Latest news with #HisDarkMaterials
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Lord Voldermort Casting Odds Latest: Here are the 9 actors in the frame to play the Dark Lord in the Harry Potter TV reboot
Production has now started on the new Harry Potter television series - with 22 cast members now revealed. The series will debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max - including in the UK where the channel is set to launch. An open casting call for young actors from the UK and Ireland was held last year - resulting in the new Harry, Ron and Hermione being cast, along with other younger characters such as Lavender Brown and Neville Longbottom. They join a cast of established actors who will once again bring the wizarding world of Hogwarts alive. It will be written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, whose previous screen credits include His Dark Materials, The Rook and The Man in the High Castle. Meanwhile Edinburgh-based author J.K. Rowling is on board as an executive producer. While we know who will play the majority of the main characters, there's still no word on who will play the evil Lord Voldermort - portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in the films. Here are the 9 actors the bookies reckon are in the frame for the role. 1 . Cillian Murphy - 2/1 The 2/1 favourite to play the Dark Lord is Cillian Murphy, who last year won a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in 'Oppenheimer'. He would certainly be a real coup for the casting team. | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Tom Hiddleston - 9/4 No stranger to huge franchaises - or with playing baddies - English actor Tom Hiddleston is best known for playing trickster god Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He's 9/4 second favourite to become one of the most evil characters in the history of literature. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Paul Bettany - 3/1 Famous for playing J.A.R.V.I.S. and Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Paul Bettany have narrowed in recent weeks and he's now a 3/1 shot to be cast as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in arguably the world's second biggest franchaise. | Getty Images for Emirates Photo Sales 4 . George MacKay - 4/1 'Sunshine on Leith' star George Mackay wasn't even in the running a month ago, but now he's 4/1 fourth favourite to take over from Ralph Fiennes. | Getty Images Photo Sales
See - Sada Elbalad
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Nick Frost Transforms into Hagrid in New Look at HBO's "Harry Potter" Series
Yara Sameh Fresh off HBO's announcement that its upcoming 'Harry Potter' series has officially begun production — and the debut of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter — the network has revealed the first image of Nick Frost as the lovable half-giant. The 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' actor follows in the footsteps of Robbie Coltrane, who played Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper in all eight of the 'Harry Potter' films. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) Production on Season 1 of the series began on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. and is expected to last until the spring of 2026. Alongside McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton stars as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young golden trio were selected from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned in a casting call last fall. The cast also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley. Additional names revealed on Monday were Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. The series will debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max where available and is led by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner ('His Dark Materials,' 'Killing Eve') and director Mark Mylod ('Succession'). Gardiner and Mylod are executive producing alongside series author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. The 'Harry Potter' series is being made by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
HBO's ‘Harry Potter' series begins production, sets 2027 release and reveals first look at new cast
Production has officially begun on HBO's highly anticipated 'Harry Potter' television series, marking a major return to J.K. Rowling's wizarding world nearly 14 years after the final film in the original franchise hit theatres. Filming is currently underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., with the series slated for release in 2027 on HBO Max. The first official image from the series features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, donning the character's familiar round glasses and Hogwarts school robes. He will star alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young cast members were selected from over 30,000 hopefuls who responded to a global casting call last year. Additional casting announcements revealed Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, and Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch. Anton Lesser has been tapped to play wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. Veteran actors John Lithgow and Janet McTeer will portray Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, respectively, while Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Severus Snape. Nick Frost has been cast as Hagrid. Other key roles include Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Each season of the show will adapt one of the seven Harry Potter books, with Season 1 expected to complete filming by spring 2026. A second season will follow after a brief production hiatus. Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on 'His Dark Materials,' will serve as showrunner and lead writer. 'Succession' director Mark Mylod is also on board to direct multiple episodes and executive produce. The production is a collaboration between HBO, Warner Bros. Television, and Brontë Film and TV, with Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman serving as executive producers. Behind the scenes, the creative team includes costume designer Holly Waddington, cinematographer Adriano Goldman, hair and makeup designer Cate Hall, and stunt coordinator Paul Herbert. The visual and practical effects will be overseen by John Nolan and Alexis Wajsbrot, respectively.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Harry Potter 'series cast: Meet the new faces heading to Hogwarts, from Harry and Hermione to Draco and Dumbledore
HBO's upcoming series adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved book series is currently rounding out its cast of wizards, Muggles, and baddies. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will lead the series as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Johnny Flynn, and Nick Frost are just a few of the big names to join the supporting over a year of speculation, HBO has shared multiple casting announcements for the upcoming Harry Potter series, including its new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Donning the robes made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are a trio of newcomers that, per a statement from showrunner Francesca Gardiner, were chosen from "tens of thousands of children" who auditioned after HBO issued an open casting call. They include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. A press release emphasizes how the new series will serve as a spacious vessel for J.K. Rowling's beloved book series, claiming it will be filled with "fantastic detail" as it "[explores] every corner of the wizarding world." Mark Mylod, a key figure on HBO's Succession, will serve as an executive producer and direct several episodes. The series will be overseen by showrunner, writer, and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, a veteran of programs like Killing Eve and His Dark Materials. Rowling will also step into an executive producer role. Below is our comprehensive guide to HBO's Harry Potter cast. Read on to find out who's been cast, who they're playing, and where you've seen them before. Dominic McLaughlin will play series protagonist (and cultural icon) Harry Potter in the upcoming series. McLaughlin's only other screen credit is the upcoming film Grow, in which he'll appear alongside Nick Frost, the Harry Potter series' new Hagrid. When we first meet Harry, he's an orphan living miserably with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. On his 11th birthday, he's visited by Hagrid, who whisks him away to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about his family history, gets his first wand, meets his new best friends, and confronts He Who Shall Not Be Named for the first time. Arabella Stanton's role as Hermione, a clever but socially insecure Hogwarts student, marks the young actress' onscreen debut. Hermione is initially written off by Harry as arrogant, but the pair become close pals after they defeat a troll in the girls' bathroom along with Ron. Alastair Stout will make his screen debut as Ron Weasley, Harry's red-haired best friend with a massive family of fellow wizards. When we meet Ron, he's a shy boy with a sweet tooth and a knack for chess. That latter skill is especially useful when he joins Harry and Hermione on a search for the Sorcerer's Stone. John Lithgow elicits respect, fear, and laughter in equal measure, having scored Emmys for three very different roles — as Winston Churchill on The Crown (2016–2019), the Trinity Killer on Dexter (2009), and Dick Solomon on sitcom 3rd Rock From the Sun (1996–2001). He's also a two-time Oscar nominee for turns in The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983). Lithgow remains a compelling figure on film and TV, having recently appeared in Oscar-nominated movies like Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and Conclave (2024), as well as FX's The Old Man (2022–2024). Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, the wise Hogwarts headmaster and founder of the Order of the Phoenix. Richard Harris originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. After his death in 2002, Michael Gambon stepped into the role. Jude Law later played a younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Lithgow opened up about the role on a recent episode of the Smartless podcast. "You know, Dumbledore, he's kind of this nuclear weapon," Lithgow said. "He only goes off very, very occasionally. And I don't think it's gonna be that hard a job." The 79-year-old Lithgow went on to say that playing Dumbledore across seven or eight years is "a wonderful way to grow old as an actor," adding, "I mean, the alternative is to just be hauled out once a year to play an Alzheimer's patient [with] an awful lot of weeping middle-aged children, you know." British actor Paapa Essiedu cut his teeth with the Royal Shakespeare Company and found success on the small screen opposite Michaela Coel on the BBC's I May Destroy You (2020). He received Emmy and British Academy Television Award nominations for his performance, and went on to appear in series like Gangs of London (2020–2022), Black Mirror (2023), and Black Doves (2024) as well as the films Men (2022) and The Outrun (2024). Essiedu will play Severus Snape, the Slytherin anti-hero famously played by the late Alan Rickman. In a note to Rickman, Rowling called Snape "my most complex character." It will be interesting to see how Essiedu's Snape manifests in this telling, as the actor will come into the role knowing his full arc. Rickman, who was given a key piece of information about the character by Rowling before the rest of the cast, often spoke about how that helped shape his performance, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2011, "I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not.' Janet McTeer is the recipient of a Golden Globe, a Tony, and an Olivier Award, as well as two Oscar nominations for her work in Tumbleweeds (1999) and Albert Nobbs (2011). Her other notable credits include the films Velvet Goldmine (1998), Maleficent (2014), and The Menu (2022), as well as series like Jessica Jones (2018) and Ozark (2018–2020). This year, you can see her on the Paramount+ series MobLand and sprinting alongside Tom Cruise in the upcoming Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. McTeer plays Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts professor and head of Gryffindor House. The character is as loyal as she is strict, serving as a mentor while instilling a healthy fear in her students. Maggie Smith portrayed the character in the film franchise, while Fiona Glascott played a young Minerva in the Fantastic Beasts films. Nick Frost came up alongside his pal Simon Pegg on the comedy series Spaced (1999–2001) before appearing in films like Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), and The World's End (2013). He recently voiced droid SM-33 on the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew (2024–present), and will next appear in Disney's live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. The half-giant Hagrid is among the first characters we meet in the Harry Potter universe. A Hogwarts groundskeeper with a flowing brown beard, Hagrid was previously played by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022. Luke Thallon is a relative newcomer to the screen, with only a couple of small credits to his name. That said, he received rave reviews for his turn as Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2025 production. He'll play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The role was portrayed by Ian Hart in the film franchise. BAFTA-winning performer Paul Whitehouse was a star and co-creator of the BBC comedy series The Fast Show (1994–1997), as well as a collaborator with popular comedian Harry Enfield. He's also appeared in several popular films, including Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and The Death of Stalin (2017). Interestingly, Whitehouse previously played a role in the Harry Potter film franchise, having shot material for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that didn't make the final cut. He played Sir Cadogan, a knight who appears in a painting in Hogwarts' Divination corridor. In the Harry Potter TV series, Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the feline-loving caretaker of Hogwarts. David Bradley played the role originally. Newcomer Lox Pratt is involved in two upcoming adaptations of iconic books. The first, obviously, is HBO's Harry Potter series. The second is a new take on William Golding's Lord of the Flies from Jack Thorne, the in-demand writer behind the buzzy 2025 Netflix series Adolescence. (In a fun coincidence, Thorne also wrote the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.) Pratt will play Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin bully who goes on to play a major role in the story. Draco was previously played by Tom Felton, who recently reprised the role for a Broadway run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Johnny Flynn is best known as the star of Netflix's Lovesick (2014–2018) and for his portrayal of David Bowie in 2020's Stardust. His other credits include the films Song One (2014) and Emma (2020), as well as the acclaimed Netflix series Ripley (2024). He'll next appear in Kate Winslet's upcoming directorial debut, Goodbye June. Flynn is also an accomplished musician, with six studio albums, multiple stage musicals, and several soundtracks under his belt. He serves as the lead singer and songwriter of Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, which is among the most British band names we've ever heard. Related: Johnny Flynn on writing an original song for Emma and the Emma in his life The actor will play Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, one of the series' most malevolent characters. Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus) played Lucius in the original films. Katherine Parkinson is a two-time BAFTA winner for her turn as Jen Barber on The IT Crowd (2006–2013), as well as an Olivier Award nominee for the 2018 play Home, I'm Darling. Over the last decade, Parkinson led AMC's Humans (2015–2018) as Laura Hawkins, and starred on BBC series such as Defending the Guilty (2018–2019) and Here We Go (2022–present). Parkinson takes over the role of Weasley matriarch (and Hogwarts alum) Molly from Julie Walters. Bel Powley's screen career began on the CBBC series M.I. High (2007–2008). Her profile rose considerably when she starred opposite Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård in Marielle Heller's The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015). The role earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination and the Trophée Chopard at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Since then, she's appeared in films such as White Boy Rick (2018) and The King of Staten Island (2020), as well as series like The Morning Show (2019–2021) and Masters of the Air (2024). Powley plays Harry's cruel Muggle aunt, Petunia Dursley, a role originally played by Fiona Shaw. BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby broke out as a star of 2011's Eric and Ernie, a BBC TV movie about the early career of English comic duo Morecambe and Wise. He's been a familiar face on U.S. and U.K. television in the years since, appearing on series such as Jericho (2016), Sick Note (2017–2018), and Landscapers (2021). Parents may also recognize Rigby's voice from his gig as a narrator on Teletubbies (2015–2018). Rigby will next appear alongside Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer in Blade Runner 2099, Amazon Prime's miniseries sequel to Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 (2017). On the Harry Potter series, Rigby will play Harry's uncle, the magic-hating Vernon Dursley, previously played by Richard Griffiths. Bertie Carvel is a prolific stage performer with two Olivier Awards under his belt. He also played the key role of Banquo in Joel Coen's Oscar-nominated The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021). Carvel played Jonathan Strange on the BBC's acclaimed Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell adaptation in 2015 and had leading roles on Doctor Foster (2015–2017) and Dalgliesh (2021–present). You may also recognize Carvel for playing former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair on The Crown (2022–2023). The actor will next appear as Baelor Targaryen on HBO's upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones spinoff. On the Harry Potter series, Carvel will play Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Leo Earley's portrayal of "half-and-half" Seamus Finnigan marks the young actor's first onscreen role. A Gryffindor student at Hogwarts, Seamus is an ally to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Devon Murray portrayed the character in the original films. In her screen debut, Alessia Leoni will play Parvati Patil, a Gryffindor with an interest in Divination. Sienna Moosah, another newcomer, will play Lavender Brown, a close friend of Parvati with an eye for the original article on Entertainment Weekly
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Outlander star Sam Heughan to make stage comeback in Macbeth
Heughan will appear alongside Lia Williams, star of The Crown, His Dark Materials and the Missing, in what is being described as "an intimate and compelling" RSC production. The show, which will be directed by Daniel Raggett, will get a two-month run at the RSC's 200-seater venue, The Other Place, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Read more: Heughan, who started filming Outlander in 2013, will be following in the footsteps of fellow Scots Alan Cumming, David Tennant, James McAvoy and Reuben Joseph, who have both played the role in recent years. Heughan, who will be appearing in Macbeth from October 9-December 6, has spoken previously of his admiration for McAvoy's theatre performances. Outlander star Sam Heughan will be making a return to the stage in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth this autumn. Picture: Sony/Starz Other actors who have starred in previous RSC productions of Macbeth include Ralph Richadson, Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Bob Peck, Derek Jacobi, Anthony Sher and Greg Hicks. Heughan, who was born in Balmacellan, in Dumfries and Galloway, moved to Edinburgh when he was 12 and joined the youth theatre group run by the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh before securing a place at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. He was still studying when he landed a lead role in the David Greig play Outlying Islands which won a Herald Angel Award at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Heughan was nominated for the most promising newcomer honour at the Olivier Awards after the play transferred to the Royal Court Theatre in London. Heughan would go on to make theatre appearances across the UK over the next decade, including playing the role of Malcolm in Macbeth at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, as well as productions of Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet. Heughan had his first major TV role in 2004 when he appeared in the mini-series Island at War and had a recurring role in the BBC soap Doctors for 21 episodes. However he was a relative unknown until 2013, when he was cast as Jamie Fraser in the Sony-Starz adaptation of American author Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books. Heughan and co-star Caitriona Balfa recently finished filming their final scenes for the eighth and last series of the show. Speaking previously to The Cultural Coven podcast, Heughan spoke of his passion for Shakespeare's work and his ambitions to return to the theatre. He said at the time: 'Jamie Fraser has obviously been brilliant and I've been doing a number of film roles to try to play other parts, but they've all been primarily in the same sort of realm. 'I'd love to have a real acting challenge - I think that's where you get to really stretch yourself. 'Outlander has been so unique. My character has been a young warrior, who has become a laird, a father, a husband and a grandfather now, he's been in battles, he's been abused... I've had so much to play. 'But of course we all get burn-out and want to do different things. 'I'd love to go back to theatre. I have been talking to various people. 'It's about scheduling and that's kind of tough right now with the film schedule I've got, but in the future, I'd love to. 'For me, it's always been about Shakespeare. I'd love to do Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth.' In a separate interview with the Square Mile podcast, Heughan said: 'I started in theatre, I'd love to go back to theatre. 'I recently saw James McAvoy in Cyrano and he was brilliant. I know James from drama school and he was my mentor. I saw him onstage at drama school and to see him there is kind of an amazing journey. I feel like I've got it in me as well.'
