i don't think imelda staunton is a good choice because she doesnt look evil enough! an actress like the one who plays rita skeeter should have been chosen.

I think she looks enough like how i imagine Umbridge to look and she was really good in Vera Drake, i think she could do a really good job of Umbridge. On the otherhand she mind not be malicious enough, i suppose time will tell.

We do already have a topic here discussing Umbridge's casting, but as it's been formally announced now, I'll leave this topic open for discussions about Imelda.

The previous thread containing discussions about possible actresses for the role has been locked and can be found in the archived threads forum here.

For what it's worth, talented actress though Imelda is, I was gutted. I wanted Patricia Routledge because I don't think anyone could pull it off like she could, but there we go. Yet another disappointment to add to the ever-growing list of things I hate about the movies. *sigh*

EDIT : Ooh, and I've just noticed this in the polls section. I'll move it into the movie 5 forum now.

I think she was a good choice.
She is definately a talented actress, and she even looks like Umbridge. Of course, make-up and costumes do wonders, so we can be more than sure that she will play her part well.

Dana_Scully: Isn't Patricia Routledge a bit old? I mean i see Umbridge as well kind of 45 i suppose, not that young, but not that old either. It dosn't say her age anywhere does it, correct me if i am wrong.

The only thing that I've SEEN her in is Sense and Sensibility and Much Ado About Nothing.

However her character in S&S I can see somewhat in OOTP. The giggly-ness and flowery side of things definatly. It's a very silly character. Not so much the sadistic side of things, but at the same time, it could be an interpretation of it

Okay, I just looked her up on google images. She looks like she could be a Umbridge, but seems too nice . She also looks too skinny from the pics in OotP of Umbridge., but I guess they can fatten her up for her role. In one of her pic, she had short, curly hair, and I was definetly reminded of Umbridge. Oh, and I voted that she would make an excellent Dolores Jane Umbridges *cringes when types name*.

Not that it matters, because she's an American, but I couldn't help picturing Zelda Rubinstein when reading Umbridge. (Creepy lady in Poltergeist movies). I think Imelda might do ok, but she would have to bulk up a bit to fit the description in the book, wouldn't she?

Not seen her in anything, but I think she will be just fine. IMO, there hasn't been any poor casting in the movies.

I have to add though that I thought Miriam Margoyles would have been fantastic in the role, had she not already been cast previously as Professor Sprout. Whenever I read OOP I see her in my minds eye.

I dunno about you all, but I think Imelda staunton and Patricia Routledge were not bad. But frankly, my first impression of Umbridge was like this.

My first impression of Umbridge

I drew it badly.

I was hoping for Judi Dench but I think Imelda Staunton would be great. She could easily be made to look spot on in my opinion. Remember the actress doesn't have to look like Umbridge in her everyday life - Miranda Richardson isn't usually blonde in acid green robes lol.

But after that new press thing suggesting Imelda Staunton hasn't been finalised...

So the Trio are definitely in... what about all others?

I personally wanna see big bad Sir Gandalf Mckellen because, well basically I think Sir Michael Gambon got it all wrong as Dumbledore. He's wayyy too aggro in the GOF trailers I've seen, that wil probably dissapoint me most about GOF.

Ian Mckellen on the other hand...look at him as Gandalf...bleeding amazing! Can easily play calm and calculated, like Dumbledore's character, and can obviously fight as well, he also looks the part doesn't he? I actually thought Sir Ian was first choice as Dumbledore ahead of Sir Richard Harris...but obviously he was out for about 7 years doing LOTR.

C'mon big Dave Heyman...its the way to go!!

Couldn't agree more on the Ian McKellen issue. I fear, however, that ties he has to LOTR would probably play against him...

I think Sir Michael is doing well, considering he had big shoes to fill... Richard Harris was, after all, brilliant as Dumbledore!

Would there really be a requirement for changes to the older cast? Age cannot be a factor, talent is definitely not an issue... Other than someone deciding they've had enough of playing their character, I can't see why they'd leave...

Here's hoping they all stay put...

Cheers!

I agree with Omerus~. Though I'm sure McKellen could do a good job, the association with LOTR would ruin it, IMHO. Sir Michael may not be the ideal DD, but I'd rather have him play DD then have the actor switched again.

I think we all agree that Richard Harris was the perfect DD.
Personally i like Gambon, too. He is horrible is GoF, but its not his fault. Judging by the trailers and all the sneak peaks the scripwriter/director or whoever obviously misinterpreted his character. I dont understand why were these changes made. Why is DD angry(furious) with Harry after his name came out of the Goblet. Its way out of DD's character.

Ian McKellen would be great, but im afraid he will stay Gandalf for most of us not matter how brilliant actor he is.


PS: i desperately hope, that Alan Rickman stays until the 7th movie

So we're rubbishing Gambon because he shouts at Harry in the trailer? I think given the situation his reaction is completely understandable! Maybe we should see his performance in the film before righting him off, call me an old traditionalist and all...

I think Richard Harris played the role well in the first two but as the books get further on, Dumbeldore is actually becoming more energetic than I could have ever imagined Harris getting. I think Gambon brings an animation to Dumbeldore that it will be necessary for the fifth and sixth films and I hope he carries on doing them.

Umbridge has to be short, squat, almost as neckless as Vernon Durseley, flabby, wide-mouthed, with bulging eyes, a face "like a toad". I can't think of anyone who comes remotely close, can you?

The special effects people will have to make up for the shortfall of malicious-looking toad-faced actresses. The most difficult thing to fake is height, so it would be a real bonus if the actress is not too tall. So the chosen actress isn't too bad when she's flabbed up a bit and equipped with bulging eyeballs and the right costume. I think she'll do fine! The other very important thing is to get the voice right... that sweet voice with all that malice dripping from it as well as the bellows when she loses control.

Wotcher! I'm new here, but I had a few thoughts about who should be cast in the fifth movie. They're odd, but make sense to me!

Kingsley Shacklebolt: Arnold Vosloo
Tonks: Winona Ryder

That's all for mow! Post your own suggestions!

Hiya and welcome to the forums!!

Could I ask you to please take a couple of moments to visit the links in my signature that will help you find your way around the forums, use the search, tell you where to find help and, the necessary evil - the rules you need to abide by when you post, just incase you haven't seen them yet. Help on using the search engine can be found in the Newbies Central forum (link in my signature) or by clicking this link. You can access the search by clicking on the torch icon at the top of every page.

I won't lock this topic so long as broader casting issues are discussed, but Tonks has her own thread here, Umbridge here, Dumbledore here and there are also threads for Luna, young James and young Sirius. If you do a quick search of the forum first, it will save you from being disappointed if your threads get locked.

If you have any questions not dealt with at those links, please PM one of the Moderators or Prefects who'll be pleased to help you out.

I think she's fine enough. If they over-exaggerate her appearance too much, it might kill the reality effect of the films (i.e. making them appear as realistic as possible while maintaining the fantastic bits). I'd really like to see the reality that "Prisoner of Azkaban" brought to the films (ex: having the kids wear normal clothes, the additional outdoor shots of Hogwarts, ect) remain. I don't think she'll have a problem being a villian either; she earned rave reviews for her acting in "Vera Drake" and most excellent actresses don't have a problem conveying very different characters, good or evil. I'm hoping that she'll actually bring some complexity to the character; Umbridge is a very dull villian. I like my villians a bit more complex and ruthless (yes, even more ruthless than she was...cunning is a very interesting character trait in a villian).

I don't know if they have bellatrix cast yet, but if they don't I think Joely Richardson would be good for the part. Currently she plays the Julie McNamara in the show Nip/Tuck, she does a really really good american accent, but she is brittish. Here's some pictures of her.

Now that I think about it, perhaps she would be better as Narcissa...

picture one

Picture 2

picture 3

Yeah...definitely a good narcissa

what do you think?

Who sholud play Tonks? I have no idea, but id prefer a no-name actress. I trust WB, Heyman said they have now 2 candidates

As for Bellatrix? Id really love to see Anna Chancellor playing her. Or Helena Bonham-Carter. Woder if she is British, though

Imelda Staunton for Umbridge, but i guess its confirmed now, isnt it?

Narcissa....again, id prefer a no-name actress.

Shirley MacLaine for Umbridge
Rachel Leigh Cook for Tonks

MOD EDIT : Hi and welcome to the forums!! Please swing by the rules thread if you haven't already. Being a forum, posts should be of a certain length to encourage conversation. Please elaborate more in your future posts.

how animated should a wizard be flicking a wand?

well....hmm...in the book dumbledore 'dueled' with voldemort in the DoM. he didnt have to run to hide himself behind a statue or something (thats more harry's reaction than a wise, experienced wizard's). he was walking about as if in a park throwing hexes at voldemort and he disapparated when he needed to. dumbledore's a very old man, and his magical skills dont need him to be as energetic as gambon's dumbledore as he dont need to run or strangle any dark wizard just to defeat him, he's got his wand to do those things for him. even in the HBP dumbledore is even more tired and old-ish looking. i wonder how gambon would portray a more subdued dumbledore.

id be glad to see mckellen replace gambon in OotP. gambon/dumbledore doesnt look kind and majestic enough to be dumbledore...or maybe its just cos his hair wasnt white and long enough?? heheheheh

Yes I agree Richard Harris was the best Dumbledore and even as I read the books, I always picture Dumbledore as he portrayed him. I think Gambon is great in some ways, but just not how I picture Dumbledore. People involved with the movie(Goblet of Fire) even said they tried to portray Dumbledore as being a little more worried and a little more out of control and I didn't really agree with this. I picture Dumbledore as calm 98% of the time, and even in times of danger or action, he is calm, reserved and determined with that sort of fire in his eyes.

Another thought I have with Dumbledore in the last two films, is that the wardrobe seems to have changed a little too. I believe Dumbledore is usually described in the books as having splendid robes of vibrant colors and in some cases elaborate embroidery, but Gambon's Dumbledore seems to be dressed differently. Not so much plain robes, but just dreary colors and very old looking. A minor detail I think, but one that kind of bothered me in the last two movies and changes the way I think the character is portrayed.

And yes, I also think Gandalf could have made a pretty cool Dumbledore

I agree with poster.

MOD EDIT: No one liner please.

I agree that Richard Harris is irreplaceable... when he sadly passed away, one of his fellow actors and I believe a friend, Peter O'Toole, wanted to play DD as his replacement. The more I see Sir Gambon in the role then I think that perhaps Peter would not have been a bad choice.

In regards to Alan Rickman......I also would love him to stay, he is one of my favourite actors. I also hope the young actors stay the same, even if they are a little older than their characters in future films.

I think she's a good choice.

Personally I think Miriam Morgolyes who played Professor Sprout would have been better (based on her performance in End of Days which was really creepy), but they can't use her again.

I still vote for Shirley MacLaine first

MOD EDIT : Hiya and welcome to the forums!! Could you take a swing by the rules page please? I'm afraid that we don't allow one liners on the forum.

Who do you think should play Mundungus Fletcher (if they decide to keep him)? I thought Bill Nighy would be a good choice. After seeing him on Love Actually, he sort of fits the description.


PS - If there's already a post on this or it's in the wrong place, I'm sorry!

The fact that she's read the books is a big plus for her. I think she would actually study the books to develop the character. I'm all for it.

well, i think they will keep Mundungus...he isnt a huge character anyway, so whats the point cutting him out? He can say like 2 sentences and thats it.

Who should play him? No idea. Im not really familiar with British actors, which is areal pity.

I was thinking of all the things they could work w/o in OotP, and Dung was one of them. I mean, they took SPEW out of GoF, and they were able to work around it! But i do think he would be a good Mundungus Fletcher.

http://www.celebrity-pictures-world.com/pi...-duncan-008.jpg

Michael Clarke Duncan should defienetly play Kingsley Shaklebolt, he's tall, deep voice, and big guy lol.

i'm sorry, but i don't see Michael Clark Duncan a.k.a. The Kingpin, playing Kingsleigh. Do you know how funny it would look if he was waving around a wand? Now if he was picking up Death Eaters and throwing em around the room, now that would be something. However, I like the idea of Winona Ryder playing Tonks. She's not british, I know, but she's pretty kooky and would really be able to pull off spiky pink hair. As for the lady from Nip/Tuck, she would make an awesome Narcissa. She's just evil looking, and deceitful. She looks like Malfoy's pencil-neck momma. anyways those are just my views.

They NEED to change Dumbledore, It HAS to be done...
I think that he's the only one that needs change, I really like all the others, they all act perfectly well done refering to the books... ! And yes, Peter O'Toole will be more than fine...

I don't think that Bill Nighy fits the part at all. I am not sure who is but for some reason I picture MF to be shorter and more stout....

A scruffy Anthony Hopkins??

One may think that he is too famous but they have used extremely famous actors before such as Richard Harris and John Hurt.

oi, what about a younger mundungus? i mean, put kris marshall on a potter movie and make him work wonders. he's an amazing actor. great talent.

i'm such a great "my family" fan (where zoe wannamaker aka madam hooch stars) and the actors there would greatly blend with the current potter cast

as i've said in another topic here on forums:
put kris marshall in anywhere as anyone in the movie

gabriel thomson (mikey in my family) would make a great young james potter.

siobhan hayes (though too old) would have made a great luna... darn shame for the age though.

and too bad daisy donovan's dipping her toes in american sitcom... she probably would've made a great someone in the flicks...

I'd like to see Dominic Monaghan and Orlando Bloom! Olando wouldn't propably suit in Hogwarts but Dom could suit well. He's my favorite brittish actor too

I think that they will keep Mundungous in OotP as, although he isn't pivotal to the plot, he has some relevance.

As for who plays him, I alwys thought Andy Serkis would be good.

Bill Nighy is too tall and too handsome, I think, and Andy Serkis seems a bit young but make-up can do wonders. Mundungus doesn't seem to be a young man to me. I picture him middle-agred with thinning unkempt hair, of average height but seeming shorter because of a stooped stance (he does never stand straight, I think, he sort of cowers), a simpering expression on his face, missing and crooked teeth.

I LOVE Michael Gambon as Dumbledore - he has made Dumbledore one if my favourite characters! I personally hope he stays.

There have now been several cast confirmations for OOTP - please add any confirmed updates as and when they arise. (This may become a hotter topic over the coming months so the mods may want to flag it?)
Strictly no "Who is going to play young Sirius/James/Lupin" or "I want to be Luna Lovegood!" or "Where do I write to audition?"
Thank you


Daniel Radcliffe - Harry Potter
Jason Isaacs - Lucius Malfoy
Julie Waters - Molly Weasley
Imelda Staunton - Delores Umbridge

Just so everybody's clear --- what sources are considered official? I would assume IMDb would not be. Same for Movie Tome, unfortunately. I would assume also that if it's posted elsewhere on the Veritaserum site, then it's gold. Anywhere else that would be considered strictly official / unofficial?

Well, Rupert confirmed to Veritaserum, Via Mathew (I think), that he would be returning for OoTP. I'm not sure if that counts as "official" but if he says he's comming back then I think he is. Also, if you go to "movies" at the top of the page you can click "movie 5" and I think they have a confirmed cast list there stating who is confirmed and whom or what it was confirmed by.

I've found that on the whole IMDB is fairly reliable, as is comingsoon.net which is where I found out about Umbridge and Molly. Maybe if everyone mentions where they saw the news then people can check them (but go easy on posting URLs!)

I think it's highly likely that Grint and Watson will return for No 5, have either confirmed yet?

Ralph Finnes is confirmed then, isnt he? Matthew poster the article, when he says that he is coming back for ootp. And who could be a more reliable source than the actor himself?