will likely go and see the movie anyway, but what's to stop them then from deciding to stick it to Al Horn and just wait for the DVD rather than go and see the movie again in theaters. Heck, in that case the DVD might actually come out sooner!

Dedicated fans (who imo will actually want to see the movie on the big screen) aside, pirated copies that come out in next 11 month will likely keep casual fans from boosting the film's box office - they are the people who I think will opt to just wait for the DVD. Still, that's going to make a dent, especially in international markets where there are more casual fans (and/or fans of the movies who haven't read the books) and where pirated DVDs are easily accessible, and not too shabby in quality might I add.

Finally, WB will obviously lose some good will from this stunt. Angry fans might not have the heart to boycott HBP, but they can certainly do so for other WB products. The negativity even the casual HP fan feels toward WB might come into play when they decide on whether to see a movie they're ambivalent toward, or decide between a WB movie or one by another studio (both being relatively equal, the WB association might logically become a tie-breaker).

All these disadvantages are highlighted by the fact that HP is one of those movies that will do about the same regardless of when it's released - they same crowd will likely go see it, and the people who don't won't. I can't believe the WB execs would be so dumb as to not see all this, so my guess is they're willing to risk all the backlash/negative PR for whatever bump HBP can give to their summer quarterly. If that is the case, I guess they have no confidence in whatever other movies they have comeing out around that time … how sad (guess there's no need in wasting money on those movies either!).

Anyway, my bottomline, the impact/backlash might be slight … but there will be one, from plenty of sources and for plenty of reasons. Hope it's worth it WB.

Melissa on Aug 16, 2008

97

I am so pissed about warner brothers decision to delay HBP. Obviously it is going to be hard for fans to not see the movie when it comes out, but here's some thing fans can do to still protest. Stop purchasing their items for one and don't see other warner brother movies. Another thing fans can do when the movie comes out is to wait a week and then go to the theater. Fans can then buy a ticket for another movie and then go see HBP instead. Movie theater employees don't check unless the film is sold out and there aren't enough seats so waiting a week will prevent getting kicked out. Do whatever it takes harry potter fans!!! Warner Brothers needs to pay for their mistake.

Kelly on Aug 16, 2008

98

Wow, people can be so ridiculous. Would they rather have a poorly made film come out and be enraged at that? Take all the time you need if it's going to result in a better film. Besides it's not like they want to do it, they have to, thanks to the writers strike. We all waited two years for the last book, we can't wait an extra 8 months for this? This is definitely a move for the betterment of the film and fans should look at it as such. I know I for one wouldn't want to show up in theaters in November and watch a two-hour-David-Yates-crapfest. Let's leave the filmmaking to the filmmakers, please.

Adrian on Aug 16, 2008

99

#96 - they are not pushing back the date to make the movie better. It is completely done and ready to be shown just about now. They're pushing back the date to next summer because of how well order of the phoenix did in the summer last year and because of already having a big film released this summer (The Dark Knight). They're money hungry pigs and they don't give a shit about their fans.

Chad on Aug 16, 2008

100

I can't wait to buy a ticket for a non-warner brothers movie in july and then see hbp instead. I hope tons of people do this. You've really messed up WB and you're gonna lose your money and your fans.

Tiff on Aug 16, 2008

101

The decision by WB seems quite clear - - - they think they will make more money by releasing the next Harry Potter film in 2009 rather than this year as planned. I do think the hardcore fan base will likely see it any time it is released; however, I also believe that many people who are less hardcore will choose to see something else (and considering the state of the economy some people will have to be a bit more choosy). Personally, if I can wait almost a year longer for the new Harry Potter film, I can wait for it to come out on DVD and simply buy it without going to the theatre at all. That personal decision will hardly put WB out of business, but they won't be getting my money at the box office. And I'll have less time to wait for the final installments of the HP franchise.

general2 on Aug 16, 2008

102

I totally agree with comment #99. I will for sure not be giving Warner Brothers my money at the box office. Whether if means waiting for it to come out on DVD or buying a ticket to another movie and sneaking into HBP. Wahoo comment number 100!! P.S. You suck WB!

Rachel on Aug 16, 2008

103

Has JKR commented on this yet? If all of her fans are hacked off I think she'd definately have an opinion about this.

Emma on Aug 16, 2008

104

No Harry Potter fan is going to boycott the film in July. The thing to do is to boycott all OTHER WB films between now and any release date for the HBP. I would also suggest not buying any WB dvds during that time as well.

Dan on Aug 16, 2008

105

As long as the movie is good, I can wait. I'd rather wait and have a fantastic movie to rebound after the disappointment that OotP was. Also, if WB takes the time to make HBP that much better, their revenue for Deathly Hallows will be that much better to finish off the series.

I'd have to call bullshit on anyone seriously considering boycotting this movie simply because of a delay in the release date. If you're even considering not going to the movie just because of this, then I wouldn't really group you with the fan revenue that WB is counting on.

I'd have to classify this as a huge overreaction by the community. Also, production companies don't exist to please fans. They exist to make money. Welcome to capitalism folks. It's a wonderful place, so enjoy the stay.

Will S. (Co Springs) on Aug 16, 2008

106

Actually Emma is right on the money.

Fvcking Warners are the biggest and greediest of the studios and JKR nearly took the movies off them because the first cycle of toys were so bad.

The way to get them is stay away from Warner product. All of it.

James on Aug 16, 2008

107

Of course they're greedy! They exist to make money! I don't understand where this naivety comes from. Did you all grow up in Soviet Russia? They have *NO* obligation to this fan base you speak of. Not a single bit. Their only goal, *only goal* is to make money off this movie. If you're not happy, don't see it. However, I intend to see it whenever it's good and ready to be seen.

I don't see why everyone sees greed as negative….

Will S. (Co Springs) on Aug 16, 2008

108

I wonder if on the day of the Half Blood Prince movie release in July 2009 there will be protesters outside theatres protesting and convincing people that were about to buy tickets to turn around, go home, and support us. The purpose being to warn WB to never again delay a movie with a fan base as large as Harry Potter's and causing their profits for HBP to plummet.

If that does happen, I will be there protesting. Hopefully our goal will be met and profit for the HBP film will plummet, hence causing those at WB to deeply regret there decision for the delay. Aw..I can taste the victory now..

Shareen on Aug 16, 2008

109

So they said that it would be more convenient to move the realease back. TRANSLATION: WE WANT MORE MONEY!!! They said they wanted to make the fans happier. TRANSLATION: WE WANT THE FANS TO PAY MORE MONEY!!! They said that the writer's strike was a factor in their decision. TRANSLATION: WE STILL WANT MORE MONEY, SO WE'RE GONNA BLAME THE WRITER'S STRIKE, WHICH HAS BEEN OVER FOR MONTHS!!!

WB are a bunch of greedy bitches that don't seem to care about the fans. If they wanted the fans to be happy, then they would've kept the movie the way it is. This move prove that they don't care about the fans, when it's the fans that are giving them money and keeping them off the street. WB are underestimating that.

Marissa C. on Aug 16, 2008

110

Wow. People are delusional. 90% of people who will go see the movie aren't old enough to care. Sure, they'll be sad after hearing it. But they'll forget and move on. This will translate to a better release for HBP in my opinion. November looked really bloated to me, with Madagascar, Bolt, and Harry Potter. With Twilight filling HP's spot, I'd wager it's not moving back.

More reiteration:

WB doesn't have to care about the fans. All you people will still see the movie. Or at least buy the DVD.

Will S. (Co Springs) on Aug 16, 2008

111

WB no longer gives a damn about its fanbase.

Back in January they dropped the bombshell that they were pulling the plug on support for HD DVD, essentially destroying the format after hundreds of thousands of players had sold for Christmas. It was quickly discovered that they had been paid off by Sony to the tune of half a BILLION dollars to rid them of this competition to Blu-Ray. They agreed to this payola despite being under contract with Toshiba to support the HD DVD format through May (which they did anyway, yet their dropping the format began a chain reaction that inevitably killed HD DVD).

When Warren Lieberfarb was running the company, Warner was the benchmark for customer service and forward thinking with their major push toward DVD and aggressive pricing…now they couldn't care less about their customers.

BobbyB on Aug 16, 2008

112

I'm also concerned how the WB has damaged their image with this latest news. I just wanted to provide an update about the petition. It currently has about 24,000 signatures and counting. Harry Potter fans who want to take action can find it at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/harrypotter6 . The petition message now also has the link to the other major campaign, to send Howlers to the WB to urge them to reinstate the November 21 release date.

Hopefully this will make a difference!

Lora on Aug 16, 2008

113

i plan to boycott all warner movies until potter #6 comes out, this will matter a bit, because i am talking about 5 tickets per movie (whole family)

v pagano on Aug 16, 2008

114

Here's the thing:
WB chairman Alan Horn (who is persona non grata in HP nerds hearts) has stated:
"The picture is completely, absolutely, 100 percent on schedule, on time. There were no delays," Horn told The Associated Press. "I've seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November."
If there was some problem in editing, Potter fans would be, for the most part, alright with it. We all want good film to reflect JKR's genius, but this is simply for monetary gain.
WB has gotten all the money they need for this year from Dark Knight. They want to make sure 2009 works out alright, so they loved HP to July.

I hate to reffer to Kathy Griffin's crude terminolgy, but in this case there's not much else to say-
Suck it, WB.
We've got the books. We know what happens. Say good-bye to any success for the rest of this year, and hope we'll forgive you by the time the film comes out, or you'll have to rely soley on DVD sales.

Don't mess with Potter fans, bitch.

Callie on Aug 16, 2008

115

Why don't you silly whingers take a very cold shower and get a reality check.

Warner Bros is not a charity set up to provide entertainment for losers who appear to have a warped sense of reality. When you boys and girls grow up to be big boys and girls you will understand how any business needs to maximise their profits. Go and study your school homework and with a lot of luck you may learn something that will help you in your future working life.

Get out of your trailer parks and do some volunteer work in your community. See if you can add value to your environment. Go to some of the warzones in the world and tell people that are living there who are suffering terrible hardships how important it is that Harry Potter the movie has been delayed.

You complaining people are a foolish and selfish minority and your hypocritical opinions will change absolutely nothing about the way Warner Bros runs their business and nor should they. Get real. What on earth are you self-centred "live for the moment" people going to do when the series of movies have all ended. I guess you could hire Cinderella or Mary Poppins on DVD.

Many thanks to all the people who claim that they will boycott future WB movies. There will be less bogans talking and texting through the movies and rustling crisp packets to bother me.

Chris on Aug 16, 2008

116

Chris post 114:
It's cute that you like name calling, but let's think for a moment (I know it's exciting, but calm down)-

While you're busy in the war zones and being Super-Volunteer (as I assume you are, lest you seem like the selfish, close-minded hypocrites you claim we all are), we're being annoyed at something.

Go figure.

I'll bet even you find some things annoying- rising gas prices, philandering politicians, a shortage of those sweet orange reflective vests you wear while you selflessly pick up trash on the side of the high-way.
I'm sure you don't have time to read (what with those distractions in the war-zones!), but these books are pretty bomb. We like them, we're involved. We're disapointed when there's a delay in something that conects us to them, especially something as large as a film.
Understandable, the fan-psychos are still out there, and some are pretty ridiculous.

However: This is more than just some sad feelings over a long-awited movie delay. It is the blatant, unapologetic nature in which they did it. They've already spent millions in adversitzing for the fall, they are still playing trailers with the original release date on them. They made this announcement hardly than three months before the preimier.
That's smart business sense?

The moral issue here- yanking something out from people's feet SOLEY for monetary gain, without even trying to cover it up, without an apology or bat of an eye-lash- is absurd.
Surely even you can understand it.

Perhaps that's just the trailer-park mentality, or perhaps we haven't read all the word problems in our homework correctly, but you cannot dare call us hypocrites for finding the behavior of WB unaccetable. In fact, I question your morals if you find this any thing but deceptiv