Robert Pattinson had always been one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets. The handsome, yet brooding British actor had starred in several smaller-scale British films that had successfully navigated the stringent UK theatrical release system, but aside from a brief turn in the 2011 comedy-drama, The Adjustment Bureau, his American-centred filmography was relatively empty. But in 2005, Pattinson made the decisive move from Britain to the other side of the pond, landing leading roles in several major Hollywood productions, cementing his status as a global superstar.
Transformative Role: Harry Potter
The most high-profile and well-received of these roles was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Directed by Mike Newell and adaptated from J.K. Rowling’s novel of the same name, the film stars Pattinson as the eponymous Harry Potter, one of a trio of orphaned boys raised under the watchful eye of the magical faculty at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Set in a contemporary London that evokes the classic Harry Potter locations of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, the film introduced Pattinson to a whole new audience, drawing in the curious and fans of the books for whom this was their first encounter with the wizarding world.
The film was a huge success, taking in more than £200 million at the box office and going on to become the highest-grossing British film of all time. It also secured Pattinson’s status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, with an awards season run that included wins at the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards, as well as a BAFTA nomination.
Pattinson On Set: The Making Of A Classic
A classic movie making experience, the making of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was enthralling and eye-opening for those lucky enough to be involved. After a fairly subdued start with casting and a few days in pre-production, the fun really begins. With the entire cast and crew assembled on set, the first image that greets fans is that of their beloved Lead, Robert Pattinson. The actor is seen posing in front of a huge, ornamental fireplace, eyes closed, as if in contemplation.
A day or two after this photo-op, production commences with a whole host of spectacular set-pieces, introducing the viewer to the world of J.K. Rowling’s legendary Harry Potter and navigating the complexities of modern-day London. From the ornamental staircases and sweeping marble stairways of the Great Hall to the buzzing streets of London, the film sets the stage for an action-packed adventure, filled with twists and turns, ups and downs.