November 21: The Day 'Half Blood Prince' Almost Hit Theatres

I remember it as if it were yesterday…

It was August 4th, 2006 when I first learned that the Half-Blood Prince film would be released on November 21st, 2008.

Two years and ten days after the original release date was announced, Warner Brothers decided that the film would be postponed until July 17th, 2009. Fans such as myself were absolutely devastated. We were not comforted at all by WB’s reasoning - that the delay was to ensure that their studio had a big film in Summer 2009, especially after the writer’s strike this past year derailed many film projects slated for 2009. Many speculated that since WB's The Dark Knight did so well this past summer, no additional profit from HBP would be needed this year. Instead, knowing that HBP would be a huge money-maker, they decided to reap the rewards next year and leave the fans without a film.

So, here we are today with a somewhat surreal realization that all of us would have been seeing Half-Blood Prince today had it not been for the delay. Luckily, Warner Brothers has given us a little gift: today's opening of Twilight includes the latest Half-Blood Prince trailer.

Ah, yes, Twilight…

I think what makes this whole thing even more painful is that Twilight is opening today because HBP is not, thereby allowing their fans to be in as much, if not more, of a craze than Potter fans would have been over their beloved film. Us Potter fans watch from afar as sadness takes over…

Anyway, as I was saying, we do have the new trailer, which, in my opinion, is the best one so far. Some of the scenes are from the previously leaked international trailer and the teaser trailer, but we do get quite a bit of new footage see some really exciting scenes (the bridge collapse, oh my gawd!!). Though it’s disappointing that we can’t see the film RIGHT NOW, the trailers have built an immense amount of anticipation inside the fandom that is just cringing with overwhelming excitement!!! The film looks absolutely amazing and, somehow, in the end, it'll have been worth the wait (I hope).

So, Potter fans, as you go about your day and think about how this could have been HBP day, delight in what we do have and watch the trailers again. For those who are willing to part with some cash, go check out Twilight just to watch the HBP trailer in all its glory.

Only 237 days left until it opens!