Bad news for "Harry Potter" fans: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, " which originally was going to be scheduled for release this November, will instead debut in theaters on July 17, 2009. The studio cites the summer family tentpole but perhaps a bigger reason, the writers' strike, as reasons for the delay in the release. The studio was quick to point out that the two films based on the last "Harry Potter" novel will not see a delay in production, however, as a result.

Commenting on the release date change for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," David Heyman, the producer of all the Harry Potter films, offered, "When Jeff Robinov explained the rationale behind moving the release date of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' to July 2009, it was immediately apparent that this offered us the potential to reach the widest possible audience. I am extremely proud of this latest film and of the work of David Yates and our incomparable cast; I believe we have developed and pushed the series further still. We are all looking forward to sharing it with Harry Potter fans around the world, even if we have to wait just a bit longer."

David Yates, the director of both "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and who will also helm "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," added, "It has been a joy to work on 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.' Dan, Rupert and Emma and all our returning young cast continue to blossom, and our new cast members bring fresh color and life to Hogwarts. Even as we put the finishing touches on this latest film, we are already beginning preparations on the final two films--we start filming in February--and I am excited to bring this remarkable series to the exciting and moving conclusion its loyal fans deserve."

A trailer for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was released a few weeks ago but given the delay, expect to see a new one with a new release date to be put together in the coming months.