During Thursday’s “Harry Potter” marathon on ABC Family, Warner Bros. unveiled the first behind-the-scenes look at the final film in the franchise (see below). “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is set for release worldwide on July 15.
The featurette traces Harry’s evolving relationship with best friends Ron and Hermione and his growing love for Ginny, sets up his final fight with Voldemort and highlights the epic nature of this eighth entry in the most successful film franchise ever.
While the first seven films have been box office smashes, Oscar voters haven’t been wild about Harry. This septet of cinematic gems netted just nine Oscar nominations with no wins. “Deathy Hallows: Part 1” contended for Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects at the most recent Academy Awards but was bested by “Alice and Wonderland” and “Inception” respectively.
The first film — “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” — earned three Oscar nominations in 2001: Art Direction, Costumes and Score. It lost to, respectively, “Moulin Rouge!” “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” Film No. 2 — “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002) — was snubbed by the Oscars.
The third entry — “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004) — earned Oscar noms for Score and Visual Effects but lost to, respectively, “Finding Neverland” and “Spider-Man 2.” The only Oscar bid cooked up by film four “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005) was for Art Drection (it lost to “Memoirs of a Geisha”).
Film No. 5 — “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007) — was snubbed while the sixth installment — “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince“– lost the Cinematography race to “Avatar” last year.
