“Jo is very generous in creating this world and she’s given us so many characters that are so vivid that there’s someone for everybody to relate to,” says director David Yates, who has helmed the last four Potter films, on the series’ success. “There are some very universal storytelling themes – the fight against good and evil, the power of love and faith, and the feeling of loss. I think these are some of the many reasons why they’re so successful.”
Yates has certainly put his finger on why Harry Potter has been so successful on both page and screen; because while the films have always been visual spectaculars, and never more than this epic finale, replete with 3D battle set-pieces, dragons, spiders, giants, an awesome fire scene, and all those wizardy special effects, it’s the characters and their friendship that have captured our hearts.
The chemistry between Ron, Hermione, Harry and their Hogwarts classmates undoubtedly has a lot to do with the fact that the actors effectively grew up together, on set. “I do think the bond between me, Rupert and Emma is pretty unbreakable,” Radcliffe admits, “Because I don’t think anyone knows what it’s like to go through this craziness.”
Now 21 and celebrating his 22nd birthday next week, as the film no doubt explodes box-offices the world over, Radcliffe has mixed feelings about having grown up on screen. “It’s just very peculiar when you see footage of yourself at that age – and it’s kind of sad, because I’m not that lovely little innocent thing anymore. But I’m very proud.” He adds, “When we look at those first films, you think god, we had no idea what we were doing – and to a certain extent none of us did. It was new ground. If you look at the visual effects, just the jump between [The Philosopher’s Stone] and [The Chamber of Secrets] in the quality of visual effects is huge, and I think we were all finding out feet, both cast and crew. Chris Columbus was saddled with the biggest franchise in the world, and he had to start it off – and it wasn’t an easy job!”
For all the cast – but especially the three leading actors – the release of the final film is an understandably bittersweet moment. Besides the time dedicated to their characters, they have this franchise to thank for the fact that they are simultaneously the most recognised and highest-paid actors in their age bracket. There are other benefits, of course: reflecting on the experience, actress Emma Watson says, “Hermione is such an incredible young woman, and sort of growing up alongside her definitely pushed me; I think she made me a better person and she made me work harder just as a result of comparing myself with her everyday. I feel so privileged to have played her, to have gotten to be her.”
Radcliffe says he’ll definitely miss getting to do some of the stuff he got to do as Harry. “I got to do a 40-foot free-fall down a roof when I was 15, and all the underwater stuff and bursting out of water surrounded by a ring of fire! I will never get to do that again in my career. So I will miss some of the opportunities playing Harry affords you.” On a sadder note, Rupert Grint adds, “Since we finished filming about a year ago, I have felt a little bit lost without it and not really knowing what to do with myself. It’s been a constant part of my life for so long and it is quite sad [it’s finished] and I am genuinely going to miss it and miss everyone.”
While the Harry Potter journey may have ended for the film’s cast, the legacy lives on for the fans with the upcoming launch of the interactive online experience Pottermore and the announcement of the Hogwarts Experience, a visitor attraction at Leavesden Studio, where the films were made, where fans can walk through some of the iconic sets, including the Hogwarts school hall and Dumbledore’s study, and see the costumes and key props. It’s been one hell of a ride thus far for cast, crew and fans alike, but while the films may have finished there’s no doubting the Harry Potter legacy will live forever.
By Kelly Griffin
