Top Trio to Return for Harry's Last Bows

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in the final "Harry Potter" films, Warner Bros. Pictures announced Friday. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be the last two films in the franchise based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling novels.

"It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified," said Jeff Robinov, the studio's president of production.

Radcliffe, 17, 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."

Watson, 16, said her character was her hero. "I could never let Hermione go. I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me."

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 to be released in the United States on July 13.