Director chosen for next Potter film?

David Yates, who was previosuly best known for his television work, is favourite to direct the next Harry Potter film.

Nov 19 2004

David Yates today became the surprise frontrunner to take over directing duties from Mike Newell on the next Harry Potter film.

Yates, whose only previous big screen credit was 1998's 'The Tichborne Claimant', is expected to be announced as director of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' sometime next week.

And if you don’t remember 'Tichborne', the remarkable true story of an aristocratic imposter, you may be more familiar with Yates' TV work, which includes 'The Way We Live Now', 'Sex Traffic' and the brilliant political drama 'State of Play'.

Gallic visionary Jean-Pierre Jeunet was thought to be the favourite to helm Potter five, but in giving the gig to Yates, and with relative newcomer Michael Goldenberg ('Peter Pan', Contact') writing the script, it seems as if Warner Bros are making concerted efforts to freshen up the franchise with new blood.

As for the story, 'Order of the Phoenix' is undoubtedly the darkest Potter story yet, with more meddling from the Ministry of Magic, yet further difficulties with the dastardly Dementors, and the arrival of Dolores Umbridge, a new 'Defence Against the Dark Ages' teacher who makes life very difficult for the young wizard.

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' is due to start filming late next year, and should be released sometime in 2007.