[1][2] Both parts were shot simultaneously; principal photography began on 19 February 2009 and was completed on 12 June 2010,[3] with reshoots for the epilogue scene taking place in December 2010.

Having reread the book and discussed it with Steve Kloves when the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike ended, and having Rowling's approval, he agreed with the division.

[10] Heyman said of the project, "Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films.

"[1][11] In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters.

That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts.Before David Yates was officially chosen to direct, others had expressed an interest in the job.

[12] Guillermo del Toro, who passed on Prisoner of Azkaban, had expressed interest in directing Deathly Hallows,[13] but an increased workload over the production of The Hobbit ruled him out of the project.

[31] The crew also shot on location, with Swinley Forest being the main outdoor filming area, along with the village of Lavenham in Suffolk[32] and the streets of the city of London.

[35] However, reshoots were confirmed to begin in the winter of 2010 for the film's final scene, "19 Years Later", which originally took place in London at King's Cross station.

[36] During production at Leavesden, Radcliffe's stunt double David Holmes suffered a serious spinal injury during the filming of an aerial sequence, which left him paralysed.

[37][38][39] He is credited in the finished film as a stunt performer, and would be the subject of a 2023 documentary titled David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, on which Radcliffe served as executive producer.

Some of the footage included actor Robbie Coltrane playing air guitar, production staff waving goodbye and the final scene of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.