It was announced over the summer that the screenwriter and the director of several Harry Potter films, Steve Kloves and Yates, would adapt King’s post-apocalyptic doorstop across three sweeping films. However, Yates lacks the hunk status so the intent is to now replace him with the guy from Gigli. Affleck, who is currently directing the hostage drama Argo, has two films under his belt as of this moment. Argo will make it three. He seems like a strange pick for a genre project like this. First of all, it’s massive. Secondly, it doesn’t take place in Boston. Can he find as much success with the Maine accent? (Deadline)

This storyline is considered a lot more grim and adult than what Yates dealt with in Harry Potter. There are corpses lining the streets, gratuitous acts of violence, and deer running rampant in supermarkets. Not to mention the pressure to get it right. If he thought Potter fans were rabid, wait until he comes up short in the eyes of King’s fanbase. If he screws up, he’ll never be able to set foot in Maine again. (HitFix)

Directed by David Yates, it’s the last time Daniel Radcliffe plays Potter before going off and making less interesting movies. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are back as Potter’s posse of Hermione Granger and Ron “Bonghead” Weasely, along with Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter.

Judging by the trailer, this could be the darkest, most explodiest of the Potter movies. Oh man, a lot of Harry Potter’s friends have been killed at this point, and Voldemort is not afraid to push that button. On the other hand, Harry Potter isn’t afraid of a little cliff-diving, so I guess good and evil really do balance each other out.

Deathly Hallows Part 2 rides into theaters on a Quidditch-regulation broomstick on July 15, 2011.

The one farthest along is Gangster Squad. Set to be directed by Zombieland‘s Ruben Fleischer. They key role here is the “gangster” of the title, Mickey Cohen, which the studio wants to be played by Sean Penn. Cohen’s a juicy part too, a charismatic gangster who was both a shameless publicity hound (he participated in a LIFE magazine profile) and a violent criminal. Ryan Gosling is also being sought as a cop who tries to bring Cohen to justice.

The other project is called Cicero, which is about the infamous Al Capone’s years as a youngster – material that’s already been covered in part on the HBO series”Boardwalk Empire.” This one is reportedly the object of David Yates‘ interest, who would be looking for a “rebound project” after the last Harry Potter movie is finished. From boy wizards to Al Capone – I guess it’s no less likely than the career path of Zack Snyder. (via Deadline)

I know, I know, more Harry Potter stuff, but it’s always trending and Daddy needs pageviews. Today I have for you a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows featurette that looks back at young, impressionable Harry and forward at mature, constantly yelling Harry. The raising of his voice means he’s no longer taking sh*t from anyone. I’m also certain that wand is a metaphor for his penis, or something.

Anyhoos, I’m glad the series continues to get darker as it progresses. Tis a shame it’s all coming to an end next year, though. And if you think you’re sad, take a moment to consider the Warner Bros. execs. Harry Potter raked in a bona fide billion dollars annually. Batman only keeps that water tower half-full.

Go behind the scenes after the jump…