Harry Potter film at par with James Cameron's biggest hits

Washington, Aug 8 : 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2' has now come at par with James Cameron's biggest box office films 'Avatar' and 'Titanic'.

The final chapter of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series has grossed over 1.3 billion dollars at the box office worldwide since its release, Contactmusic reported.

The movie, starring Daniel Radcliffe, has made director David Yates' project the third biggest box office success story ever after Cameron's big hits.

Cameron's 3D extravaganza 'Avatar' made 2.7 billion dollars in 2009, while his romantic tale 'Titanic' earned 1.8 billion dollars back in 1997.

'Harry Potter' franchise crosses USD 7 bn mark

Los Angeles, July 22 : "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2" has had a record breaking run in the first week - the eight and the last instalment of the boy wizard story has already earned USD 640.2 million and with that, the franchise has crossed the USD 7 billion mark worldwide.

The film earned $214.9 million at the US box office and $425.3 million at international ticket windows.

"It is an extraordinary privilege for everyone at Warner Bros to share in this piece of cinema history. We are extremely grateful to the Harry Potter fans who have remained loyal to the movies for more than a decade," deadline.com quoted Jeff Robinov, president, Warner Bros Pictures Group, as saying.

Authored by J.K. Rowling, the first "Harry Potter" book came out in 1997 and became a rage, and four years later its movie version starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson hit the screens. The movie was equally successful.

"We also want to congratulate the amazing roster of actors and filmmakers, whose artistry and talent is evident in every frame of every film. But special thanks must go to the woman whose incomparable imagination literally changed the world, Rowling," Robinov added.

Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution of Warner Bros. Pictures, said: "Becoming a $7 billion-plus franchise is a stunning achievement, which is shared by everybody involved in any or all of the Harry Potter films.

"On the domestic side, the studio is also thrilled to have reached the billion dollar benchmark for an unprecedented eleventh year in a row. We thank everyone at Warner Bros whose hard work and dedication have contributed so much to our success."

Julie Walters suffered wand arm after 'Harry Potter' fight scenes

London, July 10 : Veteran actress Julie Walters has revealed that she suffered wand arm after filming fight scenes in 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2'.

 The 61-year-old, who plays Ron Weasley's mother Molly, fought with villainess Bellatrix Lestrange played by actress Helena Bonham Carter in the action-packed sequences.

"We had to film the fight scenes several times, it was fantastic, but after a while I suffered wand arm," the Daily Express quoted her as saying.

"After filming we had to be treated, Helena and I, because wielding a wand really does put a strain on the muscles. I was instructed by the doctor to rest it for a few days.

"Towards the build-up to the fight scenes Helena and I got a bit carried away and we would practise even when the cameras weren't rolling. It was hilarious," she said.