The three young stars of the Harry Potter movie franchise will reprise their roles in the final two film installments, Warner Brothers announced today.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson will return as the teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last of the movie adaptations of J.K. Rowling‘s best-selling book series.

In the announcement, Warner Brothers President of Production Jeff Robinov said, “When Daniel, Rupert and Emma were first cast as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, we knew they were not only talented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years, and in each of the Harry Potter films, we have watched them grow into extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors. It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified, so we are thrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete the arc of their characters in the final two films.”

There’s been a lot of tabloid speculation that Watson would not be appearing in the final films, especially after the actress told reporters last September that she didn’t know if she wanted to finish out all seven movies. Watson, who turns 17 next month, also said that she was not sure that she’d even continue her acting career.

Watson has since stated, “I could never let Hermione go — she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films.”

The fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is scheduled for release on July 13, 2007. The seventh and final book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is due in stores on July 21, 2007.