LONDON: Dozens of avid Harry Potter fans braved the chilly London weather last Thursday for a chance to glimpse their favorite “Potter” star at the premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 film. Potter fans span the globe and has become an international phenomenon, but as the series delves into the final book on screen, the kids who began reading Harry Potter a decade ago have grown up, but their love for the series has not dwindled with time. “I love Harry Potter. It was part of who I was as a teenager and now that I am older, I am so excited,” said Shauna Wallace, a Scottish university student in London. She told Bikya Masr that now 23-years-old, “it is great to finally see how things are happening and to see the actors grow through the films is exciting.” She was one of dozens of early 20′s Londoners to stand and wait for their favorite stars to show up, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. They were not disappointed, as the stars of the films shook hands, signed books and gave their fans much to be appreciated with. “It's only in the last few years that it's really dawned on me how lucky we are and how grateful we should be — especially to these people, because they are the reason we're still here,” said Tom Felton, 23, who plays the malevolent Draco Malfoy. “While the stories are fantastic, if it wasn't for the passion from the fans, then Lord knows we wouldn't be doing No. 7 now. So, I'll do whatever they want. They ask me ‘Will you take a picture?' Yeah, sure! I take it as a rare opportunity because you don't usually have a condensed haul of Harry Potter fans like that. The beauty of it is, a simple signature or handshake can really make someone's day,” he said much to the joy of his fans. Luckily for fans, they will get not one, but two films to document the ending book from J.K. Rowling's series. The film is expected to destroy past box office records worldwide. Lines are expected to be long for those seeking to see the film on the first day. “I am definitely going to be standing out and waiting for my ticket,” said Chelsea resident Adam Brewer. He said the excitement reminds him of when Episode 1 of the Star Wars series was premiering. But, he did add that “I am sure this Harry Potter movie will be much, much better than the Star Wars reboots. It has to be because these fans deserve it.” Elsewhere, fans are gearing up for the premier, which opens in the United States on Friday and is expected to go over the $100 million mark in a matter of days. Bring on the Deathly Hallows. Fans are ready, the actors are ready, but is the world ready for the end of a series that has captured the minds of young and old alike? BM
