A major name may be joining the wizarding world — but we’re keeping our wands holstered for now.
According to Deadline, none other than Bertie Carvel — the formidable talent from The Crown and Dalgliesh — has allegedly been tapped to play Cornelius Fudge, the often indecisive Minister of Magic, in HBO’s hotly anticipated Harry Potter series. The casting, if true, would place Carvel among a growing ensemble that includes Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Alastair Stout (Ron), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), Paapa Essiedu (Snape), John Lithgow (Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (McGonagall), and Nick Frost (Hagrid).
But here’s the catch: HBO isn’t saying a word.
In fact, the network issued a sleek "no comment" adding, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Translation? It might be true, it might not, and they’re not about to spoil the sorting ceremony just yet.
Carvel’s Fudge would follow in the footsteps of the late Robert Hardy, who played the role in four films beginning with Chamber of Secrets. But until contracts are inked and owls are sent, this news —while deliciously tantalising — remains under the cloak of invisibility.
So, fellow Potterheads, hold the hype. For now, it’s all just smoke and Floo powder.
