Latest news with #PottermorePublishing
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Michelle Gomez addresses concerns over joining new Harry Potter audiobook series
Michelle Gomez has issued a statement in response to criticism following her casting in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, produced by Pottermore Publishing and Audible. The Scottish actor, known for Doctor Who, will voice Professor McGonagall in the new recordings of J.K. Rowling's seven original books. The announcement has drawn backlash online due to ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling's public comments on transgender issues. Posting on Instagram, Gomez addressed 'my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community,' stating: 'I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights — fully and without hesitation.' She explained that she accepted the role as someone who had 'always loved the stories and what they meant to so many, especially those who found comfort and identity in that world.' She added that she now understood 'how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel,' and emphasised her commitment to listening and taking accountability. The series will feature over 200 actors, with Hugh Laurie voicing Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, and Cush Jumbo as narrator. Two sets of younger and older actors will portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger across the seven books. The first audiobook, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, will be released on November 4 2025, with subsequent titles arriving monthly. Other cast members have also addressed the controversy. Nick Frost, playing Rubeus Hagrid, told The Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine, they just don't align in any way, shape or form.' The full cast list will be revealed in the coming months as production continues.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter star Michelle Gomez's statement in full as Voldemort casting announced
The Doctor Who actor has addressed the backlash over her Harry Potter casting Actress Michelle Gomez has spoken out about joining the Harry Potter universe following backlash against her casting in a new production, as filming continues on the HBO series and more cast announcements. The 58-year-old Scottish actress, who is known for her roles in Doctor Who and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, spoke out on social media. Gomez faced fan outcry for starring in Pottermore Publishing and Audible's upcoming audio series of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, who has been espousing anti-trans rhetoric. in recent years The Glasgow-born star posted a statement on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday (August 6), which read, as per Entertainment Weekly: 'To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project. "I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project. "I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights — fully and without hesitation. "When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many — especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously. "Being an ally means listening even when it's uncomfortable and taking accountability where it's needed. I'm committed to doing both." Gomez will be voicing Professor McGonagall in the upcoming audiobooks, and her statement comes as the full cast was announced earlier this week. Among those cast in the Audible production are House and The Night Manager star Hugh Laurie as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Succession and Pride and Prejudice star Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Sound of Metal's Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, and The Good Wife actress Cush Jumbo who serves as the narrator for the books. Many are wondering whether some of the other stars cast in the production will be speaking out as Gomez has done. The child stars taking on the roles of the younger characters include Frankie Treadaway as Harry Potter, Max Lester as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger in the first three books. Meanwhile, stars Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will be playing Harry, Ron and Hermione respectively for the subsequent books in the series. The new controversy over the Audible books is similar to that of the criticism towards HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation due to Harry Potter author Rowling's anti-trans views. The new series will star Dominic McLaughlin as Harry and Alastair Stout as Ron. Actress Stanton is going to be reprising her role as Hermione for the show. The HBO series boasts an equally glittering cast to the Audible series, including The Crown's John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Hot Fuzz's Nick Frost as Hagrid, I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, and Ozark's Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall. Harry Potter alumnus Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, among others from the film franchise, have all spoken out against Rowling's views and shown their support for the trans community.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Hugh Laurie and Matthew Macfadyen to star in Harry Potter audiobook series
Hugh Laurie and Matthew Macfadyen to star in Harry Potter audiobook series The stars are among 200 actors lending their voices to bring to life the characters from JK Rowling's wizarding world for an immersive audio series, Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions. Hugh Laurie has had a hugely successful acting career (Image: PA) Actor and comedian Hugh Laurie and Succession star Matthew Macfadyen are to star in a brand new full-cast Harry Potter audiobook series. The stars are among 200 actors lending their voices to bring to life the characters from JK Rowling's wizarding world for an immersive audio series, Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions. Laurie, best known for starring in the medical drama series House, has been cast as Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, while Macfadyen will voice antagonist Lord Voldemort. Laurie 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. "I'm also deeply conscious of previous drivers Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Jude Law and the iconic narrations by Jim Dale and m'colleague Sir 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." The novels have previously been produced into single-voice recordings by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry. 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. Emmy award-winning actor, Riz Ahmed, also joins the cast as Professor Snape alongside Scottish actress Michelle Gomez who will voice Professor McGonagall and Cush Jumbo as the narrator. Rachel Ghiazza, chief content officer at Audible, said: "Magic is coming alive as these brilliant actors lift iconic characters off the page and into our ears. "Hearing these spellbinding performances in our state-of-the-art studios has been nothing short of extraordinary. We're overjoyed to share that fans of all ages can now mark their autumn calendars for a truly breathtaking experience with Audible and Pottermore Publishing – one that promises to reignite the magic for longtime fans and captivate a whole new generation of listeners." Newcomers Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively in audiobooks one, two and three. From audiobook four through to the last book in the series, the three protagonists will be played by Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis (Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively). It comes after production for the new HBO TV adaptation of the popular fantasy novels began earlier this summer. Each season of the show will be a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, from author and executive producer JK Rowling. The novels had already been made into movies with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint playing the trio. The first of the seven audiobooks, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, will be released on November 4 followed by Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets on December 16. The remaining books will be released monthly in the new year starting with Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban on January 13 2026, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire on February 10, and Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix on March 10. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince will be out on April 14 with the final book of the series, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, scheduled to be released on May 12. Article continues below Additional cast members will be announced this autumn.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Riz Ahmed to voice Snape in new Harry Potter audiobook, Hugh Laurie to voice Albus Dumbledore
A-listers Hugh Laurie, Matthew Macfadyen and Riz Ahmed have been roped in to voice popular characters Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort and Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter audiobooks. A collaboration with Pottermore Publishing and Audible, the voice cast also includes Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall and Cush Jumbo as the narrator. Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively, in the first three audiobooks. The three characters will later be voiced by Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis in the last four audiobooks. The Harry Potter audiobooks will be released on the platform with an original score and real-world sound capture, according to a press release. With over 200 actors, the series will be announcing additional cast members in the upcoming Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible, said, 'Magic is coming alive as these brilliant actors lift iconic characters off the page and into our ears. Hearing these spellbinding performances in our state-of-the-art studios has been nothing short of extraordinary.' Neil Blair, Chairman of Pottermore Publishing, said they cannot wait for a new generation of children around the world to discover the stories in an exciting new way. ALSO READ: HBO drops first glimpse of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter; series begins filming 'We're thrilled to be partnering with Audible to reimagine the Harry Potter stories through this groundbreaking full-cast audio experience. J.K. Rowling's rich, immersive world is perfectly suited to this next evolution in audiobook storytelling,' Blair said. The first book of the series, 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone', is set to debut on November 4. The series is also coming alive once again on screen in the form of an upcoming HBO show.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
REVEALED: All-star cast of new Harry Potter audio series
Listen to a sneak peek of Audible's new Harry Potter audiobook series. Fans of the Harry Potter book and film series will soon be treated to a large scale audio production of all seven books, starring British actors Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore and Matthew MacFadyen as Voldemort. A collaboration between Audible and Pottermore Publishing, Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions will feature 200 actors and is considered to be 'the most ambitious audiobook cast ever assembled'. The famed stories, penned by renowned author J.K. Rowling, will come to life through high-quality Dolby Atmos sound design, original music, and the A-list cast. Among the star-studded line-up are Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, BAFTA nominee Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, and Cush Jumbo OBE as the narrator. Playing the popular trio of young wizards will be Frankie Treadaway as Harry Potter, Max Lester as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, who will all feature in audiobooks 1-3 before being replaced by more mature voices. Cast members of the latest Harry Potter audiobook production have been announced. Credit: Audible / Pottermore Publishing Stanton's connection to the Potter juggernaut is only set to rise, following her casting as Hermione in the forthcoming HBO TV series, which began filming in July. The TV reboot also features established actors John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Anton Lesser as Ollivander. Industry veteran Laurie, known for his work in TV's House, and Blackadder, said he was grateful to be playing such an iconic character, albeit that will not appear on screen. '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,' he said. 'I'm also deeply conscious of previous drivers Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Jude Law and the iconic narrations by Jim Dale and my colleague Sir 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.' Hugh Laurie will voice Albus Dumbledore. Credit: Steffan Hill / BBC/The Forge/Steffan Hill As referenced by Laurie, the newest iteration of audiobooks follows the original single-voice narrations by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, which were first released in 1999. Since being made available on Audible in 2015, the classic recordings have amassed an unprecedented 1.8 billion global listening hours on the platform. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will naturally be the first audiobook released of the newest batch, scheduled for November 4, with each proceeding story to follow at monthly intervals. Further cast members will be announced in the coming months.
