The Hindu : International : Growing up with Potter

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 25, 2004

International

International

Growing up with Potter

NEW YORK, MAY 24. The boy wizard of ``Harry Potter'' is growing up — and so are his fans, many of whom have replaced their old capes and wands with declarations of undying love.

Daniel Radcliffe appeared stunned by the enthusiastic reception he got on Sunday from hundreds of shrieking fans who lined up outside the U.S. premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. ``It is really amazing,'' the 14-year-old said, trembling a bit as he paused to wave at swooning teenage girls, some holding signs saying ``Marry us, Dan!''

It was a happy development for Rupert Grint, who plays Harry's friend Ron Weasley at the Hogwarts School and arrived at the premiere looking distinctively adolescent with a shaggy mop-top haircut. ``It is quite cool,'' the 14-year-old said with a grin.

Audiences can expect a more mature film this time, too. The third instalment of the Harry Potter series takes a dark turn as the young sorcerer is sought by a murderous wizard who escapes from a prison for conjurers.

Fans lined up as early as 4 a.m., 12 hours before the start of the film, to angle for an autograph or glimpse of their favourite star. ``They are amazing,'' 14-year-olds Danielle Lopez and Kristin Hauser said. The two from New York arrived at 9 a.m. with a poster proclaiming ``Every muggle deserves a hug.'' (That is Potter slang for non-wizards.)

Even Alan Rickman, 58, who plays the sullen Hogwarts professor Severus Snape, was greeted by a marriage proposal from a somewhat older fan. As they grow into their roles as heartthrobs, the teenage ``Harry Potter'' stars are also giving performances with new depth, said Chris Columbus, who directed the first two ``Harry Potter'' movies and remained a producer on the third.

``It is much more personal, this one,'' said 14-year-old Emma Watson, who said her character, Hermione, has also evolved. ``She is still the know-it-all and everything, but you see more depth to her and there's a different side to her.'' Alfonso Cuaron — director of the Mexican hit Y Tu Mama Tambien — took over as director for Prisoner of Azkaban. The result, the stars said, is a darker and more sophisticated movie than its predecessors.

Cuaron assured parents it is still the ``Harry Potter'' the kids love. ``It is not violent. It can be spooky at points, but good spooky,'' he said. ``Kids like to be spooked a little.'' Adds Radcliffe, ``I have seen it a couple of times, and the only ones scared were the adults.''

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