'Harry Potter' cast speaks

Time Out reports back from the press conference for 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'

Oct 25 2005

The press conference for 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' took place at lunchtime today, and Time Out was there to cover the event, cut out all the boring bits, and report back with only the interesting stuff.

Held at the beautiful Merchant Taylor's Hall on Threadneedle Street (which dates all the way back to 1347 we are reliably informed), the Q&A featured stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron) and producer David Heyman.

It was also an opportunity for newcomers to the franchise to have their say, from director Mike Newell ('Four Wedding and a Funeral', 'Donnie Brasco') to actors Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory), Stanislav Ianevski (Victor Krum), Clemence Posey (Fleur Delacour) and Katie Leung (Cho Chang).

Unfortunately, as is the nature with these things, there were no earth-shattering revelations, but we did pick up the odd tasty morsel of information from each of the main players.

Director Mike Newell explained that the fact that 'the book is as big as a house brick' initially put him off directing duties, but when he realised that the best way to adapt it was to concentrate on the thriller element, he jumped at the chance.

Daniel Radcliff admitted that as he had recently gone through puberty himself, portraying Harry's difficult journey into adolescence in the fourth film was easy.

Continuing the hormonal line of questioning, when asked who he would like to take to his own Yule Ball (the social event that stirs up all manner of confusing feelings at Hogwarts) Radcliff nominated Natalie Portman or Scarlett Johansson, choices that we at TO can only commend.

Stanislav Ianevski, who plays man mountain Victor Krum in the film, revealed that being cast in the film has made him something of a minor hero in his homeland of Bulgaria.

Rupert Grint said he was looking forward to starting work on 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' in February, as it would finally give him a chance to try his hand at Quidditch.

And finally, when asked what she hopes will happen in a future instalment, Emma Watson spoke of romance. 'Hermione and Ron have got to get it together' she exclaimed, no doubt echoing the wishes of fans the length and breadth of the globe.

'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' is released on November 18.

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