Potter in two parts

Moviemakers have confirmed the HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS adaptation will be split into two separate full-length films - a decision approved by author J.K. ROWLING.

Director David Yates, who helmed the fifth and six movies in the boy wizard franchise, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, has signed up to make Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I, and Part II.

Star Daniel Radcliffe insists the decision to split the final Potter book was unavoidable.

He says, "I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book. There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut - although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans - but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."

However, producer David Heyman has denied reports the book is being split to make the Potter franchise more money.

He says, "I swear to you it was born out of purely creative reasons. Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book."

And Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has given the decision her blessing.

Heyman adds, "I went to Jo, and she was cool with it and that was quite a relief."

The seventh Potter film will be released in November 2010, with the eighth and final installment slated for a May 2011 release.