Cast to Reprise `Potter' Roles

LOS ANGELES — Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will return as teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in the final "Harry Potter" films, Warner Bros. Pictures announced Friday.

The young stars will reprise their roles in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" _ the last two films in the franchise based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling novels, said Jeff Robinov, the studio's president of production.

"It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified," Robinov said.

Radcliffe, who recently made news for his role in the London production of "Equus," said playing Potter has been "an immense privilege."

"I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years," the 17-year-old said in a statement.

Watson, 16, said her character was her hero.

"I could never let Hermione go," she said. "I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I'm excited and honored to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films."

Grint, 18, added: "I've been so proud to play (Ron) and loved every second of being part of this world."

The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is slated for release in the U.S. on July 13.