British actor Bill Nighy has undergone screen tests for the role of Hogwarts potions master Professor Slughorn in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series on HBO. Sources indicate the 75-year-old star is poised to sign on, following his recent voice work for the character in an audio series. Filming for his role is scheduled to begin in August.
Bill Nighy, best known for his role in Love Actually, is reportedly on the verge of joining the cast of the new Harry Potter television adaptation. According to sources close to the production, Nighy completed screen tests last month for the part of Professor Horace Slughorn, the Slytherin head of house and potions expert from J.K. Rowling's wizarding world.
Casting Background
Nighy previously portrayed Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. His familiarity with the franchise made him a natural fit for another academic role, as he noted after voicing Slughorn in a recent audio series: “I was pleased to be asked to play the professor after having already played a minister for magic. I’m always grateful when asked to play academics, having not been further educated myself.” Fans expressed excitement over his audio involvement, and now the TV series appears set to feature him on screen.
A production insider revealed: “It has been very ‘hush-hush’, but Bill was thrilled to take part in screen tests for the role last month. He wants it, the Potter production team want it, and now it’s a waiting game until contracts are signed. It will be a real coup to have Bill join a stellar cast.”
The series already boasts other notable British talents, including Paul Whitehouse and Nick Frost. While full details on the HBO project's timeline remain under wraps, Nighy's potential casting adds significant star power to the ensemble retelling of the Harry Potter books.
This development comes amid growing anticipation for the series, which aims to expand on the original films with a multi-season format.