As we told you
earlier today, SnitchSeeker had the opportunity to interview David Heyman last night about
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We spoke with the producer about Rupert and Emma's kissing scene, Bill Weasley, young Dumbledore and Dolores Umbridge, among other things.
You can listen to the interview here (sorry, the Apple Store in Santa Monica was loud and hectic), or read the transcription below.
Quote:
SnitchSeeker.com: Dan Radcliffe said he wasn't present when Rupert and Emma did their kiss scene. Was that deliberate – so he wouldn't distract them?
David Heyman: No.
SS: Harry's not in the scene?
Heyman: No.
SS: So it's not like it is in the book? [Heyman shakes his head no]
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SS: Did you do anything to help Rupert and Emma calm their nerves for that scene?
Heyman: No, I think they both were quite nervous. They've worked together, they've known each other for so long, so it was a big deal. It's like kissing a really good friend yours, you'd think, "Hmmm, that's a little strange." But I think that it works really well. In a way, tenses them, which they weren't before. You want that awkwardness, and they throw themselves into it. It really works. It works fantastically.
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SS: Harry Ron and Hermione argue quite a bit while camping. How did you prepare the actors for that change in their relationship?
Heyman: Well, you know, it's interesting because the kids are growing up as actors. They have many more experiences now then they had when Christopher Columbus was working with them. They're much more mature, they've had experiences in life outside of Potter, they've had experiences acting outside of Potter. They've all had friends they've gotten along with and friends that they've fought with. And so I think they just brought much more of their own feelings and experiences to it.
One of the ways David Yates works is he really engages them. He doesn't tell them what to do, but he makes them very much a part of creating the role. For example, David has lunch with Dan Radcliffe once a week to talk about what they're doing. It takes quite a close and intimate relationship all three of them have with the director. They're too mature now to say, "Go do this," or just leave them alone. They want to engage.
It wasn't that difficult. They're grown adults … well not grown adults, they're 19-20 years old. And at that age, you've fought with your friends. So they're used to it, and people who you care about, too. They really care about each other. So in the end they were able to bring a lot of their own experiences to the table.
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SS: Since Deathly Hallows is the first time we see Bill Weasley, how will he be introduced?
Heyman: Well, we know it's his wedding. So, he's introduced at his wedding and we express it's Bill and Fleur's wedding so you know it's Bill Weasley and it's at the Weasley house. So you know pretty much who he is when you see him and Fleur. It's pretty clear in the end.
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SS: Has he been attacked by a werewolf?
Heyman: Yes he has.
SS: And how's that explained, or is it?
Heyman: It's understood.
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SS: How are you going to handle Dumbledore's backstory, as it was mainly Harry reading Rita's book?
Heyman: We have Hermione reading parts of the book and we also have a character at the wedding who talks about Dumbledore's past. There's Elphias Doge, who also has a more favorable opinion of Dumbledore. Hermione finds Rita Skeeter's book and she reads the book to them.
SS: Is there going to be an actor playing young Dumbledore?
Heyman: Yes.
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SS: When will a formal casting announcement be made?
Heyman: Eventually.
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SS: Is Imelda Staunton going to return as Umbridge?
Heyman: Yes.
SS: Did you talk to her how much more evil her character has become?
Heyman: We haven't yet, but we will. She's familiar with the book.