A number of other high-profile actors have landed parts in the Harry Potter universe.Credit: Warner Bros.While HBO’s highly anticipated–yet increasingly controversial—Harry Potter series continues building its cast, fans won’t be seeing it on their screens anytime soon. Production is officially underway, but the studio still hasn’t committed to a release window.In the meantime, the wizarding world will be making its return in a different medium. Audible has unveiled Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, a new series of audiobooks launching later this year. A first teaser showcases an impressive lineup of voice talent, with Hugh Laurie stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Severus Snape, Michelle Gomez as Minerva McGonagall, and Matthew Macfadyen taking on Tom Riddle/Lord Voldemort.Credit: Warner Bros.The trio of young heroes will also be voiced by fresh talent, with a notable crossover from the HBO adaptation. Frankie Treadaway voices Harry Potter, Max Lester plays Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton takes on Hermione Granger. The latter will also play the role in the upcoming live-action HBO TV adaptation of Rowling’s billion-dollar franchise.On the new project, Audible explained how the audiobooks will differ from other iterations. “These brand-new productions of the original seven stories by J.K. Rowling will showcase the listening experiences as never heard before,” the company wrote, “offering immersive audio entertainment through high-quality sound design in Dolby Atmos, stunning scoring, captivating performances from A-list actors, original music, and real-world sound capture.”Credit: Warner Bros.Now, multiple new actors have been confirmed for the Audible project, including a leading star of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, per Deadline.Having played the role of Elizabeth Swann for years in Disney’s swashbuckling franchise, Kiera Knightley will take on the role of Professor Dolores Umbridge. Potter fans will know that Umbridge–portrayed by Imelda Staunton in the film franchise–is one of the most interesting yet hated characters in the entire series.Joining Knightley in this new cast release are Kit Harington, who will voice Professor Lockhart; Iwan Rheon as Professor Lupin; Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange; Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks; Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley; Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley; James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody; Gemma Whelan as Professor Sprout; and Matt Berry as Sir Cadogan.Credit: DisneyPer HarryPotter.com, Neil Blair, Chairman of Pottermore Publishing, called the project a “sophisticated, immersive audio experience,” adding, “J.K. Rowling’s storytelling lends itself perfectly to the application of new audiobook technologies,” he continued, “and we’re certain this sophisticated, immersive audio experience will not only add a new listening dimension for existing fans but will introduce a whole new generation of listeners to the wizarding world.”After the first three installments, the leading roles will be passed to Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”Credit: HBO/Warner Bros.However, despite the Wizarding World still having a large and dedicated fanbase decades on, the franchise has drawn increasing scrutiny over the years thanks to its creator, J. K. Rowling. Her outspoken political views, especially on the transgender community, have seen some abandon the Wizarding World entirely.Audible previously confirmed the rollout dates for all seven titles, with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on November 4, 2025, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on December 16, 2025, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” on January 13, 2026, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” on February 10, 2026, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” on March 10, 2026, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” onApril 14, 2026, and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” on May 12, 2026.How do you feel about the new cast for the Harry Potter series? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Star Jumps Ship to ‘Harry Potter’ as Iconic Villain Recast appeared first on Inside the Magic.