Spooks star Hugh Laurie cast as Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort in new series
Hugh Laurie and Matthew Macfadyen have been cast in a new Harry Potter audiobook series. It's been nearly 30 years since the first of JK Rowling's magical seven-book series was first published, and well over a decade since the film franchise that launched Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to global superstardom came to an end.
Now, as production takes place on a television series based on the original novels, it has been announced that an audio book series titled Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions is also in the works.
Previously, the books were narrated by Stephen Fry but now his former comedy partner Hugh will be taking on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore, who was played by both Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the films.
Hugh said: "I'm honoured to have been trusted with the keys to Albus Dumbledore, and thrilled to be able to take him around the track of this beautiful incarnation by Pottermore and Audible." It comes after Mel B's 'spiritual' Moroccan wedding with non traditional dress.
Speaking of those who have taken on the part before him, Hugh added: "I'm also deeply conscious of previous drivers Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Jude Law and the iconic narrations by Jim Dale and m'colleague Stephen Fry. Just below the horizon, but headed our way, is the rough beast John Lithgow, his hour come round at last. This is great company, and it's a privilege to be among their number.
Meanwhile, Matthew, who is known for having previously starred in Succession, will take on the role of key antagonist Lord Voldemort in the project.
The pair of Hollywood stars are joining a cast of over 200 who will lend their voices to the characters to bring them to life in a new way. Riz Ahmed will play Professor Snape, a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman in the film series, and Michelle Gomez will voice Professor McGonagall whilst Cush Jumbo will play the narrator.
Newcomers Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play the trio Harry, Ron and Hermione and see the characters through their first three years at Hogwarts' School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will take over for the final four audiobooks.
Produced by Audible and Pottermore Publishing, the new audiobook series will include a full cast, original music and real-world sound capture to create an immersive audio experience.
It comes shortly after the cast of the new series were photographed amongst the crew on set to film the first scenes upcoming HBO show. The actors were seen getting ready before the cameras start rolling.
The show's star, Dominic, 11, was seen wearing a blue hooded jumper and a pair of round glasses – an accessory that has become synonymous with Harry Potter – as he filmed alongside the actors taking on the role as The Dursleys.
Meanwhile, spoiled Dudley Dursley actor Amos Kitson was snapped wearing a shell suit jacket with cropped, wide sleeves which he matched with a pair of grey shell suit trousers with a blue stripe down the side. The actor posed for a photo taken on an iPad by a crew member, as Amos was seen giving the camera a grumpy expression as he appeared to get into character.
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