bellatrix lestrange Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Just when you thought they were finished casting for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, another round of names was thrown into the hat. According to reports, the character of Bellatrix Lestrange will be played by Helena Bonham-Carter, instead of Helen McCrory. Supposedly, McCrory is pregnant and, by the time her scenes are ready to be shot, the woman will be way too big to play the part. Personally, I dig Bonham-Carter and am glad Tim Burton let her sneak away to do another film.

In other Potter casting news, Apple Brook will play Professor Grubbly-Plank and Jason Piper will take on the Bane of Centaur. The roles of the young Marauders are as follows: James Walters as Young Sirius, James Utechin as Young Lupin and Alec Hopkins as Young Snape. Oohh, but as this news comes to us, there's also a little Book 7 talk too. Apparently, Bloomsbury publishing director Liz Calder announced that the last and final Harry Potter chapter will hit shelves in 2007, contrary to reports that J.K. Rowling would play the ultimate practical joke and wait 40 years before releasing the book. Calder also confirmed that this will indeed be Potter's last adventure, but did not rule out Rowling writing other, non-Potter related books for them.

Oh, I know you want your Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix casting updates...and you want me to be the one who gives them to you. Perhaps I should be tortured and chained to a wall for never diving head first into the world of Harry Potter, but I'm going to use the excuse that I'd rather wait until the entire story is complete before dedicating every waking second to the boy. I'm crazy like that.

Regardless, it is my duty to report the movie news folks and, just 48 hours after we last left Potter casting land, there's a bunch more information to hand out. First off, for all of those fans lingering about in our comments and offering up their immense acting talent for the part of Luna, you're crap out of luck. After 15,000 girls showed up to an open casting call for the role of Luna Lovegood, an unknown 14-year-old by the name of Evanna Lynch (check out her publicity photo here) has snagged the part. In the book, this odd character (who's called the name Loony behind her back) befriends Harry and his friends.

Imelda Staunton (Nanny McPhee, Vera Drake) has been confirmed to play Professor Umbridge, a major villain in the fifth book. Probably the second most hated character in the series, many have been speculating as to who will play her. Helen McCrory (Interview with a Vampire, Casanova) will take on Bellatrix Lestrange (coolest name ever!), as one of Lord Voldemort's evil fans. Rounding out the new additions are Natalia Tena as Tonks (a shape shifting Auror) and Kathryn Hunter as Mrs. Figg (a Squib who plays a key role in a scene early on). So, are we done? Is this everyone? Are you satisfied with the choices made? Gear up people because shooting begins...tomorrow!