JK Rowling Hypes Harry

Harry Potter author JK Rowling took part in an online chat for the British charity Comic Relief today (12 March 2001) and fielded more than a few questions about the upcoming Warner Bros movie. In particular she was adamant that turning her creation into a flesh and blood film character wouldn't detract from the books themselves. 'I'm excited about seeing the film, but then no film could ever ruin my favourite books for me.' But while she may be excited on seeing the final version (insiders have told Empire Online that Rowling was particularly pleased by the recent teaser trailer), she's less than keen on appearing at the premiere. 'I never look forward to anything that involves loads of cameras pointed in my direction. I think I'll go in disguise - look out for the person in the purple turban - that'll be me.' Asked about her feelings for the onslaught of merchandising we can expect to accompany the release of the movie in November, Rowling said, 'Well we always knew there would be merchandising along with the movie, and Warner Bros have given me a lot of input on it.' Perhaps a bigger problem for Rowling was the title change of the first Potter book in the States. 'They changed the first title, but with my consent,' she explained. 'To be honest I wish I hadn't agreed now, but it was my first book and I was so grateful that anyone was publishing me I wanted to keep them happy.' In response to one reader's concern that the film character wouldn't match the public's own perception of Harry Potter, Rowling said; 'I think most people's idea of him comes from different book covers around the world at the moment, and they're not changing. We'll have to see what happens once people have seen Dan Radliffe, I suppose.'