HBO’sHarry Potterremake still has plenty of characters left to cast, and one of the most evil could be perfectly played by a star we saw on screen in a 2024 blockbuster. So far, announcements have been made regarding casting for several of the biggest power players of theHarry Potterseries. We know that the new Golden Trio will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton. Additionally, stars like John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Janet McTeer, and Nick Frost have signed on to play Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Hagrid, respectively.
We’ve yet to hear word on any casting for thevillains ofHarry Potter, including Lord Voldemort. However,there’s an even worse enemy of Harry Potter who I’m eager to see cast. Dolores Umbridge won’t be a feature of HBO’s remake until about season 5, so we are unlikely to get casting news for this character anytime soon. However, given the memorable performance from Imelda Staunton in theHarry Pottermovies, I’d be interested to see how the TV remake goes about following this up. As it is, 2024’sWickedpresented the perfect candidate.
Wicked’s Keala Settle Would Be The Perfect Dolores Umbridge In HBO’s Harry Potter Remake
Miss Coddle Is Remarkably Like Dolores Umbridge
Though finding an actor to step into Staunton’s shoes for theHarry Potterremake will be no easy task,Wicked’s Keala Settle could be just the actor.Settle played Miss Coddle in the 2024 blockbuster film, the Headmistress of Shiz University. This character is all sweetness and niceness on the outside, but her condescension and overt prejudice make her immediately unlikable. Of course, this same description could be applied toHarry Potter’s Dolores Umbridge, whose deplorable sweetness makes her cruelty even more despicable.
The character of Miss Coddle wasn’t a feature of the originalWickedBroadway musical. She was created for the film, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the character took significant influence from J.K. Rowling’s Dolores Umbridge. Add in the fact thatthe affectations Settle brought to the role fit perfectly with the way Umbridge was described in the books, and these scenes inWickedcould easily be used as an audition for theHarry Potterremake.
Settle is the same actor who was so lovable as Lettie Lutz (the Bearded Woman) inThe Greatest Showman, but she completely turned that around inWicked.
Settle is the same actor who was so lovable as Lettie Lutz (the Bearded Woman) inThe Greatest Showman, but she completely turned that around inWicked. This leaves no doubt that Settle is a versatile and skilled actor. Her part inWickedwas relatively small, butit was instantly easy for me to imagine Miss Coddle in a pink robe with a terrible little bow atop her curls.
Other Actors Who Could Play Dolores Umbridge In Harry Potter
This Role Requires A Nuanced Performance
Though we still have some time before Dolores Umbridge needs to becast for theHarry PotterTV show, this is sure to be one of the more challenging characters to get right. It’s important that whoever plays Umbridge has an adequate mastery of appearing evil on screen.Lena Headey, who was so easy to hate as Cersei Lannister inGame of Thrones,has been suggested, and would be an intriguing choice. Then there’s Brenda Blethyn, who could likely pull off a similar performance to Staunton. Still, Umbridge’s infuriating sweetness requires a unique touch.
There are certainly a variety of actors who could perfectly capture different aspects of Umbridge’s character in theHarry Potterremake. However, sincethis character isn’t the traditional sort of evil, like Lord Voldemort, the role requires a nuanced performance. Settle proved that she can handle something similar through her role inWicked, so she would be an excellent bet for HBO. Regardless of who is cast, Headey, Blethyn, Settle, or someone else entirely, it’s important that it be clear in theHarry Potterremake that this character is the very worst of the worst.
