The moment Potter fans have been waiting for, yet at the same time welcome with an air of trepidation drew closer on July 7th as the Potter cast gathered in London for the World Premiere of the final film, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two.’
The previous night loyal fans donned their anoraks and umbrella’s, braced the summer downpours and camped out in Trafalgar Square ahead of the premiere. The prospect of camping may prove too much for some, however Potter enthusiast and potentially the World’s most loyal fan, Patty Zurita, arrived from Mexico City on Sunday and has been camped out ever since. The 28-year-old told the BBC “It [Harry Potter] has been part of my life, part of my childhood and I had to be here for the last film.” That’s dedication for you.
The abundance of fans that flocked to the square proved no surprise. As early as March organisers realised the traditional premiere location of Leister Square would prove too small. ‘The Deathly Hallows’ therefore became the first premiere to be held in both Trafalgar Square and Leister Square, the red carpet stretching between the two. It was easily the largest premiere seen (and chances are ever will be seen) in the capital.
Charged with high emotion, the long-awaited night proved unforgettable. Emma Watson looked stunning in a floor length Oscar De La Renta gown, while her male co-stars suited up looking dapper for the occasion.
The fans were rewarded for their patience as the cast spent hours signing autographs and answering questions. Despite seven previous premieres, they were clearly both astounded and thankful for the enthusiastic reception, Emma Watson told Charlie D’Agata “I feel like I’m having an out of body experience. It’s kind of too much to take in, almost. It’s really overwhelming but it’s a beautiful moment.”
As the cast gathered on stage to say their words of appreciation, the tears began to flow. Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling getting particularly tearful. Leading man, Daniel Radcliff remained his usual unassuming self, claiming, “Every opportunity I get from now on goes down to the fact I got very, very lucky when I was eleven.”
Rupert Grint spoke for everyone, fans and cast alike when he said, ‘”these last few months I’ve been in a bit of denial, I think, accepting the fact that it really is over. When I saw the posters in capital letters, ‘It all ends’, it really does imprint that on the mind. I will miss this. It’s been amazing.”
Sadly, in less than a week it will all be over, despite this I continue to count down the days in unashamed excitement.
