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Alfonso Cuarón has been signed to direct "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the third movie in the Harry Potter series for Warner Bros. Pictures, it was announced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Motion Pictures, Warner Bros. Cuarón is best known for directing the critically acclaimed "Y Tu Mamá También" as well as the enchanting children’s classic "A Little Princess." Production is scheduled to begin in England in the first quarter of 2003.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" will reunite principal cast from both the record-breaking "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" and the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and will introduce new characters from the ever-expanding world of Hogwarts School. The film will be produced by David Heyman, Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe for release by Warner Bros. Pictures in the summer of 2004.

Stated di Bonaventura, "We have prided ourselves on fulfilling our promise to the millions of fans to remain faithful to J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. We are certain that Alfonso’s gifts as a director will sustain that commitment and continue to bring the adventure and fantasy of this wonderful series to life onscreen in even more compelling ways."

"I’ve come to love all of the cast and crew on these movies and have completely immersed myself in this amazing and intricate story," said producer Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies. "But, as I’ve made the decision to step into the role of producer for the third film, I am thrilled that we have found someone as talented and inspired as Alfonso to take over the reins as director. It will be a pleasure to work with him on this project."

"In Alfonso Cuaron, I know we have found the right director for 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'," said producer David Heyman. "He has a unique vision and sensibility as a filmmaker, and an extraordinary ability to inspire memorable performances in children and adults alike. His humanity and belief in the magical possibilities of film and life make him the ideal choice."

Alfonso Cuarón was born in Mexico and made his directing debut there in 1991 with "Love in the Time of Hysteria." His next film, the critically acclaimed "A Little Princess," was released by Warner Bros. in 1995 and was followed by "Great Expectations" in 1998. His most recent film was last year’s provocative comedy hit, "Y Tu Mamá También."

"I am so pleased to be entrusted with presenting the continuing Harry Potter saga," said Cuarón. "It has captured the imaginations of so many people, myself included, and I am so excited to join an amazingly talented cast and crew. To be able to add my own contributions to this rich and creative material is a wonderful opportunity and I know the collaboration will be a great one."

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Pictures