Thousands of fans bewitched by the Harry Potter spell turned out in London’s Leicester Square on Sunday night for the world premiere of the wildly anticipated film, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. Among the “muggles” on hand for the film event of the year were rocker Sting, TV presenters Richard and Judy, a very-pregnant Cate Blanchett, the Duchess of York, pop group Steps, author JK Rowling and a pint-sized Brooklyn Beckham.
Yet despite the preponderance of legendary British actors – including stars Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters – it was Harry himself, 12-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, who elicited the most excitement. Gathered fans went wild for the hero, who showed up sans his trademark specs, as he smiled from ear to ear alongside his on-screen mates Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
“It is so cool,” says Daniel of the response. “I have never heard my name shouted so much in an hour.”
“This is amazing. I’m just so nervous,” offered Rupert, who stars as Harry’s confidante Ron Weasley.
Potter scribe JK Rowling, who stepped out with boyfriend and rumoured fiance Dr Neil Murray in their first public appearance, was a bit overwhelmed at the Sunday bash. “This is not what you think about when you write a book,” she said, referring to the multitude of screaming fans outside the cinema.
JK confessed to being nervous about how her book would appear on screen, but was “enormously relieved” after a screening of the film late last week. “Admittedly I had been given a lot of input on how things looked,” said the multi-millionaire who once struggled with poverty. “But they really do look as I’d imagined they would inside my head. From my point of view it is obviously wonderful.”
Judging from the response of the A-list revelers and critics alike, JK needn’t worry about the film’s success. “It is brilliant,” said Sarah Ferguson, who brought along daughters Beatrice and Eugenie. “I thoroughly enjoyed it and the girls loved it.”
Actress Patsy Kensit brought along her son James and his best friend. “He has been very excited about this,” she said. “I’m currently on the second book with him and we are both loving it.”
Sting also had high praise for the popular series, which has sold a reported 110 million copies worldwide. “My daughter and I have been reading them for years,” he said. “I think they are wonderful literature.”
Other celebrities on hand for the premiere included diva Cher, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, TV presenter Jonathan Ross, former All Saints star Natalie Appleton and Shakespeare veteran Kenneth Branagh, who recently signed on to star in the already-in-the-works Potter sequel, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.
Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone cost a reported £85 million to make, however, producers expect to easily make back their investment as Potter mania reaches new heights. The film, entitled Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone in the US, opens on both sides of the pond on November 16.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
