An Insider's Look at New 'Potter' Film

July 16, 2007 -- The richest woman in show business not named Oprah is a 41-year-old Brit who, before completing the first episode of her epic anthology of wizards and Muggles, was living on the dole as a single mom in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Her name is J.K. Rowling, and she is the author of the "Harry Potter" series -- the book-turned-movie franchise that has netted more than $3 billion for Warner Brothers.

The fifth film in the series, the just released "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will add significantly to that total, cementing the series' place in the pantheon of entertainment juggernauts.

But that doesn't mean fans should expect more of the same from the latest installment. By producer David Heyman's own admission, this new chapter trends much darker. Gone are the carefree afternoons of quidditch -- not to mention screenwriter Steven Kloves, who wrote the scripts for the first four films. "Phoenix," Heyman said, "is the most emotional of the films yet."

"I think it is more mature," he said. "We're definitely growing up… it's not divided into black and white and good and bad. It's a more complicated. It's a world of gray."

'Harry' Actor No Longer a Boy

Heyman, whose work as producer on each of the previous movies has earned him the unwavering support of the author and studio, not to mention a fair share of the proceeds, made sure the tone of "The Order of the Phoenix" grew with Daniel Radcliffe, the now 17-year-old actor who portrays Potter.

Radcliffe is no boy anymore, as evidenced when he appeared in a particularly racy role on the British stage. To ignore his growth might have resulted in Steve Urkel-esque embarrassment -- something the producers were keen to avoid.

"The trials and tribulations of teenage romance" figure heavily in the film, Heyman said.

"Here's this boy who we've seen since the age of 10, and now he's 17 and having a kiss," the producer said, equal parts impressed and melancholy in the face of the changes the cast has undergone since the first film debuted in 2001.

The first "Potter" book appeared in 1999. To date, there are 325 million copies in print, and translations exist in no less than 65 different languages. Rowling's fortune is estimated, by Forbes, to be at or around $1 billion.

That's thanks in no small part to the smart and talented cast that has brought her books to life for the silver screen.

Aside from Radcliffe, Emma Watson, who plays Potter pal -- but not love interest -- Hermione, is the most highly regarded of the troupe. Speculation that she might not return for the final two chapters had to be a cause of serious concern to producer Heyman and Warner.

"She has always been the most cautious," said Heyman, discussing Watson's tradition of being the last cast member to sign on for the next production. She struggled with this latest decision, he admits, but "not only is she back for [the sixth film], she's back for [the seventh too.]"

Additions to the Family

Staying in the present, Heyman did bring in some new faces to spice up what he calls the "family" atmosphere that warms the "Potter" production set. Imelda Staunton is probably the best known newbie. An accomplished actress in her own right, more than a few critics have accused her of flat out stealing the film in her role as Dolores Umbridge, a professor at the Hogwarts school.

Staunton, Heyman stated simply, "is delicious."

"There was only one name," he said, when it came to casting Umbridge.

The search for the cinematic version of the character Luna Lovegood, whom J.K. Rowling once described as a foil for the grounded Hermione, was out of the playbook of old Hollywood.

Not satisfied with the three actresses initially vying to play Luna, the producers decided to announce an open casting call.

"We were expecting about 3,000 people, and 15,000 people showed up," Heyman said. "Young girls, 40-year-old men… it really was kind of a freak show at times. But there were 15,000 people."

The casting director watched every single audition, eventually narrowing it down to 29 hopefuls. But in the end, 28 didn't stand a chance.

The role of Luna was given to 15-year-old Irish actress Evanna Lynch.

"There really was only one person that was Luna," Heyman said. "The director David Yates says, 'You can't see [Lynch] acting. She really isn't acting. She is Luna.'"

The precise quality of the performances will be for audiences and critics to determine. Opinions are sure to be delivered in large bundles, and voiced in full throat.

But what escapes doubt is the unwavering vitality of the franchise. "Harry Potter" is strong, quidditch cup or not.