Yates shares thoughts on Deathly Hallows 2

MANILA, Philippines - Director David Yates lets us in on his thoughts and process while making Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2, the penultimate chapter of the mega blockbuster franchise as well as his plans after its release. Clue: A vacation from wizards is in the offing.

With the characters and the actors now older, and this being the final film, did you find that it was a lot different than working this time than before?

“You know, because they’re getting older and they’ve had more experience of life; they’ve had more experience on the film set. This is the last time they get to play these characters. And the material was, in some ways, more nuanced than it’s ever been. And so all of those things together meant that they had to step up a notch, and they were really ready for that; they were really enthusiastic. And it’s just that they’re getting older and we can explore some deeper things as they get older as actors.”

You came into the series at sort of that middle point. When did you realize the magnitude of the fan base. And what did you think about it?

“It was probably a phase in the cycle around about this stage when you do your interviews and you meet the press and walk up the red carpet. Obviously, you notice the fact that it’s globally popular, but it’s just when the fans come from Mexico or Argentina and camp out all night, you realize what it means to them. And it’s a huge responsibility, actually. Also, there are massive expectations on every movie, and in a curious way, you do your very best with the film. And I’m very proud of this film.”

How have you survived directing four massive blockbusters in a row?

“Do you know, it’s like running four marathons. It’s tough, I have to tell you. I mean, the process energizes to a certain extent, and the most tiring part of the process, I think, is the promotional side for me. Honestly, it’s lovely to me that people are going to give their feedback on the film. I mean, meeting people from all over the world you get all sorts of different perspectives on the work. And it’s always useful. The work lifts me up and the sort of promotional side I always find hard actually. It’s just tough.”

(Distributed by Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 opens July 14 in theaters and IMAX, in 3D and 2D.)