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Memo to protesting 'Watchmen' and 'Harry Potter' fans: It just doesn't matter

Aug 20, 2008, 11:20 AM | by Gary Susman

Categories: 'Watchmen', Film, Harry Potter, I'm Just a Geek, The 'Eh' List, Those Crazy Kids!, To Care or Not to Care

Dear outraged Watchmen and Harry Potter fans,

I feel your pain. You're upset that Warner Bros. has pushed Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince's release back to next July, and that Fox's lawsuit against Warner Bros. over the film rights to Watchmen has threatened that film's timely release next spring. (Some of you think these events are related, that Warners moved Half-Blood Prince because it anticipated Watchmen's legal problems and needed a backup blockbuster. You could be right.) Yep, delays suck. But your proposed retaliation tactics -- a Hollywood-wide movie boycott over Potter (see video above) or sabotage and piracy of Fox projects like Wolverine -- aren't going to have any effect.

Fans, Hollywood welcomes your support, but it's not worried about your wrath. Even if you get massive numbers of people to join the cause (and you won't, because everyone wants to see Harry Potter and Watchmen and Wolverine, and most people will go on opening weekend or watch soon after when the movies are released on DVD), all you'd be doing is taking a bite out of the ever-shrinking slice of profit pie that is the domestic box office. In the case of Potter and Wolverine, you're talking about billion-dollar franchises, with worldwide revenue streams from cinemas, TV, DVD, publishing, and merchandise, of which the next Hogwarts and X-Men movies' domestic ticket sales are just a drop in the bucket. You're spitting in the wind.

If it's any consolation, I believe that Fox, no matter what the studio says now about preferring to suppress Watchmen and receive no profits, will ultimately decide that a percentage of something is better than a percentage of nothing, and I believe (as my colleague Jeff Jensen does), that the movie will come out even if Warners has to pay Fox a settlement. I also believe that, by the time Half-Blood Prince comes out next summer, much of the current grumbling will be forgotten. With any luck, the movie will be great (as will Watchmen and Wolverine), and we'll all have moved on to some other controversy.

Love,

Gary Susman

Random European Blogger Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 09:05 PM EST

Jeri Kratzhole, do you surf around the web looking for ways to be offended? Maybe you could pop some of your favorite pills into your kids' mouths so they won't care too much about Harry Potter.

Jeri Kratzhole Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 08:17 AM EST

I refuse to let buffoons like Zimbee and Gary Susman have the last word here. We most certainly WILL remember how we felt about this film when it comes out next year, and I for one ain't gonna let those money mongers at WB have any of my cash. I didn't go to see Order of the Phoenix in theaters, and I sure as hell ain't gonna bother with Half Blood Prince. So y'all can take your snarky, condescending "you won't remember any of this later" comments and shove 'em where the sun don't shine.

Zimbee Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 04:43 PM EST

***Continued from previous post:

But when Harry Potter comes out, fans will be so excited about it then that they won't care about how they felt about it now.

Zimbee Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

Oh, you'll see Watchmen. WB can't afford not to release it, so they'll pay whatever they have to. Let's be more worried that when all this settled, WB might try to figure out how to make their losses even more minimal when it comes to the movie and will force Snyder to cut the movie to make it more "theatrically viable." I've never looked forward to a DVD release of a movie more, because the inevitable director's cut of Watchmen will undoubtedly be the definitive version of the film. Let's just hope the theatrical version isn't butchered by WB too badly. And let's not forget that if Fox has a right to Watchmen, we really should be blaming WB and not Fox. So you can still go see Wolverine, okay?

As for HP being pushed back... yeah, it sucks. Boycotting anything isn't going to do any good though. You might prove a point to yourself, but nobody else will be listening because the sound of the movies involved making money will be too loud for anyone to hear you. And yeah, sorry guys. But w

Autopath Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

I see a lot of Harry Potter talk and little Watchmen talk. I love Harry Potter but at least, Potterfans, you know your movie's coming out. I have no guarantee I'll ever see Watchmen. -_-

Hope Persen Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

@Mike

You got it. Fox will PAY, but *I* won't.

Mike Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 02:21 AM EST

If Fox stops this movie from coming out, I will never pay to see any of their movies again. note: I didn't say I'd never see any of their movies again...

Kat Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

Not surprised by the tone of this memo since EW's publisher is Time Inc. Both WB and Time Inc. are under the Time Warner Company.

Just remember to take into account who's signing the writer's paychecks when you read their opinions.

Fitzy Sun, Aug 24, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

I've been reading EW since it's conception, and enjoy the website even more. However, now that I've read this I feel betrayed. I am sure that Gary will find this very childish, but I am going to see Harry Potter, 8 months after the time I had looked forward to, but I'm never coming to this website again. Hello E!online, you are my new best friend. Susman, you are a sad unpleasant man.

JayKelly Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 10:58 PM EST

Stop dick riding Warner Brothers, and worrying about how other people feel about something! because IT "JUST DOESN'T MATTER" HOW U FEEL!...

JeriKratzhole Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 08:10 PM EST

Hey, Bird, you wanna come over here and explain to my crying kid why he can't see the next HP movie he got all excited about because he saw the trailer and EW cover that advertised the movie as coming out in two months as opposed to 11? And don't kid yourself, the WB is NOT going to go out of business because of anything any other studio is doing. When you see Alan Horn appear in public in anything less expensive than an Armani suit, driving a Hyundai, THEN you can try to shove that crap down my throat. Until then, you can just shut it, cause I don't buy it.

Bird Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

JeriKratzhole: If you own a business (WB)and rely on a salary, and another business (Fox) does something to threaten your next years salary to the point where it may be possible that you loose millions of dollars, your going to do something about it, no? What WB decided to do was move another big movie that they don't NEED this year, to next year; so they dont loose money from watchmen not being released. If you think of the future, it helps to know that there either could be WB or there could NOT be WB...that would suck! just keep that in mind

Barbara Holbrook Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Well, I do understand how some of you feel but I also am upset because I have health issues and may have to have surgery and not get to see the movie in July I could have in November of 08. I guess that is life huh. Not all Harry Potter fans are young.

JeriKratzhole Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 08:04 AM EST

t3hdow: Okay, if you're not a Harry Potter fan, then what the hell are you doing on this message board telling me how to feel about this situation? Clearly you DO NOT feel my pain, so, yes, to us the WB DID commit a felony. My kids got all fired up about seeing this movie and now I have to explain to them why they can't see it for another year. "Sorry, Billy, the new Harry Potter movie is finished but the people who made the movie want to make even more money, so they're making you wait another 8 months to see it." And here you are attempting to defend this blatant act of selfishness and greed. That's awesome. Maybe you'll get invited to Susman & Horn's rolling around in piles of cash party. Why don't you find a better way to spend your time and go post on the "Best Action Movies" blog. That sounds like more your speed.

t3hdow Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 08:51 PM EST

Jeri, I didn't claim Potter fans are raving lunatics. That was my point when I responded to Danielle. You have a right to be upset, but calling people with differing views corporate toolbags all day gives you guys a bad name. I'm more on your side than WB's. And yes, what WB did was inconsiderate of the fans (if you couldn't tell, I'm not one of them). Don't change your mind about a movie's date unless you have a very good reason to do so (especially when it's as anticipated as Harry Potter, unlike most completed but shelved movies). Also, while I won't denounce any boycott like Susman, I can understand why he said it. His opinion was cynical yes, but I wouldn't say snarky or deserving of being called a pile of dirt.
P.S. The only reason I brought up the Hitler thing is because some of you act as if WB committed a felony. What they did was undeniably greedy but ridiculing them as if they did inhumane acts for a buck is kind of pushing it. Dial the vitriol down a bit.

JeriKratzhole Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 08:29 AM EST

And by the way, I made the comments about Susman mainly because I don't appreciate this snarky little article he decided to post. Just proves what a tool he is by trying to minimize what a sucky thing these corporate turds did to us worthless peons and telling us nothing we do will make any difference. Gee, thanks! BTW, Gary, say hi to Mr. Horn for me when you two get together to brush each other's hair and roll around in his piles of cash.

JeriKratzhole Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

t3hdow: dude, just because we took the time to post about how lame this move by the WB is, doesn't mean we're raving lunatics who walk around muttering "Must save Harry!" to ourselves all day, as you're portraying us here. Here's the bottom line. The WB planned to release HP in November, started the whole Marketing Machine by releasing the trailer, having articles published about it (thanks, EW!) and then said, "Oh WAIT a minute, Dark Knight's making a boatload of money, let's knock Harry into next summer so we can all get our big fat bonus checks next year too WOO HOO! Screw the fans, they can't do anything about it, and when they complain, Alan Horn can release a lame 'I'm SOOOO SORRY to have disappointed you, but I have my eye on a fully loaded Jag' statement." This is what you people are accepting. So kudos to you. And by the way, you're the one bringing "Hitler, murderers and child abusers" into this discussion. Who's being irrational now?

t3hdow Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:34 PM EST

As for WB and Fox, they both made boneheaded moves for handling Half-Blood Prince and Watchmen. WB's case is unusual, since few anticipated films get purposely delayed for that long. I don't buy the lack-of-profits-from-writers-strike excuse, since The Dark Knight should cover their finances for a long time. Whatever their reasoning, they should've released the trailer later with the new July 2009 date to avoid killing hype. Speaking as a 24 fan who lost an entire season from the strike, I feel your pain. However, I didn't mope about it, 24/7. I just rewatched previous seasons to sate me. Just like Kim suggested, re-read the novels if you're that frustrated. Not seeing your movie sooner instead of later kind of sucks, but it's not the end of the world.
Speaking on Fox, what they did was even more selfish. You wait until a film is nearly completed and THEN decide to try and rake in profits? That's just being cruel. This should've been resolved before the first take.

t3hdow Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

To Danielle:
I agree. You have every right as a Potter fan to curse WB for announcing one release date and then weeks later delay it for the summer. That's being irresponsible, regardless of how valid their claims. I'm not against boycotting either, because it's gotten a studio's attention before. Firefly got Serenity and Jericho received a 7-episode season to wrap up their stories, thanks to protests. I'm not even going to bash your fandom, because I know how obsessed I get sometimes. It's just that some of you are acting kind of irrational. Look at JeriKratzHole. He's calling Susman less than a pile of dirt over this ordeal (btw, he's not supporting WB by denouncing a boycott; he's just saying it most likely won't work). That label's reserved for Hitler, murderers and child abusers, not for a pandering movie distributer.
If you feel obligated to boycott WB, at least be smart about it or you might as well not do it at all. Still, don't be surprised if the boycott fails.

Henry Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

That YouTube video about boycotting movies so Harry Potter can move back to its original Fall slot? Hiarious. Won't happen, but hilarious nonetheless.

reanna Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

i agree with ppl about not boycotting cuz frankly even tho im mad im not gonna toture myslef longer by not going to see the movie it would be retarted

Bird Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 06:25 PM EST

blame 20th century fox if anyone, they're the ones not letting watchmen being released causing harry potter to be delayed to next year so warner bros can still rake in the dough since mucho dinero will be lost if watchmen isnt released. And hell...if we boycott 20TH CENTURY FOX movies then they will release watchmen and hence bring back the release date of harry potter...savey?

Bird Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 06:21 PM EST

reading all these post is very entertaining I'll have to admit, but the only people in this entire page that know what they're talking about is GRIFFIN and MATTEHW. sorry did i spell that right? I respect the fans of watchman and harry potter but whats happening here is someone being human and trying to save their business. and I dont mean to bicker but you guys need to look at the whole picture

Kim Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

I know that the thought of having to wait for so long to see something that you believe to be so dear to you might be a little difficult to deal with. Havinng grown up with Harry, I feel like I still have a peice of my childhood thanks to this franchise. I know that this movie will be the beginning of the end. If you are looking for something to do and you are truly a real Potter Fan then might I make a suggestion? Take the next few months and reread the book that lets us know so much about these characters that we will be seeing on screen come July. Yes, it's nearly a year so read the seventh again too! Read them all! These are great books and I don't know about you but the movies are a bit of a sidebar anyway. They are great but, the full picture comes from the books.
Remember that the movies were made by men that are in charge of making the most money possible, for a movie based on a book. At least they are going to do the final movie justice by splitting the movie into 2 parts.

Danielle Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I don't get all the vitrol aimed at those of us who are upset about the Potter delay. To call us selfish or 'spoiled children', or 'stuped retardes' (what is that, exactly?), I just don't get it. I don't shop at Walmart because I don't like their business practices, and thus if I'm not happy with what Warner Brothers has done, then I'm going to do something about that as well. Just because they're a business and need to make money doesn't mean I need to bend over. Like I said earlier, you don't bite the hand that feeds you. If what WB has done doesn't bother you, then that's fine but don't hate on me because I'm pissed off/upset/disheartened and wanting to do something about it.

Mattehw Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

i am so sorry! but i LOVE Harry Potter i eat, sleep, think Harry Potter! But you are all retarded! why don't you just read what they say!!!!!
there is less time to the next film! and so freaking what if they are making money off of us! we make money off other people! What are we going to also stop eating food because they are making the food prices so much, NO! just get over it and enjoy life! life has so much to offer but you are all thinking of ways to get the world to stop for you to get a movie you want, Hey i also want to watch it but i am living with it, just enjoy what you have already! it is there desision what they do so drop it like its hot!!! hey dont you rather BOYCOTT Harry Potter then that would shock them!! but hey you would not live then! you stupped retardes!!!!!!

Harry Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Karen, aren't we being all high and mighty? If you're so involved in your "having a life" what are you doing wasting your precious time posting on blogs? Seems you're no better than the rest of us, so shut your pie hole.

Karen Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Re: Harry. It's not that some of us are "too dumb", it's that some of us have a life. I suggest you get one and learn to deal with disappointments and delays.

JeriKratzhole Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 08:23 AM EST

Dear Gary Susman:
Thanks for suggesting that we all have the memory span of Finding Nemo's Dory by forgetting by next summer about this HP delay. And guess what. I have your lovely Fall Movie Preview issue to remind me of what these greedy scummy WB turds did, all in the name of making their wallets fatter. Sorry but I for one don't throw my money at people who would gladly toss me to the sharks if someone paid them a buck to do so. You, on the other hand. Not so much. Sad. And hey, thanks also for NOT standing up for us fans, Mr. Susman. But, oopsie! I almost forgot. You WORK for Time Warner. What, did you get a memo from the boss forcing you to put this lame blog on the web site? I hope they throw some of their money your way, cause if that's not the case, then you truly are lower than dirt.

Griffin Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 07:12 AM EST

Yeeesh, they're just trying to deal with their legal problems right now - if Fox actually does suppress Watchmen completely, WB is going to have lost a huge amount of money. They're just trying to make sure they have a big movie coming out next year to try and protect themselves from financial difficulties. It's not a personal snub of HP fans. They're a business guys. They have to act like one.
Can't you guys get a constructive hobby that DOESN'T revolve entirely around something someone else has created? Write your own stories. Learn to knit or sew and make cool clothes. Paint. Build birdhouses. I don't know, just do something that doesn't require a disclaimer attached. There are so many awesome artists and writers in fandom, I've always wondered what they could do outside the umbrella of JKR.

Mary Cullen Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 01:55 AM EST

Fine, to be more realistic with myself-I will protest all OTHER WB movies until HBP and I will not see HBP in the opening weekend-but I will not hesitate watching it with other means if the opportunity arises. That still has to hurt their pocket, and that's as much as I can do.

melanie Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 01:05 AM EST

pushing back the release date of potter is purely selfish. I hope it hurts them. It's truly unfair to the fans. I can understand a month, but that's almost a year away now!

Bird Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST

Are you guys serious? selfishness, and lack of patience...and you want to boycott movies! lol

Emily Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

I too am annoyed that Harry Potter was delayed, but what is boycotting movies going to do? Nothing! And think of it this way: although you have to wait longer for HP6, you'll have a shorter waiting period between HP7 part 1. Actually, now it will be easier to wait for HP6 - if they had originally announced the July 2009 release date, people would think "I can't wait 2 years!" But now you only have to think about waiting 11 months. I'll have the Tales of Beedle the Bard this winter, I won't be complaining too much.

Harry Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:59 PM EST

Anyone who says, "Awww, big DEAL the movie's not coming out when they said it would!" obviously has no brain and no idea that they are EXACTLY what the corporate scumbags want you to be. You are nothing but a SOURCE OF MONEY to them and YOU DON'T CARE or are TOO DUMB TO KNOW ANY BETTER. You are what these rich bastards are banking on to continue financing their Jaguars and Lexuses and snotty mansions in Beverly oh-my-90210 Hills. You people are PATHETIC and don't even know it. So congratulations on being an unpaid patronized cog in their machine of corporate corruption and greed.

Nose Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

To Re:Nose: I expect some ribbing for my nerdy ways, but I don't like getting lumped in with people like the guy who was on Dr. Phil because his wife couldn't take his Star Wars obsession. I am a fan of these types of movies and books, and I'm not ashamed of it, but I don't own any wizard paraphernalia, and I don't consider it a personal blow that the movie isn't coming out when they originally said. Come on.

Dee Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:38 PM EST

I'm extremely annoyed that HBP has been pushed back a year, but come on. I'm annoyed, obviously, because I want to see it rather badly. So, what sense would there be in me boycotting? Why would I deny myself the opportunity to see something I want to see so badly that I even talk about boycotting it because it's been delayed? I could lie to myself and say I'm going to boycott, but I know full well that when opening week rolls around, and we start seeing clips and trailers and pictures and interviews posted all over the place, and we see the premieres happen in London and the US, let's face it, I'm going to be in line with everyone else. I'm mad at WB, sure. But I still want to see the movie. A lot. Because I like Harry Potter more than I dislike Warner Bros. And I don't want to wait for DVD, because it'll probably deserve to be seen in its full glory on IMAX. And that's where I'll be on July 17. Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to see most of the "boycotters" there too.

Alex Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:33 PM EST

Yeah, like most of the Harry Potter fans who are going to "boycott" Warner Brothers aren't going to see Half-Blood Prince the weekend it is released in the end. *points and laughs at the idiots*

JeriKratzhole Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:24 PM EST

Gary Susman is a tool. Is a tool. Is a tool. Gary Susman is a tool. You. Can. Bite. Me.

JackSparrow Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:23 PM EST

Dear Gary Susman:

Bite me.

Hugs and Kisses,
Cpt. Jack Sparrow

Jeanne Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

In regards to Watchmen, I'm predicting they'll be announcing a settlement within the next month or so. WB may very well be in the wrong but the fact that FOX waited to sue until after the movie was already made, had a release date scheduled, and promotion begun is not going to reflect well on them. It's a shakedown, pure and simple.

Mary Cullen Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 04:45 PM EST

I don't care, I agree with the YouTube video chick. I'm boycotting all WB movies-and the only other movie I plan on seeing in theaters is Twilight. It has to do SOMETHING and anything to get back at WB is fine with me. I don't care if you say that it's like spitting in the wind and what the fans do doesn't matter-I'm still going to try. At least it FEELS like I'm doing something...

Jesse Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

I'm sure the fact that Time Warner signs Mr. Susman's paychecks has absolutely nothing to do with his advice to suck it up and deal with it. No, absolutely not.

Re: Nose Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

Nose said: "I would like to say that the people who feel the need to protest and boycott are the reason why I'm made fun of so much for being a Potter fan."

Sorry to break to this you Nose, but they'd make fun of you anyway. Since the day the first geek admitted to liking Star Trek, fans of comic-books and fantasy franchises have been mocked. We always have and we always will.

FYI Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

What about the other WB pictures that are being affected and conveniently forgotten in these new hubbubs? There are many fans wanting to see Rocknrolla, Pride and Glory and Slumdogs. Who cares about the remakes of Halloween and Friday the 13th. Most of the New Line films that'll be having 2000+ screens should be direct to DVD instead of theatrical releases. Why doesn't WB release original screenplay written films that have nothing but good reviews from critics? I guess I answered my own question, Hollywood doesn't want anything new or original. People want to see these last films too, they may not be tent pole films but not every film will be one, there's still a market for medium size films that have great directors attached to them. WB, give these films a chance, I've been looking forward to seeing all 3, for a long, long time now.

Nose Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

JB...the answer is money, and will always be money. That was explained to everyone in the press release.

And I think what Gary was trying to say is not that WB doesn't value the people who go see their movies, but for movies like HP and Watchmen...people are going to see them no matter when they are, so WB can pretty much do what they like with the scheduling.

I would like to say that the people who feel the need to protest and boycott are the reason why I'm made fun of so much for being a Potter fan. It's a movie, people. It's still coming out. You can see it soon. Relax.

JB Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

Regardless, WB's decision not only affects the fans but also affects that billion dollar franchise by causing an retailers relying upon sales from merchandise to write off holiday sales and stock long-range inventories. What fans want at a minimum is a clear concise & honest explanation. Protest the WB's decision through Accio Dumbledore's Army's 'Email initiative'. http://pottersorder.blogspot.com

mike Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM EST

Joeseph - Uh, maybe my sarcasm wasn't dripping enough? Obviously, I didn't really speak to anyone at WB... though it's cute you thought I did. I agree with you. Folks are angry at how they're being treated. I'm just a little miffed that Gary seems to be almost celebrating the idea that this corporation is so diverse and powerful that they couldn't care less about the opinions of the people who consume their product.

Joseph Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Mike, I seriously doubt anyone at WB said "Get a Life" to you about the whole HBP issue.

The folks that are complaining are just angry that they are being treat this way, as would any fan I think. I also know that all their shouting, calls to the media, threatening boycotts & petitions are not going to change the release date for HBP - so suck it up & deal with it. You know you'll go & see it opening weekend :).

mike Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Oh yeah, and I just got off the phone with Warner Bros. They agree with Gary 100% They couldn't care less if you fanboys come to see their movies or not. They said, and I quote, "Fanboys turned their back on Speed Racer and did it damage that franchise even one bit? Of course not. We're willing to flush $150,000,000 down the tubes... you seriously think we care about your $10 admission? Oh please. Get a life."

mike Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

Well there you have it folks, the brilliant Gary Sussman has declared that the power of consumers to influence product producers is officially dead. No more protests against greedy, incompetent, or corrupt corportations people. Gary says it won't work. And if you don't agree with that, don't bother to stop buying the magazine he writes for, because they don't care about your business. And don't boycott their sponsors, because they don't care your business either. You are meaningless bugs leeching off the ass of corporate America and you should be ashmaed of yourselves for even THINKING about putting your money where your mouth is and standing up for your beliefs. Gary laughs at you and DARES you to boycott his sponsors. He thinks you don't have the guts... you chickens. There, now... Gary has spoken!

Megan Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

You're right on, Kathleen. An MTV remake? Unbelievable. I feel the same way about the sequel they're making to Donnie Darko. What in the world? You'll ruin it!

But I digress. You're absolutely right, Gary. These protests will do nothing and, quite frankly, remind me of the temper tantrums of a spoiled child.

Danielle Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

I realize that the point of a business is to maximize profits, but I also believe in the adage "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." I also realize protesting fans won't make much of a difference, and as Lili pointed out, that is incredibly frustrating. Some of us like to get out of the cold weather and into a warm theatre and prefer to see our movies in the fall/winter (enjoy the beautiful weather in the summer! Go outside!) It is just incredibly disheartening to think that big movie studios can crap all over their fans and all we can say is "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

Lili Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

I am one of those crazed HBP fans, and I just wanted to say that most of the "nerds" (a title I accept proudly) that I have talked to, do not actually think protesting will make a difference. It's just a way of venting our disappointment. To top it all off, the fact that we fans ultimately don't matter is even more frustrating.

Snarf Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

"When Dissapointed Obsessed Nerds Attack" A Fox Family Special.

Kathleen Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 12:49 PM EST

I think we're all missing the real issue here, friends. If we're going to protest, we should protest the remake of Rocky Horror. Can I get a So Say We All?

(I'm kidding. I think protesting movies is silly [But I'm also totally sickened by the idea of a RHPS remake].)

Richard Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

"Because they'll make more in the summer...as if they don't already make craploads already."

Yes, how dare a business try to maximize its profits.

Nose Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

People need to get a life. I'm excited for HP 6 and Watchmen, but I'm hardly going to protest. What's the difference between watching Potter in November and next summer? Nothing at all, although you'll be glad to be out of the sun and in an air-conditioned theatre in the summer. Actually, look at it this way...our time with Harry Potter has an expiration date now, so personally, the longer I can prolong no more books or movies, the better.

Melinda65 Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

I was annoyed at the schedule switch for HP--maybe even disgruntled, but I can't say that I plan to boycott. It's not as if WB announced that they weren't going to release the movie at all.

Tate Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

I SO don't care...

misty Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

Thanks for posting this! It really is starting to annoy me how much people are grumbling about HP HBP being pushed back a little. Yes, it's a shame but it's happening now and there's not much that can be done to stop it. And it's looking at a wider picture, I don't like the fans behaving so selfishly to be honest. There are a lot of circumstances involved in the film being moved to next summer, and the studio and industry in general needs to protect itself with the current economic problems. And for those that think it shouldn't be about the money - this is the film industry - the bottom line is very important, just as it would be in any other business. And another thing, I'm really happy that there won't be such a huge gap between HBP being released and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 being released. I'm dreading the end of the series - lets not all starting getting up in arms just ebcause we have to wait a few months. It's the only HP film that has had any delays.

karen b Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

I can't believe people are protesting a release date. OK, I CAN believe it (anything is possible after Chris Crocker), but SERIOUSLY??? If you need a HP fix that bad, re-read the book! I'm surprised this is the first major reshuffle we have seen post-writers strike!!!

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