Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 hits Toronto with a premiere and a Hogwarts-themed party at Casa Loma

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 hits Toronto with a premiere and a Hogwarts-themed party at Casa Loma

Welcome to Hogwarts at Casa Loma. (Image: Tara Sameshima)

It may be surprising to some (no one) that Harry Potter is a big deal for small children, teens, adults and the elderly. It was quite clear to us at last night’s premiere, where we saw a lineup of caped youngsters waiting in anticipation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, the last chapter of J.K. Rowling’s famed series about a Jesus figure named Harry who sacrifices everything for the good of the witch and wizard (and everything fantasy—goblins, giants, ogres, dragons) community. Unfortunately for the ragtag group of wand-bearing wannabe wizards, a representative of the movie told us that the chances of the waiting-since-6-a.m. diehards getting access to the premiere was impossible, since even big media outlets had to be turned away.

Rumour had it (and perhaps this was the reason for many non-fans filling the seats at Scotiabank Theatre) that Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and Colin Farrell would be in attendance, but not one graced the plush seats of Scotiabank Theatre or the rock walls of Casa Loma with their presence (the latter three of whom just happen to be among the biggest celebrities in the city). Check out which celebrities made a splash at the premiere and on the “black carpet” in a gallery after the jump.

Unfortunate rumours aside, we were pleased to see Matthew Lewis (the film’s Neville Longbottom), a beautiful Kate Beckinsale, her ex-boyfriend Michael Sheen and their daughter Lily Sheen take their seats, in a row that appeared to have chauffeured soda and popcorn. Then there were the Degrassi kids, who have become as ubiquitous as chewed gum the seats at movie theatres, although somewhat more welcome. Other faces we saw were Kimberley Newport-Mimran, with daughter Jackie Mimran, and Breakfast Television’s Jennifer Valentyne, who also brought her tykes, while Zoomer’s Suzanne Boyd and the Toronto Star’s Derick Chetty represented the fashion pack.

See the black carpet slideshow »