'Harry Potter' Director Discusses Finale

After seven novels and seven movies, the Harry Potter era will come to a close next summer with the release of the second film installment of the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.

Director David Yates, who has also helmed the previous three movies in the series, including the first part of the final book, said that the final film would be monumental. "The very last one's a big old epic, with lots of battles and dragons and goblins. It's going to be operatic. And then it's over," he said to USA Today.

Tom Fenton, who plays Harry's nemesis Draco Malfoy, said that he has appreciated the impact that the books and movies have had on fans. "One of the greatest gifts that [author] Jo Rowling and the whole franchise has given (the actors) is that we can really end up making a kid's night just from saying hello," Felton said. "I was 12 when we started shooting; 13 when it came out. I'm 23 now. It's been a long journey."

He added that the younger actors, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, have changed drastically in their years on the set of the movies. "You don't see people growing up, not when you're there. It's only when you look back at the films. … Look at Daniel! He was bloody tiny. My face was like a basketball. But those angelic features seem to have left me," he joked.

The final Harry Potter movie opens in theaters July 15. The film series has grossed more than $6 billion worldwide. —ISHITA SINGH