Warner Bros. Plans Two-Part Adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Taking a cue from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, Warner Bros. Pictures has announced the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in J.K. Rowling’s uber-popular series, will be released in two parts. The announcement was made by Warner Bros. Pictures Group president Jeff Robinov, who also announced that David Yates, director of last summer’s entry in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, will be returning to the director’s chair for this adaptation, too (making him the first director to helm more than two Harry Potter films).

“In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters,” says Robinov of the decision to release the film in two parts. “That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.”

“I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince,” says Yates. “It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo’s extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.”

Part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” will open in December 2010; part two will be released Summer 2011.