Staunton Cast as Umbridge in 'Potter 5'

Before four we get news on five.

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Wednesday, October 19th 2005 at 7:41 PM

Warner Bros. is certainly treating the Harry Potter franchise with the attention it deserves. The movie cash cow has not even seen its fourth incarnation, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, hit theaters yet but we are already getting word on casting for part five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which is expected to begin filming in January '06..

Via Ain't It Cool News we learn that Vera Drake actress Imelda Staunton has been cast as Ms. Dolores Umbridge for the fifth film. Apparently she revealed the news today on ITV's Good Morning.

I have no idea what or who Ms. Umbridge is since I have steered clear of the Potter books in hopes the movies will be even better, but I will quote Quint from AICN and let him do the talking, since he seems to be a backer of the decision:

I really like this casting. Staunton can be stern and creepy. She needs to stretch out her face a little more, to look like a frog… Umbridge is such a bitch! Just thinking about her pisses me off. Imelda Staunton will make me hate her guts in ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and I can't wait.