Latest news with #NickFrost
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO's ‘Harry Potter' Studio Builds a School for Child Actors to Attend During Filming Over the Next 8 to 10 Years
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which will be the production home for HBO's 'Harry Potter' television series, is building a temporary school so that the show's dozens of young actors can keep up with their studies amid filming, the BBC reports. HBO announced July 15 that 'Harry Potter' had officially begun production. Per the BBC, Three Rivers District Council is permitting the studio to 'use a series of portable buildings as a school facility for the next decade. The proposed classrooms have been designed to be used by up to 600 pupils during peak periods, when large crowd scenes are shot, but will typically serve about 150 students. It will operate on weekdays between 5:30am and 8:30pm so young actors can fit in their actual studies between night shoots, reshoots and location filming.' More from Variety HBO Max Scores Record Emmy Nominations Haul Fueled by 'The Penguin,' 'The White Lotus,' 'The Last of Us' and 'Hacks' 'Harry Potter': Nick Frost Transforms Into Hagrid in New Look at HBO Series 'Harry Potter' First Look: The New Boy Wizard Debuts as HBO Series Begins Filming, Sets 2027 Release Date While the planning documents did not cite 'Harry Potter' by name, they did note the schools would be used for a 'significant new TV series which will base itself at the studio for the next 8–10 years.' The BBC added: 'The school infrastructure will be in place for a maximum period of 10 years.' Variety reached out to HBO for further comment. HBO's casting search for 'Harry Potter' included 32,000 children auditions for the lead roles following an open casting call. The young actors who will need to keep up with schooling during production include Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), Lox Pratt (Draco Malfoy), Alessia Leoni (Parvati Patil), Leo Earley (Seamus Finnigan), Rory Wilmot (Neville Longbottom) and Amos Kitson (Dudley Dursley), among others. The 'Harry Potter' series will debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2027. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch Solve the daily Crossword
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Movie Tea: Nick Frost Gears Up To Be HBO's Hagrid; Joseph & Vanessa Winter To Create New 'Amityville' Movie
There's nothing like the classics – but why not remake them for a new generation who never got to experience the original? From everyone's favourite prophesied wizard, to the tale of a haunted house that shocked a nation – here's the lowdown on two upcoming movies that will send you down memory lane! First Look At New Hagrid In HBO 'Harry Potter' Series If you're in the ballpark of being 20 to 40 years old, you probably remember having the 'Harry Potter' franchise being a part of your childhood. Be it the novels or the beloved cinematic adaptation, it goes without saying that you have come across the Wizarding World in some shape or form, including the upcoming HBO series, the news of which has swept the world. HBO is now working on introducing the story of The Boy Who Lived and his friends to the next generation. For that reason, the premium television series is hard at work when it comes to looking for the next crew to bring these characters to life and, recently, news has spread that the company has just found its Hagrid in the form of Nick Frost! You can even see him in costume with the official Instagram post below! That's right! The decorated actor and popular comedian will be portraying everyone's favourite half-giant! For those who are unaware or in need of a refresher, Hagrid is the loveable gatekeeper to Hogwarts and the first to welcome Harry into the world of magic. He is also the first to explain Harry's ancestry, divulging the central fact that he is a wizard, beginning a deep, almost parental-like bond between the two. Moving forward, Nick Frost will be taking care of this version of the Chosen One in the form of Dominic McLaughlin. Of course, he will be joining other fresh faces such as Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), and many more. Being the second adaptation to stem from the same franchise, with the first one being extremely popular, Frost has some massive shoes to fill, both literally and figuratively, as he will be stepping in for the late Robbie Coltrane. However, with his acting chops and his big-man-big-heart attitude, we can easily see him rise up to the challenge and be the gatekeeper we know and love! You'll be able to catch him and the rest of the magical crew when the series premieres in 2027. Joseph & Vanessa Winter Teaming Up To Create New Amityville Movie In a movie market that is filled with cheap jump scare movies, it pays to be innovative. When it comes to films, people are always looking for the next movie that will shake up the status quo, or at least challenge it, and that is sure to usher in a new era of movies. It's one thing to be a trendsetter, but when you inject a fresh idea into the world of cinema that catches fire, the audience will almost never forget you! That is the case of Joseph and Vanessa Winter, a married writer-director duo behind the SXSW found footage horror movie 'Deadstream'. Following this genre-defining film receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and moviegoers alike, the couple are once again working together on a brand new project. The only difference is that they will be revisiting old yet familiar territory with an iconic IP – the 'Amityville Horror' franchise! In a way… Though you may be familiar with the film franchise that dominated the late 70s, as well as the 1977 bestseller novel by Jay Anson, this upcoming movie will have no relation to the previous entries that we are all familiar with. How is that? First, we must explain what the original franchise looked like. With that being said, we can expect a retelling of Ronald DeFeo Jr., the mass murderer who killed his father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters in the infamous house. A year after the crime, George and Kathy Lutz moved into the home along with their three children – all unaware of its dark past. Shortly thereafter, the family reported unsettling paranormal phenomena, such as unexplained noises, cold spots, foul odours, and sightings of strange apparitions. After only 28 days, the family left the house because they could no longer put up with the purported paranormal activity. The key difference in this move is that, according to Deadline's report, neither the DeFeo nor the Lutz story will be a factor in their interpretation of 'Amityville Horror'. This is not only a bold move to break away from a major continuity, but also offers a refreshing look at the infamous Amityville house itself. Of course, with that news, everyone is now intrigued about what's in store for us – but the plot of this new story is buried under lock and key, and a tight one at that! What we do know is that, aside from the Winter couple writing and directing the movie, Raphael Margules & J.D. Lifshitz will produce for BoulderLight, alongside Adam Hendricks & Greg Gilreath for Divide/Conquer. If that hasn't clued you in yet, this movie will be a joint venture with BoulderLight Pictures as well as Divide/Conquer, two emerging horror heavy-hitters that were responsible for 'Barbarian' and 'Heart Eyes', respectively. Being masters of the found footage genre, as proven by their work in 'Deadstream', we're absolutely curious to see how this reimagining of an iconic horror piece can be brought back for a modern audience. With production scheduled for Q4 of 2025, we'll keep you posted on whatever comes next for this exciting yet horrifying revisit. Source: Deadline, Variety
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harry Potter fans divided over first image of Nick Frost's Hagrid
Production is officially underway on HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series and the studio has released a first-look image of actor Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, which has caused some debate among fans. The 53-year-old will play the friendly groundskeeper alongside newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, who was also pictured in costume this week while filming at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. Fans were left divided over Frost's transformation, with some declaring they were 'loving' the actor in the iconic role, while others said his costume looked like 'cosplaying'. 'I'm so sorry this already looks like a parody show,' one person wrote on X/Twitter. 'Who exactly asked for this?' another fan questioned. Referring to the original Hagrid actor, Robbie Coltrane, another said: 'Love Nick Frost, but no chance of out-Hagrid-ing Hagrid.' The TV adaptation of the famous franchise, which is expected to debut in 2027, confirmed by HBO Max in 2023, aims to be a 'faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling'. The series is expected to run for a decade, with each season based on one of the seven Rowling books. The books follow the story of 11-year-old Harry Potter as he learns of his acceptance to Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry, and his attempts to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in HBO'sforthcoming Harry Potter series (HBO) In May last year, HBO announced that after nearly 30,000 auditions for the three lead roles, McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout had been cast as Harry, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Casting for most of the leading characters has been announced in the last few months. Paapa Essiedu is playing potions professor Severus Snape, Janet McTeer is acting as deputy Hogwarts headmistress and Gryffindor House head Minerva McGonagall, and Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The actors have faced criticism from some fans calling for a boycott of the series due to Rowling's views on transgender people which many consider transphobic. However, Frost, known for Shaun of the Dead, made clear in an interview that his opinions 'don't align in any way, shape or form' with those of the franchise creator. Last month, Rowling, 59, delivered her early verdict on the series in a post on X. 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!' the author said. In response, a user asked the author: 'So you are not doing the writing for this show?' to which, the author clarified: 'No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers.' Rubeus Hagrid was previously played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter franchise, who died from multiple organ failure in 2022, aged 72, after starring in all eight films as the beloved half-giant.
Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in Harry Potter HBO TV series
Filming is under way on the Harry Potter TV series and today the first picture has been released of the British actor and comedian Nick Frost as the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid. Frost, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role originally played by Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter film franchise. Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter is the bestselling book franchise and spawned an eight-movie series that grossed almost $8 billion at the global box office. But with almost 15 years since the last film starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint was released, the magical world of the original stories is about to arrive on our screens again in the shape of an ambitious HBO streaming series set to run across a decade. All seven books will be adapted at a budget reported to be greater than House of the Dragon's $200 million per series, so Potter fans are likely to be in for a treat when the new series is finally released. Here's everything we know so far about the programme. What is the new Harry Potter series about? The new series is described as a faithful adaptation of the original seven books that make up the Harry Potter series. Each season will bring Harry Potter and his magical adventures to a new audience. Has the show started shooting? Yes. HBO announced that production began on the series on 14 July 2025. When is Harry Potter released? The show is being made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden near Watford. It's the same place where the original film series was made between 2001 and 2011, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2. The first season of the new Harry Potter series is expected to hit our screens sometime in 2027, although no official date has yet been given. How can I watch in the UK/US? In both the UK and the US, the series will be released exclusively on HBO Max's streaming platform. Max is yet to launch in the UK, but is expected in 2026. It will be available as a new standalone streaming platform, but also as part of Sky packages for satellite customers used to seeing HBO shows on the channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max and Sky Comedy. • John Lithgow on the Dumbledore backlash: 'I wonder how JK Rowling copes' Which books are being adapted? Early reports had each season of the series focusing on one book in the Harry Potter series, which consists of seven novels. The books in the Harry Potter series are: • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005) • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) How many seasons are there? It was originally expected that each season would tackle one book, but the chief of HBO, Casey Bloys, said the project could run for 'ten consecutive years'. The later books are more expansive, particularly the final novel, Deathly Hallows, which was split into two parts for the film adaptation. Is JK Rowling involved? Yes, the author of the original books will serve as executive producer on the show. At a press conference, Bloys mentioned that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director'. He has also disregarded comments about Rowling's off-screen reputation. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we're going to get into,' he said. 'Our priority is what's on screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.' Who is behind the show? Francesca Gardiner, who previously worked on Succession and Killing Eve, was chosen to be the showrunner after producing a pilot script and being interviewed by Rowling. Mark Mylod, best known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the wizarding drama as well as serve as executive producer. Are the original cast involved? It is unclear whether some or any of the original cast will return for the series. 'It seems to me that they are wanting to make a fresh series,' Daniel Radcliffe, who originally played the wizarding star, told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, 'which it feels like it'd be distracting to have old, haggard Harry also entering from stage left.' Who is in the cast? The Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the titular role — at 11 years old, he's the same age as Daniel Radcliffe when he first brought Harry Potter to life in 2001. Arabella Stanton, also 11, will play Hermione Granger and has previously starred in the West End production of Matilda the Musical. Completing the trio, Ron Weasley will be played by Alastair Stout, whose only acting credit thus far is a brief appearance in a Jersey Royal potatoes advert. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, having recently appeared in the papal thriller Conclave and as Roald Dahl in Giant in the West End. Janet McTeer, the 63-year-old Oscar-nominated actress, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally played by Maggie Smith. The actor and comedian Nick Frost, best known for his leading roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role of the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, the role originally taken by Robbie Coltrane. First brought to life by Alan Rickman, the misanthropic potions professor Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu, whose career has spanned Shakespearean theatre to the contemporary hit series I May Destroy You. Luke Thallon, best known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, will portray Quirinus Quirrell, Hogwarts' skittish but sinister Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. The comedian and presenter Paul Whitehouse will play the bad-tempered caretaker Argus Filch. Katherine Parkinson, whose comedy performances in The IT Crowd earned her two Baftas, will play Ron's protective mother, Molly Weasley. The franchise's infamous blond-haired Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, will be portrayed by Lox Pratt, who will star in the forthcoming BBC drama Lord of the Flies adaptation. Johnny Flynn, who starred as David Bowie in the hit musical drama Stardust, takes on the role of Draco's arrogant father, Lucius. The emerging child actors Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni and Sienna Moosah will play Hogwarts students Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, respectively. Harry's cruel guardians, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, will be portrayed by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby. Powley rose to fame on CBBC's spy series MI High, and has since taken on roles including Princess Margaret and Claire Clairmont, stepsister of novelist Mary Shelley. Rigby is best known for his leading role as Eric Morecambe in the 2011 drama Eric and Ernie. Bertie Carvel, whose credits have spanned Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical to Tony Blair in The Crown, will play the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. It has also been announced that Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will be Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey plays Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Who is rumoured to be joining the cast? One key character who remains to be cast is the Dark Lord himself, Voldermort, played by Ralph Fiennes in the original film series. Names rumoured for the role include Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, House of the Dragon 's Rhys Ifans (who played Xenophilius Lovegood in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), Oscar-winner Christian Bale and former Doctor Who lead and House of the Dragon actor Matt Smith.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Harry Potter HBO TV Series Reboot: See Full Cast As Filming Begins
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Hogwarts Express has left the station, and we're all aboard for a return to that magical school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry Potter Reboot Coming to HBO Production has officially begun on HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, marking a major milestone in the reimagining of J.K. Rowling's iconic wizarding world. With many of the key cast now revealed—including newcomers stepping into the legendary roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—filming is underway on what's expected to be a decade-long retelling of the beloved books, backed by Warner Bros. and helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner. Adding to the excitement, fans got their first glimpses this week of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, and Nick Frost as Hagrid, the beloved half-giant groundskeeper, in newly released production stills that are sparking buzz online. Dominic McLaughlin on the set of the new "Harry Potter" HBO series (L). The first look at Nick Frost as Hagrid (R). Dominic McLaughlin on the set of the new "Harry Potter" HBO series (L). The first look at Nick Frost as Hagrid (R). Warner Bros. Series Release Date: What We Know HBO's commitment to a ten-year run ensures that each book will receive its own season, with expanded storytelling and character development not seen in the original films. Warner Bros. Discovery is leaning heavily on the franchise to bolster HBO Max, betting that a new generation of viewers—and lifelong fans—will be eager to return to Hogwarts. The series is expected to premiere in 2027, according to Warner Bros. Whether it lives up to its towering expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the sorting hat has spoken. Who Is in the Cast? While HBO and Warner Bros. are keeping many plot and production details under wraps, the unveiling of the cast has reignited fan fervor around the globe. Here's a closer look at the actors taking on some of the most iconic roles in fantasy fiction. The HBO Original Harry Potter television series has cast screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The HBO Original Harry Potter television series has cast screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Warner Bros. The Trio Reimagined At the heart of the series is a trio of first-time screen actors chosen to portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley—arguably the most important casting decision for the reboot. Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter A newcomer to the screen, McLaughlin stars in the upcoming indie film Grow alongside new Hagrid actor Nick Frost. Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger Already a veteran of the West End, Stanton captivated audiences as Matilda in the eponymous award-winning stage production. Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley Stout appeared in a handful of commercials, but Harry Potter marks his official breakout. L-R Paapa Essiedu, John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Nick Frost, who were confirmed to have been cast in the HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter TV Series on April 14, 2025. L-R Paapa Essiedu, John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Nick Frost, who were confirmed to have been cast in the HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter TV Series on April 14, 2025.///Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage A Star-Studded Hogwarts Faculty HBO's take on the wizarding school includes an acclaimed lineup of stage and screen veterans—some reinterpreting familiar characters, others embodying them in entirely new ways. John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore The Emmy- and Tony-winning U.S. actor, known for his roles in Terms of Endearment and Conclave will join the cast as the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and all-powerful wizard. Lithgow, 79, has described the opportunity as "a defining moment for the final act of [his] career." He follows in the footsteps of the late, great Sir Michael Gambon, who replaced the equally great Richard Harris in the film series following Harris' death in 2002. Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall McTeer will star as McGonagall, one of the franchise's most beloved characters. She is Hogwarts' stern transfiguration professor, but also the head of Gryffindor House and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. McTeer is known for her roles in Ozark and Tumbleweeds and has previously received both Oscar and Emmy nominations. She will be filling the shoes of the late Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed the iconic witch in seven out of the eight original films. Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape Essiedu is known for his roles in Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You and the series Gangs of London. He has received critical acclaim for his work in theatre and became the first Black actor to play Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2016. He takes on the role of Hogwarts' enigmatic potions master and head of Slytherin House. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid Nick Frost will be taking up the role of the half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Frost is best known for his performances in Edgar Wright's so-called Cornetto Trilogy of films, which include Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Nick Frost arrives at the Universal Pictures Presents Los Angeles Premiere Of DreamWorks "How To Train Your Dragon" on June 7 (L). The first look at Frost as Hagrid in the new 'Harry Potter' TV... Nick Frost arrives at the Universal Pictures Presents Los Angeles Premiere Of DreamWorks "How To Train Your Dragon" on June 7 (L). The first look at Frost as Hagrid in the new 'Harry Potter' TV series (R). More Steve Granitz/Aidan Monaghan/FilmMagic via Getty Images/HBO Luke Thallon as Quirinis Quirrell Rising theater star Thallon takes on the role of the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a secret. Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch The legendary comedian brings his BAFTA-winning experience to the role of Hogwarts' grim caretaker. Longtime fans of the franchise may know that Whitehouse has been in the franchise before, playing Sir Cadagon in the third film, though his scenes were deleted and he was relegated to a background character in the theatrical cut. Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch Brealey will be flying into the role of Hogwarts' sharp-eyed Quidditch instructor. The English actress is known for her portrayal of pathologist Molly Hooper in the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, as well as for roles in Back and A Discovery of Witches. Lox Pratt (L) and Rory Wilmot (R) Lox Pratt (L) and Rory Wilmot (R) HBO Rising Stars Take On Student Roles Alongside the faculty, the Hogwarts student body is beginning to take shape too. Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy A fresh face in acting, Pratt assumes the slicked back blonde mantle of Harry's notorious Slytherin rival from Tom Felton. Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom Another new face, Wilmot has been cast as the shy but courageous Gryffindor student, a role previously played in all eight films by Matthew Lewis. In addition, Leo Earley has been cast as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. Katherine Parkinson (L) and Johnny Flynn (R) Katherine Parkinson (L) and Johnny Flynn (R) Getty Images Beyond the Castle Walls The adult cast also includes standout British talent portraying the Dursleys, Weasleys, and other key characters from the series. Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley Beloved for her comedic timing in The IT Crowd, Parkinson promises to deliver a fierce and nurturing matriarch. The role was originally played by Julie Walters in the film series. Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy Fresh off his stage role as Richard Burton, Flynn embodies the cold elegance of Draco's pure-blood father, originally played by Jason Isaacs, who said of Flynn's casting: "A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn't have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don't make him sing..." Daniel Rigby (L), Amos Kitson (C), Bel Powley (R). Daniel Rigby (L), Amos Kitson (C), Bel Powley (R). Getty Images/HBO Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley Perhaps best known for The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Powley will feature in the series as Harry's harsh maternal aunt and guardian. Fiona Shaw originated the role on screen. Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley A BAFTA-winning performer (Eric and Ernie, The Witches), Rigby will play Harry's blustering Muggle uncle and husband of Petunia. Uncle Vernon was originally played in the films by the late Richard Griffiths. Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley Kitson, a rising talent like much of the younger cast members, will be stepping into the role of Harry Potter's spoiled and bullying cousin, previously played by Harry Melling. Bertie Carvel attends "The Crown" Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall on December 05, 2023 in London, England. Bertie Carvel attends "The Crown" Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall on December 05, 2023 in London, Carvel as Cornelius Fudge The Doctor Foster and The Crown actor will portray the bumbling and ineffectual Minister for Magic during Harry's time at Hogwarts. The role was played by the late Robert Hardy in the film series. Both Carvel and Hardy have played real-life U.K. prime ministers: Tony Blair and Winston Churchill, respectively. Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander Another alumnus from The Crown, in which he played Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Lesser here takes on the part of Diagon Alley's enigmatic wandmaker, played in three films by the late John Hurt. The celebrated thespian is also known for his performances in Game of Thrones, where he played Qyburn, and more recently in Andor, as the cold and calculating Imperial officer, Major Lio Partagaz. What People Are Saying Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer said in a press release: "We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch." Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer said in a press release: "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life." John Lithgow, speaking to Screen Rant about his upcoming role as Dumbledore: "It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life I'm afraid. But I'm very excited."
