[FONT=Arial][COLOR=red]My 8 year-old daughter and I are anxiously awaiting the announcement of who will play the role of Delores Umbridge. Has there been any hint of who it may be? Please reply if any of you have an inkling.

Imelda Staunton is the prime candidate I think, though it hasn't been officially confirmed yet. I'm fairly sure I remember reading that all the roles have been cast and that there would be an official announcement towards the end of this month, so I guess the best course of action would just be to keep an eye on the news on the main site. As soon as it's announced, Matthew will have it up there

There is a thread on this is the Order of the Phoenix forum though, if you'd like to discuss other potential candidates Personally, I'm gutted that they didn't consider Patsy Byrne or Patricia Routledge, but there you go, that's WB for you...

For those interested -here is a link with the most complete casting information for the Order of the Phoenix.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_..._Phoenix_(film)

Also, it has been noted that the film will be released in cinemas in 2007 and not 2008 as earlier reported, which is great news for those of us waiting. Interesting to note also is all the main characters except for Robbie Coltrain (Hagrid) have returned, so sighs of relief can now begin. Enjoy!

Suzy[COLOR=blue]

P.S. -Robbie Coltrain just has not confirmed as of yet.

Wow, there's still rather a lot of people in the 'expected' pile, eh? They start filming soon! I guess that means that they will still be doing it, but need to fit it into their filming schedules with WB, maybe? I certainly hope Rickman is returning as Snape. He owns that part. Even I know that and I'm not a huge Snape fan. (he sounds horrid in the books!)

Robbie seems to hold back every year, doesn't he? I wonder if they do pay him enough? I was was shocked to find out that some of our weekly soap actors only take home around $750.00 per week. (Not that I watch them :/ )I thought there was more money in it than that. Still, films are much bigger, so I imagine he's being a tad greedy

I agree with your comment about alan rickman owning snape. He was born for that part, the way jk describes him in the books!