After previously playing the Minister for Magic in the films, actor Bill Nighy is reportedly returning to the wizarding world, this time set to portray the pivotal role of Professor Horace Slughorn in the upcoming HBO television series. Recent reports also confirm Nighy voiced the same character for the new, immersive audiobook series.
This casting would make Nighy the first actor to play two distinct major characters within the core Harry Potter live-action universe. He previously appeared as Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic, in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.”
A Familiar Face in a New Role
The news of Nighy’s potential casting for the TV series followed the announcement of his role in the new full-cast audiobook productions from Audible and Pottermore Publishing. In the audiobooks, he gives voice to the charismatic and complex Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn.
On being asked to play Professor Slughorn in the audiobooks, Nighy expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“I was pleased to be asked to play the professor after having already played a Minister for Magic. It means that my career continues to have meaning for the next couple of generations. I’m always grateful when asked to play academics having not been further educated myself.”
While the TV series casting has been reported by multiple outlets, it is important to note that an official confirmation from HBO or the production team is still pending. The main production for the TV series is currently focused on the early years at Hogwarts, but reports suggest Professor Slughorn’s part may be cast now to film flashback scenes featuring a young Tom Riddle consistently.
The Star-Studded Audiobook Cast
The new “Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions” feature an ensemble of over 200 actors. The production aims to create an immersive audio experience with high-quality sound design, original music, and a complete cast for every character.
The project features a lineup of major stars, including Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, and Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall. The narration for the entire series is handled by Cush Jumbo.
The roles of the central trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, are shared by different actors as the characters age. For the first three audiobooks, they are voiced by Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton. From the fourth book onward, Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis take over the roles.
A Shared Hermione Granger
A key connection between the new audiobook and the upcoming TV series is actress Arabella Stanton. She provides the voice for the young Hermione Granger in the first three audiobooks and has also been cast to play Hermione in the live-action HBO series. This gives listeners an early preview of her interpretation of the beloved character.
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The Audiobook Release Schedule
The full-cast audiobook series launched on November 4, 2025, with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Audible and Pottermore Publishing are releasing the subsequent books on a monthly schedule. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final book in the series, is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026.
Here is the complete release schedule for the audiobooks:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: November 4, 2025
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: December 16, 2025
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: January 13, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: February 10, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: March 10, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: April 14, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: May 12, 2026
These new productions are a fresh take on the stories and will exist alongside the classic, single-voice audiobook recordings by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, which will remain available.
The HBO “Harry Potter” TV series is currently in production and is expected to premiere in 2027.
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