Potter flies to 2009

Hope that teaser trailer for HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE didn’t get you too excited to see the next chapter of the student wizard… because you’ll have to wait a while longer to see it.

The movie’s release is getting bumped from its intended November 21 slot all the way to July 17, 2009. The bottom line (refreshingly admitted by the studio) is that last winter’s writer strike created a black hole for big movies in next summer’s schedule, and POTTER’s shift will give it more wand-waggling room to work its box office magic.

The only other big release the sixth POTTER flick will have to contend with is Will Ferrell’s LAND OF THE LOST. Expect someone to flinch.