Steven Spielberg was rumored to be directing this movie.
Director Chris Columbus opted out of directing the third installment, citing that he missed his family and wanted to spend more time with them. He said he was very open to the idea of directing the fourth Potter film. Producers, however, chose Mike Newell for the fourth film, which began shooting on 22 March 2004 and Columbus subsequently severed ties with Warner Brothers, citing that he didn't want to have his name on the fourth film if he wasn't creatively involved in the film's production.
Other directors reportedly considered for this installment of the Harry Potter series included Callie Khouri and Kenneth Branagh.
After the death of Richard Harris, many actors were considered for the vacant role of Albus Dumbledore. Christopher Lee was in the frame for a while, and there was a rumor (reported in many newspapers) that Ian McKellen was also considered. Michael Gambon finally got the role.
Ewan McGregor was considered for the role of Prof. Lupin.
The effects team spent six months creating the dementors.
Honeydukes "is floor-to-ceiling psychedelia" and includes Mexican skulls made of sugar. The cast was told that the Honeydukes candy was lacquer-coated, when in fact it wasn't, to prevent candy from disappearing between takes.
Illusionist Paul Kieve served as a consultant. He taught magic to several members of the cast including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson (Harry and Hermione) and worked extensively to create physical magical effects. He is the first illusionist to have worked on any of the series of films. He is also to make a cameo appearance in the film in a scene in the Three Broomsticks pub.
Filming was halted following the vandalization of the train used as the Hogwarts Express.
The set for Honeydukes was previously been used for Olivander's Wand Shop in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001).
David Thewlis was originally considered to play Professor Quirrell in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001).
The film was offered to director Guillermo del Toro but he opted to do Hellboy (2004) instead.
Emma Thompson accepted the role of Professor Trelawney to impress her four year old daughter, Gaia.
Gary Oldman says he accepted the role of Sirius Black because he "needed the work". He hadn't acted for over a year. His last film was Sin (2003/I), which was filmed in 2002.
Alfonso Cuaron coached Daniel Radcliffe in one scene where the latter had to act awed: "Pretend you're seeing Cameron Diaz in a G-string". It worked.
|
