Peter Serafinowicz has been cast as Peeves the Poltergeist in HBO's Harry Potter reboot, bringing to life a beloved character that was notably absent from the original movie series.
Peeves Returns to Hogwarts
The comedian will appear in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where Peeves has been haunting Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for about a thousand years. Known for causing mischief and chaos throughout the school, Peeves is a major nuisance to students and staff, especially caretaker Argus Filch.
The late Rik Mayall had originally been intended to play the cheeky ghost in the 2001 film but was cut due to time constraints. The character never reappeared in subsequent movies, much to the disappointment of fans.
Serafinowicz's Career Highlights
Serafinowicz recently appeared in BBC's hit sitcom Amandaland and hosted Netflix game show Million Dollar Favourite. He is also famous for voicing Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 1999 and fronting his own BBC show. Last year, he starred in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon.
In the reboot, Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter and will have his hands full dealing with Peeves, who is best known for practical jokes, throwing objects, and getting students into trouble.
Anya Taylor-Joy Joins Lord of the Rings Sequel
In other casting news, The Queen's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy has joined The Lord of the Rings sequel, The Hunt for Gollum. Directed by and starring Andy Serkis as Gollum, Taylor-Joy will play Seren, a Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm described as a trusted and lethal agent of King Thranduil.
The film also sees the return of Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo, and Lee Pace as King Thranduil, alongside newcomers Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Strider, and Leo Woodall as Halvard. The movie is due for release on December 17, 2027.
Taylor-Joy's Expanding Franchise Roles
Taylor-Joy is now part of three major movie franchises, following her entry into the Mad Max saga last year in Furiosa. She is also set to appear in the third Dune movie alongside Timothee Chalamet, the concluding part of the trilogy due in cinemas this December.
