Its Offical: Emma Watson to Continue in Harry Potter Films

It official! Harry Potter fans around the world will delighted today with the latest news just released about the final two Harry Potter films.

Warner Bros. has announced that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have officially signed their contracts to star in the final two instalments of the Harry Potter films.

This news will come as a relief to Harry Potter fans as rumours were rife regarding Emma Watson's desire to no longer play the role of Hermione Granger in the films. Emma Watson has been thought to be tired of being "known as that girl from Harry Potter" and also thought to want to lead a more normal teenage life. A recent stalker incident that caused Emma Watson great worry and also to hire a bodyguard fuelled the quitting rumours further.

In an attempt to reassure Harry Potter fans last week, Warner Bros made an announcement that they were confident Emma Watson would continue in her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. However, this was not official and even though it calmed Harry Potter fans a little, there was still concern over whether Emma Watson would quite. Today's news makes it official though, giving Harry Potter fans a sigh of relief. Emma Watson has decided to continue her role as Hermione Granger in the final two Harry Potter films. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have already signed their contracts a number of weeks ago.

In the Warner Bros press release announcing this exciting news, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe said, "Playing the role of Harry Potter has been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. And David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity."

Also quoted in the Warner Bros. press release were quotes from Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Emma said, "I could never let Hermione go-she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am exciting and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films." Rupert said, "Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life and not just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I'm really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with my 'Weasley family' and, of course, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."

Harry Potter film producers David Heyman and David Barron are expected to continue their part in the final two Harry Potter films. As of yet there has been no official announcement regarding the director for the final two Harry Potter films so stayed tuned. The sixth film 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' will start filming later this year. The fifth film, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in theatres on July 13, 2007, just one week before the final Harry Potter book, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' is released.

Sources
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:9641
http://uk.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUKN2344087820070324
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/03/23/ap3548012.html