Today we can reveal a whole new host of talent joining the wizarding world family – and a couple of familiar faces are making a return too.
Hot on the heels of Pottermore and Audible’s previous casting announcements, the new thespians set to join the world of Harry Potter include Bill Nighy as Professor Slughorn (Nighy played Rufus Scrimgeour in the films); David Holmes as Stan Shunpike (Holmes was a lead stunt double in the films); Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Professor Trelawney, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Sirius Black; Anna Maxwell Martin as Rita Skeeter; Mackenzie Crook as Kreacher; Stephen Mangan as Nearly Headless Nick and Tracy-Ann Oberman as Madam Hooch.
A few of new Hogwarts students have been sent their Hogwarts letters too! Joining the cast is Millie Gubby as Luna Lovegood. Jude Farrant will play Draco Malfoy in audiobooks one, two and three, with Maximus Evans continuing the role in audiobooks four through seven. Jake Sigsworth will play Neville Longbottom in audiobooks one, two and three, with Archie Mountain continuing the role in audiobooks four through seven.
Reflecting on his return to the wizarding world, Bill Nighy described how grateful he was at having the opportunity to be part of something meaningful for the next generation of Harry Potter fans.
“I was pleased to be asked to play the professor after having already played a Minister for Magic. Is it possible that I'm the only actor who can claim that achievement? It means that my career continues to have meaning for the next couple of generations. I'm always grateful when asked to play academics having not been further educated myself. I'm hoping to be a significant part of something that will keep children entertained in the car on those long journeys overseas or just on the way to school.”
Fellow returning Harry Potter star, David Holmes, discussed how his return to the wizarding world is a ‘full circle’ moment for him.
"I’m beyond thrilled and honoured to be voicing Stan Shunpike in the forthcoming Pottermore and Audible Harry Potter full-cast audiobook. Being a part of this is very much full circle for me, considering I was the Harry stunt double inside the Knight Bus as it was whizzing through the streets of London on the Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban movie. I hope everybody enjoys my performance and both old or new audiences will connect with these magical stories. Tickets please….”
These casting additions are certainly in good company, joining the likes of already-announced stars Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Mark Addy as Hagrid, Alex Hassell as Lucius Malfoy, Daniel Mays as Dobby, and Sara and Avni Deshmukh as The Patil Twins.
Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively in audiobooks one, two and three. Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will assume the roles of the beloved trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively) beginning in audiobook four and carrying through to the epic conclusion. Cush Jumbo serves as narrator for the whole series.
Kit Harington as Professor Lockhart; Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge; Iwan Rheon as Professor Lupin; Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange; Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks; Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley; Simon Pegg (fresh from his work on Hogwarts Legacy) as Arthur Weasley; James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody; Gemma Whelan as Professor Sprout; and Matt Berry as Sir Cadogan.
The first audiobook in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, will debut on Audible on 4th November. Fans can expect monthly drops of future instalments thereafter. Read more details right this way.
You can pre-order on Audible right here!
Watch this space for more news on this exciting project in the coming months.
