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Will Mira direct 5th Potter film? |
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Saturday, September 04, 2004 |
 LOS ANGELES - Although the best-selling "Harry Potter" books owe their genesis from female Scottish author J.K. Rowling, only men have helmed the movie adaptations. That may all change if "Vanity Fair" director Mira Nair steps up to the plate.
The Indian filmmaker has been asked to direct the fifth installment of the magical series, according to news reports.
"I'm getting offers to direct 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.' I read it over the weekend. I'm still deciding," says Nair. "I'm not letting all this go to my head. I'm grounded. I practice detachment. It helps me keep my balance."
Nair has a personal interest in the fantasy series, thanks to her 12-year-old son.
"My son Zoharan's excited," she explains. "I've seen all the Harry Potter movies with him."
"Phoenix" centers on Harry as he enters his fifth year at Hogwarts and the highs and lows of adolescence. As he struggles with his hormones, doubts and fears, he must also contend with frighteningly prescient dreams, ridicule and a tyrannical headmistress.
The first four "Harry Potter" films have been shared out internationally. American Chris Columbus helmed the first and second installments, "The Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," and then handed the reins to Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron for the latest part, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," which has earned $247.6 million at the U.S. box office. The fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," is currently filming under the watchful eye of Brit helmer Mike Newell.
Nair's latest offering, the sumptuous adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray's novel "Vanity Fair" starring Reese Witherspoon, is currently in limited release. The 47-year-old filmmaker has received acclaim for her previous films, including "Salaam Bombay!," "Mississippi Masala," "The Perez Family" and "Monsoon Wedding." |
