'Harry Potter 5' Screenwriter Talks -- Ron-Quidditch Storyline Has Been Cut
Filed under: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, RumorMonger, Scripts, Family Films, Remakes and Sequels
If you're an anxious boy wizard fan, and you've been keeping abreast on the continuing news bits and rumors about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, you might have heard rumors recently that there was a big kerfuffle over the adaptation of the current film. There were reports that Michael Goldenberg, the screenwriter for the film, had said that the film was suffering from its plot cuts and that Lady Rowling was so ticked off about it that she wanted to join the writing team for the remaining films. Well, it seems that the rumors were all a load of hooey. At least, they are according to Goldenberg, who talked with The Leaky Cauldron about the stories.
Throughout the interview, he pretty much debunked every aspect of the circulating rumors, saying that nothing could be further from the truth -- he's happy with how he tackled the adaptation, he's met with J.K. Rowling on several occasions, he did not nickname the script "Harry Scissorhands," no cuts will be haunting the future filmmakers of the series and he believes that Rowling joining the screenwriting team is the last thing she wants to do. Beyond that, there's lots of little bits. Goldenberg tries to appease those worried about adapting 900 pages into one feature film that isn't Grindhouse in length. He thinks that the adaptation was pretty manageable because a lot of the size was due to detail and sub-plots as opposed to super-important plot bits that can't be left out.
He also asserts that although the Ron-Quidditch storyline has been deleted, he made every effort to keep the spirit of the plot, that Ron is growing up and "coming into his own" in the film. And finally, he will not be returning for the rest of the films, as he will be letting Steven Kloves, who has written all of the others, take the reigns back. Eh, as long as he does Sirius justice, and I get a lot of face time to make up for Gary Oldman only being in embers in the last one, I'll be happy! And as early reports have indicated, I think I'll get my wish.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-11-2007 @ 11:45AM
rlp said...
So much for caring if you spoil your readers. Can you at least warn people? At least make the headline free of spoilers. Even if its just a tiny spoiler.
I already get turned off by the excessive or subliminal cynicism and criticism throughout all the stories here. At least give your readers a choice whether they want to know about a film that has NOT COME OUT YET.
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4-11-2007 @ 9:16PM
fp said...
I normally hate spoilers too, but I must confess I have no idea what you're talking about.
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4-11-2007 @ 2:48PM
Liqwid said...
He obviously doesn't understand that Ron playing Quidditch has an impact on the storyline in the books, as it should the movies. It makes Ron feel important for the first time in his life, as he's never been looked up to as much of anything.
Nothing is really a spoiler, unless you haven't read the books... which you should. The books are so much better than the movies... soooooo much better.
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4-11-2007 @ 7:24PM
Cyberphin said...
Once the movies are done a tv series or animated adaptation should be done.
I would love a serious animated (anime on Miazaki level)series telling all of the stories details.
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4-12-2007 @ 11:36AM
jaye said...
oh good lord it's another group of "how dare you cut anything" folks. Ron playing Quidditch, in fact most of the later Quidditch, is not as important as other details. had they cut the fight at the end that would be a big deal. but the game is not. there are other ways to take the intent of that subplot and show it. why not wait and see how they attempt this and then gripe that they did a bloody piss poor job AFTER you've seen it. and don't forget that every pound spent on doing the FX for the Quidditch scenes have to come from somewhere. like the budget for the final fight. which one do you want shorted. I vote in favor of the fight myself.
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4-12-2007 @ 11:36AM
ben said...
Is it so wrong that I just want to see more Gary Oldman? If I have to sit through a crappy rendition of the book in movie form to see more Oldman acting then count me in.
~Ben
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4-25-2007 @ 3:47PM
Aaron said...
Ok, how about this. Just let Peter Jackson write and direct the next 2 Movies, then everyone will be happy :)
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4-30-2007 @ 10:19PM
Amy said...
Hello? No Ron in Quidditch? How are Harry, George and Fred going to be banned then? I suppose the Slytherin's could just randomly start making fun of the twins after they've been on the team for years...how does that make sense?
Whatever, as long as the Twin's escape isn't cut, I guess I'll be ok. I'm really excited about seeing more of Sirius though! The fireside chat was horrible in the fourth movie.
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