“Order of the Phoenix” US Premiere Red Carpet Interviews

Transcribed by Ryan McCormick

Imelda Staunton: MuggleNet! [Umbridge giggle]

Emerson Spartz: [To the crowd] Are you guys capable of being very loud?

[Audience chanting "MuggleNet"]

[Unintelligible crosstalk and cheering]

Emerson: This is Emerson Spartz from MuggleNet.com. I'm here with Andrew Sims on camera at the US premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. We're on the red carpet right now where the stars are about to start arriving. We're going to get a chance to talk with Dan, Emma, Ruppert [and] maybe a few surprises. There are thousands of fans here, and they are just pumped to get a chance to see these actors and actresses. We're looking forward to bringing you the word from the red carpet.

Emerson: Do you have any theories as to why J.K. Rowling specifically wanted Kreature to be kept in the movie?

David Barron: She has her reasons and she doesn't tell us too much because we may give it away.

Emerson: You don't have any theories as to why?

David: He obviously has some information to impart next time around that no one else would know, but we don't know what it might be. No, I don't know what it is.

Emerson: Okay, thank you.

Emerson: Emerson Spartz, MuggleNet.com. David, can you give us a ballpark number as to how many deleted scenes we can expect to get on the DVD?

David Yates: Oh, we've got some great deleted scenes, man. Really cool, good deleted scenes. There are at least five or six. There's a really lovely one with Trelawney assessing Umbridge, which as a standalone [is a] quite funny and playful scene. We've got a lovely scene with Trelawney’s listening to Umbridge’s first big speech in the Great Hall [while] she's eating. It's like a Jacques Tate moment where you just see Trelawney spill all her food. It's a really delightful, funny little scene. Emma [Thompson] improvised a whole lot, but it was just too long to put in the movie, unfortunately. So there's that and a few other tasty things, I think.

Emerson: Has improv been happening more often with the kids acting out their scenes?

David: I love improv. We did a lot of improv on this film because it's really good for them. It always shakes an actor up a little bit to try things in a few different ways. So we did a lot of improvisation, some of which ended up in the film, some of which didn't. In all the work I've always done, I just find it a very useful tool to get someone to be in the moment, as it were.

Emerson: Now, what was the biggest surprise you faced in filming this movie?

David: The biggest surprise for me [was that] I thought visual effects would be quite tricky to get my head around - as a director - but, actually, they're really straightforward. If you can think it, you can do it. And actually, I suppose the other biggest surprise was Dan, Rupert, and Emma, who are at the center of all this. This is crazy today. It's been like this in Paris and London and wherever we go. What's lovely is how grounded Dan, Rupert, and Emma are. They seem to be really levelheaded. Outside of all of this craziness, they're the most normal three kids you could possibly imagine, so that's kind of a surprise.

Emerson: All right! Thank you, David.

David: Yeah, no problem, mate. Take care.

Emerson: I got a really nerdy fan question for you. Okay? No one else is going to ask you this, I assure you.

David Heyman: [Laughs] Okay.

Emerson: Why is Hagrid’s hut in a different location in every movie?

David: There are a couple of reasons. One, when we moved it in the third movie, it was because so much of the action took place around it. And for the first movie, it was for practical reasons that we located where it was. In this movie, it's in a similar position to how it's been, but it's all to do with the practical aspects of making the film. But you are right, it has been different in every film.

Emerson: All right. Now, when you read the seventh book, are you going to be able to sit down, take off your producer hat, and enjoy the book? Or are you going to be thinking about how you will be making a movie out of this?

David: I think with each book that's been the case. The books are so fantastic, you read them [with] pleasure. When I read the first one, I was reading it to see whether it was a movie, but ultimately you get transported to another world and get involved with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and all these characters. And for me, that's what makes the book so special; these three characters, or all the characters, they’re relatable. We've all been to school; we've all had teachers in some form who we like or don't like. Whether they've been as strong or bad as Umbridge, I don't know, but we've all had our bad experiences. And we've all had friends with [whom] we've fallen out or gotten back together with [sic]. We've all had our first kiss. It's all so relatable. So when I read the seventh book, I'll absolutely be reading it as a fan first. I'm sure though, inevitably, there will come a point where I go, oh my, this challenge lies ahead.

Emerson: I would just like to say, from everyone at MuggleNet, that we think you're a fantastic steward of our series and we think you're doing a great job.

David: Thank you so much. That means a huge amount because you guys are amazing fans. We actually go to your site quite often for information. It's great! You're great.

Emerson: What kind of information do you get from it?

David: The response of fans, and just information [in general]. Just hearing and listening to what people are thinking is useful.

Emerson: Wonderful. Thank you for your time.

David: Thank you. How long have you been with MuggleNet?

Emerson: I started the website when I was 12.

David: You did? Thank you! No, it's funny because you are the major website that we all know, MuggleNet. That's great.

Emerson: It’s been around for a long time.

David: Yes, it has. So when did you start? How old are you now?

Emerson: I'm 20 years old.

David: So eight years ago, that would have been ‘99.

Emerson: Fall of ‘99.

David: So when did you first read the books.?

Emerson: It was a month after I read [Harry Potter and] the Prisoner of Azkaban.

David: Which is your favorite book?

Emerson: [Harry Potter and the] Goblet of Fire.

David: And which is your least favorite?

Emerson: [Harry Potter and the] Order of the Pheonix.

David: I think that's true of most; I think it's the toughest of the books. [I do] think the film's pretty good and I'm very proud of the film. I think it's a step on, and Jo loves it, which is a good thing.

Emerson: What is Jo’s favorite movie? Do you know?

David: Jo did say she thought this was the best yet.

Emerson: We're really looking forward to seeing it, then.

David: Well, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you very much, and thanks for starting the website. It's a great thing.

Emerson: That means a lot to me. Thank you, David.

Emerson: Now that this is your first Harry Potter movie, what do you think of the fandom?

Michael Goldenberg: I love it. I'm one of them and [always] have been. Evanna Lynch and I were talking about that at the London premiere the other night, about how strange it is to go from being a fan to being a part of the family making the movies. It's very surreal and cool.

Emerson: Are you worried about some obsessive fans sending you a shrunken head in the mail because you deleted a certain scene or anything like that?

Michael: I hope not. I hope the fans understand it's as hard for us making the movie to make those decisions as it is to watch it. If we could we'd keep every page of it, but unfortunately, if you don't want the movie to be 12 hours long, you have got to lose some of it. But it's all there in the book forever.

Emerson: Thank you for your time.

Micahel: Thank you very much.

Emerson: What is your favorite book?

Rex Lee: Probably, [Harry Potter and the] Goblet of Fire, I’m not sure. I read all six of them over and over again.

Emerson: All right, go on the record: [Will] Harry live or die in the book?

Rex: Oh, I hope he lives, but I think the signs are pointing to the fact that he might die.

Emerson: Snape: Good or bad?

Rex: I think we're going to find out he's good. Up until now, J.K. Rowling’s done a good job of making us think he's bad, but I think he'll turn out.

Emerson: All right. Now, this is all out there for everyone to see. So if you're wrong, everyone's going to be like, "Oh, that Rex!"

Rex: Well, whatever. I had my guess, it is just my opinion.

Emerson: We do it all the time. We wrote a book just guessing. Thank you.

Rex: We can’t wait 13 days until the book, right? The new one.

Emerson: Are you pumped? Are you going to be there waiting at midnight with everybody else?

Rex: I have a reservation at Barnes and Noble. I can't wait.

Emerson: Thank you for your time.

Emerson: Are you disappointed that you didn't get the film quidditch in the last movie?

Rupert Grint: I am a bit, yeah. I was really looking forward to that. It was one of the things I was really looking forward to. It's such a big book, there is so much stuff in it. You don't really miss it because the main storyline is pretty intense with Harry; you don't really need it there [because] it would get in the way, so I don't really mind. Next year I've got quidditch so that should be good.

Emerson: You've got a couple of months until the next movie, what are you going be doing? How do you spend your free time now?

Rupert: I don’t know. We finished in November and it's just been nice not to do anything. The films take about a year to make, so when you're not doing them, it's quite nice.

Emerson: Now we've got a real serious question for you here. Who would win in a fight, you or Dan?

Rupert: Hmm. I don’t know. I'm quite bigger than Dan. A long time ago now, we had an arm wrestle and I completely flashed him.

Emerson: So you ruined him, basically?

Rupert: I think so.

Emerson: We'll see what Dan thinks about it.

Rupert: All right, cool.

Emerson: Thank you, Rupert.

Emerson: You play a character that is reviled by all Harry Potter fans. Do you ever have little kids walk up to you and have trouble remembering that you're a real person and you're not Dolores Umbridge?

Imelda Staunton: The film starts to come out now, so, that might happen. At the moment, I'm still safe. I'll have to see what happens in the next month or so.

Emerson: How was it to be thrust into this fandom?

Imelda: It's fine. It's a great script, I'm working with good actors, and with a great director. It was a very challenging and difficult role to play, and that's what interested me. You guys look at it like that, we look at it as a job and as a wonderful piece of work. What this book and these films have done for children is just amazing, so it's very good to be part of that.

Emerson: Are you a big Harry Potter fan? What’s your favorite book?

Imelda: The first one, because it was the first time, every chapter was such a cliffhanger, and you [just] couldn't believe it… [audience cheering increases]* I think that might be Dan arriving…

Emerson: Can we get [you saying] "MuggleNet" [with the Umbridge giggle?]

Imelda: MuggleNet! [Umbridge giggle]

Emerson: Dan, are you looking forward to making kissy-kissy with Bonnie Wright in the next movie?

Daniel Radcliffe: Yes, I think that'll be great. I saw Bonnie at the [London] premiere the other day [and] she looked like Lily Cole. So, very excited about that.

Emerson: How much say did you get in picking out your wardrobe for this most recent movie?

Daniel: Oh, I’m obviously involved in that process, but we've got such a brilliant costume designer in Janet [sic] Temime, I leave it up to her and feel in totally safe hands, to be honest.

Emerson: Okay. Very serious question here, and we already got Rupert's word on this, but who would win a fight: you or Rupert?

Daniel: Do we have weapons?

Emerson: [A] fistfight, man to man.

Daniel: I’m going to say Rupert. Did he say Rupert? I think he’s probably right, to be honest with you.

Emerson: At least you're honest about it.

Daniel: If I had a pool cue, though, I use it like a lightsaber and I'd hit him over the head and we'd be fine. But if he had a pool cue, it would be over.

Emerson: How are you? [I’m] Emerson Spartz, do you remember? It's been a while.

Chris Rankin: I have not seen you in… two years? Something like that?

Emerson: You had some dinner at Navy Pier?

Chris: That's the one! [That's been] ages ago now.

Emerson So what are you doing in LA? Just flew in for the premiere?

Chris: Here for this, staying a week. Got some meetings and a couple of auditions.

Emerson: Oh, really? What are you hoping to get, a play?

Chris: We'll see. Yes, I've got a play and a couple of films, hopefully. Fingers crossed something will come out of that. It's insane here. Were you in London?

Emerson: It’s crazy isn’t it? [Andrew Sims] was in London.

Chris: [to Andrew] Did you get wet?

Andrew Sims: Yes, we got soaked.

Chris: This is better, this is good.

Andrew: It's much better.

Emerson: Let's go on the record. Harry: live or die?

Chris: Die.

Emerson: Will Percy redeem himself? Not what you hope, what do you think?

Chris: I think he will.

Emerson: That's not just wishful thinking?

Chris: No, I think he will.

Emerson: I think he will too.

Chris: Just… somehow… He might redeem himself and die.

Emerson: But somehow…

Chris: He'll be okay.

Emerson: And finally, Snape. Good or bad?

Chris: Good. Definitely good.

Emerson: All right.

Chris: We think so.

Emerson: I agree with everything except Harry. He's not going to die.

Chris: How much?

Emerson: Ten bucks, ten pounds.

Chris: Ten English pounds, then.

Emerson: Oh, wait, do you know something?

Chris: I don't, no. I have a hunch.

Emerson: Okay, good. You're about to owe me then. I'm going to bankrupt you, Chris.

Chris: We'll see.

Emerson: All right then, we'll see.

Chris: All right then, see you later.

Emerson: Thanks, Chris.

Emerson: Do you have any idea what you want to do after Harry Potter's over? Any idea?

Emma Watson: Well, I would like to take a year out to travel. I maybe want to go live in Paris for a bit and learn French again, and I want to keep making films. I guess just whatever comes along, comes along. It's an unpredictable business. You have to wait for the right part for you, you can't really dictate what kind of thing you do. So, I'm just waiting for something that I really fall in love with. There's not anything, in particular, I'm looking for. Theater, period drama, I'm really up for anything. I want it to be something that will hopefully take me away from Harry Potter so I can be perceived in a different light, in a different role. I don't want to get complacent, stereotyped, or pigeonholed.

Emerson: But you definitely wanna keep acting, then?

Emma: Definitely.

Emerson: Okay. Now, has Evanna mentioned anything to you about somebody named Ben Schoen, perhaps?

Emma: Maybe. Is that you?

Emerson: No, no, no, no, no.

Emma: Who is it?

Emerson: He's a MuggleNet senior staff member.

Emma: Oh, all right.

Emerson: He's going to be at the after-party, and so I'm wondering what Evanna might have said.

Emma: She might have said that… I don’t how to say this without sounding really arrogant, but [she told me] that he's a fan of mine and really supports me. He sounds like a really nice guy.

Emerson: He's a great guy. All right, thank you for your time.

Emerson: Are you a Harry Potter fan?

Jeff Foxworthy: Yes. Well, I have to be. My daughters are avid Harry Potter fans.

Emerson: What's your favorite book?

Jeff: Probably this one. This one was a little darker, but I like that. I have not read six yet. And they're telling me I can't see the sixth movie until I read [the book.]

Emerson: It's important.

Jeff: I know, that's what my daughter's saying.

Emerson: Based on what you've read so far, do you think Harry's going to die in the last book?

Jeff: I don't know if it's going to be Harry, but I just think somebody big is. I don't think Harry. I think somehow this one ties into the last one. And I don't know if it's heaven or the afterlife or whatever… God, I hope Harry doesn't die. What do you think?

Emerson: He's not going to, no.

Jeff: No, I don't think Harry's going to die.

Emerson: It's our job to research these things; he's not going to die.

Jeff: It’s not going to be Harry?

Emerson: I don't think so.

Jeff: Good. "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" is a Muggle test, could Harry pass it?

Emerson: He's maybe not the smartest wizard, but he’d pass that test.

Jeff: You think he would? I like it.

Emerson: I think he would. Thank you much for your time.

Jeff: You betcha. Take care.