Earlier this November, Harry Potter’s cast and crew gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando to celebrate the Blu-ray/DVD release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2. It was a warm reunion for director David Yates, producers David Heyman and David Barron, and the familiar faces Rupert Grint, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis, Jason Isaacs and Mark Williams. Yet behind the smiles there was a mix of nostalgia, reflection, and a touch of sadness as the end of an era sank in. Across two press conferences, the team opened up about what this moment meant and what they had learned along the way.
David Yates spoke about the closing chapter with a sense of detachment that was hard to pin down and a hint of unreality, while making clear that the journey would be remembered with lasting gratitude for the experiences shared on set. Warwick Davis echoed that feeling, noting the melancholy of not seeing everyone as often, but underscoring a shared sense of pride and achievement that stemmed from years of hard work and collaboration.
Rupert Grint recalled the last shooting day as deeply emotional. He remembered packing away the dressing room, with little reminders from his early days on the films, including a robotic tortoise that had traveled with him since he was eleven. The moment was bittersweet, but the day also carried a cheerful finale, marked by an ice cream truck that offered a last, simple joy to celebrate the end of a long journey.
When asked about the kiss between Ron and Hermione, David Yates described it as a moment of delicate charm that had carried the romance for a long time and was essential to get right. He recalled the familiarity between Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, noting how well they knew each other. Grint admitted that the scene felt surprisingly unnatural at first, highlighting the awkwardness that can accompany such an iconic moment on screen.
One of the most challenging sequences to film in Deathly Hallows Part 2 was the Gringotts Bank vault scene. Yates described the set as claustrophobic, with hydraulic walls and a moving hydraulic floor that made the shoot technically demanding. The actors, including Rupert, Emma, Dan and Warwick, endured frigid conditions as the set shifted, and the production schedule stretched over two demanding weeks.
Souvenirs from the production were shared with warmth and humor. Grint spoke of receiving the Deluminator on the last day and of a final keepsake from Harry’s Privet Drive door number, a detail that proved stubborn to remove. Davis recalled his personal memento, a Gringotts galleon from the first film, and a packet of sugar from a Ministry of Magic coffee stand that somehow found its way into his pocket. He joked about not having wands, while Barron remarked that Ollivander was the only one who truly walked away with a wand. Yates himself said he received a wand as a gift from the art team, a gesture that held personal meaning for him.
Looking at the lessons their characters taught them, Grint reflected on how Ron’s loyalty and steadfast friendship had helped shape him as a performer. Davis felt the experience underscored the resilience and humor required to face the challenges of the magic world, joking that glue and prosthetics sometimes steal the show. Stanislav Ianevski offered a thought on Viktor Krum, acknowledging that the character’s reticence highlighted the value of being more outspoken to connect with others and succeed in life.
Fans were invited to stay tuned for Part 2 of the press conference, with additional conversations featuring some of the cast. One member of the ensemble, Jason Isaacs, discussed the broader Harry Potter journey and what the films meant to him. Evanna Lynch and Mark Williams offered glimpses into scenes they were most excited for audiences to see, sharing their own anticipations and the magic of bringing beloved characters to life. As the day closed, Lynch and Williams both reminded fans of the enduring magic and warmth of the Potter world that continues to resonate beyond the screen.
One final message from Evanna Lynch and Mark Williams spoke directly to the fans, inviting them to remember the adventure and the friendships forged along the way, celebrating the shared excitement that has kept the saga alive in the hearts of many readers and viewers alike.