The thousands of fans who camped near the Trafalgar Square event were rewarded with a comprehensive look at the cast, including three stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Watson.
Yet despite the excitement and pomp of the event, it represented a major turning point in the lives and careers of the cast and crew who had worked on the film over the past decade.
The significance of this moment was also evident on Emma Watson’s face. She burst into tears as she thanked her fans during her appearance on the red carpet alongside Rupert and Daniel.
When Rupert Grint – who plays Ron Weasley in the series – stepped forward to speak, Emma couldn’t hold back her tears and was consoled by film producer David Heyman.
Hayman gave Emma a warm hug and a kiss on the forehead, showing how close the cast and crew had grown over the course of the film series’ development. The actress also shed a few tears with the series’ author, JK Rowling.
As the event began, the 21-year-old was a picture of calm, looking every bit the movie star she is in a floor-length, tiered, ruffled Oscar De La Renta gown. Daniel Radcliffe looked equally dapper in a grey suit with matching tie and vest.
Radcliffe, who was chosen to play the role of the gifted Harry Potter at the age of 11, was also impressed by the audience at the premiere and the film series that now centers on him, and thanked the film’s producers and crew.
“I don’t think the story ends tonight, because every single person who sees this film will carry this story with them for the rest of their lives,” Radcliffe said.
“A big thank you to all of you, especially for giving me a job and to Jo for allowing him to give me a job.”
“Every chance I get from now on is thanks to the fact that I was very, very lucky when I was eleven.”
Emma responded by saying: “You weren’t ‘lucky’ – you were, are and always will be the perfect Harry.”
For all the simple “Muggles” among us: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” will be in our cinemas from July 13th.
You can watch the premiere here:
