It's been more than a year since our Deathly Hallows set visit, but not even Veritaserum could make us spill what we saw at Leavesden Studios… until now. We know you Potter fans have been patiently waiting, and although we've been sworn to secrecy via Warner Bros.' embargo, we're allowed to give a little preview of what you can expect from our final Deathly Hallows: Part 2 set visit pieces, which will be unleashed closer to the July 15 opening.
Stuart Craig, the Harry Potter production designer, chatted with us a good length of time during our set visit – and while he may not be on camera, his role was just as significant. While the directors have changed over the course of the franchise, Craig's presence on production remained. His contribution is evident in the continuity of the sets and atmosphere of filming locations when it comes to conveying the right mood and tone of the script.
[Spoiler Warning! Stop reading now if you haven't read the last book and don't want to have an inkling of what happens in the movie.]
Craig perceived Snape's final moments as extremely moving, however, in the book, they take place in the Shrieking Shack. "The Shrieking Shack was an interesting interior, but it didn't have somehow the breadth and romanticism that I think Snape's death required," Craig said. So with JK Rowling's permission, they departed from the book and moved Snape's death to a more atmospheric setting – the exact location and details will be revealed with the final set visit reports. Potter purists need not worry; Craig's sense of place is well thought out. "I think he has a suitable setting for a magnificent death."
Here's what you can expect with the coming set visit reports:
-More spoilers surrounding Snape's final moments in the film
-An interview with Matthew Lewis wherein he reveals his take on Neville's transformation
-Details of the scene that was filmed in the Hogwarts courtyard, which involves Professor McGonagall, Flitwick, and Neville
-Details on the makeup, prosthetics and props departments regarding the look of Voldemort's fragmented soul in King's Cross, the older Harry, Hermione and Ron, and what it took to get 60 actors in full goblin makeup for the Gringotts scenes.
While you're waiting, check out our Harry Potter Guide for the latest features and news on the cast and wizarding world.
