Katherine Parkinson joins cast for new Harry Potter TV series
The IT Crowd star will join the HBO TV show of the popular fantasy novel series to play Molly Weasley, the mother of Ron Weasley.
Parkinson also starred in the hit Disney+ series Rivals, for which she received a supporting actress Bafta TV nomination for her role as Lizzie Vereker.
Joining the cast alongside Parkinson is actor and musician Johnny Flynn, who is best known for playing Mr Knightley in the 2020 film Emma.
The 42-year-old will portray antagonist Lucius Malfoy, while The Diary Of A Teenage Girl star Bel Powley will play Petunia Dursley, the aunt of Harry Potter who takes him in and forces him to live under the stairs following his parents' death.
Each season of the show will be a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, from author and executive producer JK Rowling.
This follows from the popular film adaptations that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as the protagonists.
Actor and comedian Daniel Rigby will also join the cast to play Petunia's husband, Vernon Dursley, while The Crown's Bertie Carvel will portray Cornelius Fudge.
School bully Draco Malfoy, who was played in the films by Tom Felton, who is set to reprise the role in the Harry Potter And The Cursed Child play on Broadway, will be portrayed by Lox Pratt.
Hogwarts students will include newcomers Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.
The young stars cast to play Harry, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley were announced recently.
Dominic McLaughlin will take the part of Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione and Alastair Stout is cast as Ron.
British actor Paapa Essiedu and US star John Lithgow were also confirmed as Professor Severus Snape and Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore, respectively.
The cast also includes Welsh comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse as the magic-less Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch and Hot Fuzz actor Nick Frost as the friendly groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Production will begin at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in summer 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Prince William to ditch 'ridiculous' tradition in shake-up from King Charles
Prince William may abandon a royal tradition that has been passed down through the generations and is reminiscent of a Disney movie, a royal source has claimed Prince William is facing calls to break with a long-standing Royal Family tradition deemed "ridiculous" and fit for a Disney fairy tale. As the Prince of Wales, who recently turned 43, begins to contemplate his coronation ceremony, there is speculation that he may opt for a more low-key affair. His father, King Charles, has already set the tone by shortening his coronation ceremony by half an hour compared to Queen Elizabeth II's three-hour extravaganza. According to Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkah, Prince William has hinted that his coronation will be a departure from the norm, seeking a ceremony that is both "relevant" to modern times and "unifying" for the Commonwealth. A source close to the Prince revealed that his coronation may be more subdued, drawing inspiration from the simple coronations of medieval kings. They suggested that the ceremony should focus on elements that are pertinent to today's society, reflect diversity, and strip away unnecessary pomp. One proposal is to do away with the Imperial State Crown, a £5 billion masterpiece crafted in 1937, featuring 3,170 precious stones. The crown has been a staple of coronations, with Charles donning it to lead the procession after his crowning. However, some argue that it is time to retire this symbol of a bygone era. An insider scoffed at the idea of a Disney-esque coronation, recalling instead the memorable attire from William and Catherine's wedding day: "That ridiculous thing that looks like it's out of Disney? No. What I remember most about that day were William and Catherine's robes, Catherine's beautiful, simple headpiece, and William wearing nothing on his head," reports Cambridgeshire Live. The choice of crown for Prince William's future coronation remains uncertain, but there's a nostalgic pull towards the Imperial State Crown, which carries connections to his father and grandmother, as highlighted by The Times. Prince William isn't one to always stick to tradition; in 2024, he eschewed the expected Court Dress at the Order of the Garter event. While King Charles III donned the traditional "knee socks and embroidered garter," William chose a modern white tie ensemble with regular trousers. Daily Mail Diary Editor Richard Eden expressed his letdown at the time, saying: "William was at the event, but he opted for white tie and just regular trousers – so a bit of a disappointment really. It would be great to see him in those silk stockings and breeches." Despite previous appearances in knee-breeches, Eden notes William seems "uncomfortable" in such formal wear, though he muses that Princess Kate likely relishes these occasions. Eden observed: "You can always see her sort of teasing and giggling at him – particularly when it's the Order of the Garter ceremony where he has to wear all the velvet robes and the feathers. That's always fun."
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Sizzling period drama saved from cancellation returns for 'best season yet'
The widely loved period drama, The Gilded Age, has returned for a third season after it was saved from getting the axe. The show, from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, immerses viewers in the upper echelons of New York society at the turn of the 19th century, where wealth, status and scandal ruled supreme. The Emmy-nominated series has had a rocky time since it was first announced in 2012. Almost eight years later, it had to shut down production just days before filming the first season when the pandemic started. Then, in 2024, one of the lead stars Carrie Coon (The White Lotus) admitted there was a strong sense that the HBO show may not even return at all – ultimately she credited the fans with saving the show. Reflecting on the time before season two, the actor told Deadline: 'We were on the bubble. We really didn't think we were going to come back. Our options had lapsed. It looked very unlikely, but it was the streaming. 'It was the number of people watching the show and loving the show.' Then, in February 2025, she reiterated that the show had been in perilous waters. 'The gays saved it,' Coon joked with Entertainment Tonight. 'Thank you, right now, you saved it. We would not have a season three without you.' Season three was confirmed in December 2023 and, after a one-and-a-half-year wait, fans can finally sink their teeth into a brand new season. As usual, we will see tensions boil as old and new money clash with Coon's character Bertha returning alongside Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga. The synopsis for the third season reads: 'Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionise the railroad industry — if it doesn't ruin him first. 'Across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada's new position as lady of the house. As all of New York hastens toward the future, their ambition may come at the cost of what they truly hold dear.' Aka… salacious drama, what's not to love? The new season has already raked in rave reviews ahead of its premiere. Variety has praised it as the 'best season yet'. 'The Gilded Age no longer feels torn between ogling the past and honouring its flaws. Three seasons in, it's on firmer footing than ever,' the review continued. Roger Egbert said the new season 'dazzles and delights', and Slate said the 'new season is peppered with twists and scandal, heartbreak and horror – and, of course, more extravagant hats than Churchill Downs has ever seen.' For those still needing to catch up, there are plenty of glowing reviews of seasons past from fans as well. 'Awesome interweaving of real-life events and characters make this show exceptional and the acting is stellar. The most sumptuous costumes and sets I have ever seen top it off; it is a veritable feast for the eyes,' Google reviews user Fleur Purdeu said. More Trending 'If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, Selfridges, or Poldark then this is absolutely a must-see. One of my favorite things about this show is the world-building and how it offers an intricately detailed glimpse into a period of American history that seems long forgotten, yet was an undeniably defining turning point in society,' Michael Swenson added. 'This show has a great build-up and gets so juicy!!' Angel Russell teased. Although some have also called it 'amateurish' and 'predicatable' so be warned that this may not be to everyone's taste. The Gilded Age season three episode one is available to watch on Sky. Episodes will release every Monday in the UK. Seasons one and two are available to stream in full. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: 10 zombie films to watch after 28 Years Later including 100%-scored 'masterpiece' MORE: Free streaming service rivalling Sky launching soon for many more TV fans MORE: Michelle Keegan lines up eye-watering 'six-figure deal' in first job since having baby
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Why is The Bear season 4 out later in the UK? Release details
The Bear fans will have to wait a bit longer for season four in the UK 😲 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Bear is almost ready to serve up another course of episodes. Dinners in the UK will have to wait an extra day to tuck in however. But what is the reason for the delay? The doors to The Bear will be thrown open for another serving this week - but viewers in the UK face an extra day wait. Camy and co will be back with another set menu of 10 episodes shortly. The prep has been finished, the oven has been switched on and the last touches are being put to season 4 of the Disney Plus hit. In what has become a rare feat it will be the fourth series released by the show in just four years - and it is almost time to tuck in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However you may find yourself having to dodge spoilers due to a quirk in the release schedule. Here's all you need to know: Why will The Bear be released later in the UK? Jeremy Allen White in The Bear season 2 | Disney It is not the first time that British viewers have had to wait longer for The Bear to arrive. Its first season didn't release in the UK until October 2022 - fourth months after its debut in the US. Fortunately, the wait will not be anywhere near as long this time. The Bear will release season four on Hulu and Disney Plus on Wednesday (June 25) for American viewers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is set to land on Disney+ in the UK on Thursday (June 26) - with all 10 episodes available. The reason for the day difference on this side of the pond, is because The Bear will be releasing in the US on Wednesday evening and time differences have to be factored in. The Bear season four will drop on streaming at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT on June 25 - which is 1am GMT, according to Yahoo . So all of the episodes will be waiting for you when you wake up on Thursday. What to expect from The Bear season four? In a brief tease for the season, Disney Plus said that the new episodes will find Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard 'Richie' Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) pushing forward, determined not only to survive, but also to take The Bear to the next level. It adds: 'With new challenges around every corner, the team must adapt, adjust and overcome. This season, the pursuit of excellence isn't just about getting better – it's about deciding what's worth holding on to.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
