The new cast of ‘Deathly Hallows’

From the inception of the Harry Potter film franchise, source creator J.K. Rowling insisted that the principal cast be comprised of only British actors. Since then, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman, Julie Walters, Alan Rickman, Jason Isaacs and Ralph Fiennes among many others have lent their talents during the course of the last 10 years to the Harry Potter franchise. Though “Deathly Hallows” marks the end of the series, there are still a few fresh faces to explore. Here’s a quick breakdown:  

Hazel Douglas as Bathilda Bagshot
In the film: Baghsot is the famous historian and author of “A History of Magic” who has recently gone a bit senile yet holds much valuable info regarding Dumbledore and the Hallows.

What’s her story? Douglas is known for her many appearances in British made-for-TV movies.

Where do you know her from? “Run, Fatboy, Run,” “Asylum”  

Bill Nighy as Rufus Scrimgeour
In the film: Though he appeared in previous books, this marks Scrimgeour’s first film appearance. Taking over for Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic, Scrimgeour attempts to quell the fears of the wizarding world as Voldemort ascends to full power.

What’s his story? Active in acting since 1976, Nighy has worked in nearly all forms of performance media, from radio to film to television to theatre. He has previously worked with director David Yates three times. After his casting, Nighy stated, “I am no longer the only English actor not to be in Harry Potter and I am very pleased.”

Where do you know him from? “Love Actually,” “Pirates of the Caribbean’s” Davy Jones, “Hot Fuzz”

Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood
In the film: The eccentric, idealistic father of everyone’s favorite giant-lion-head-wearing Luna Lovegood, Xenophilius is the publisher of The Quibbler and a firm believer in the Deathly Hallows.

What’s his story? Ifans is not only an active British actor in film and theatre, but is also a member of two Welsh rock groups. Much like his character in “Deathly Hallows,” Ifans has been known to stir up controversy over his public comments.

Where do you know him from? “Notting Hill,” “Greenberg” and the upcoming “Spider-Man” reboot.

Peter Mullan as Yaxley
In the film: Yaxley is one of Voldemort’s leading Death Eaters. He runs the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in Voldemort’s puppet regime.

What’s his story? A Scottish actor, Mullan won the 1998 Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award.

Where do you know him from? “Trainspotting,” “Children of Men”

Domhnall Gleeson as Bill Weasley
In the film: Wizard banker Bill is the oldest of the Weasley clan and finds himself marrying Triwizard champ Fleur Delacour at the opening of Part 1.

What’s his story? Son of actor Brendan Gleeson, the Irish-born Gleeson is an actor, writer and director.

Where do you know him from? “Deathly Hallows” is his first major gig, but look for him in the upcoming “True Grit.”

Rade Serbedzija as Gregorovitch
In the film: Gregorovitch serves as a counterpart to the wandmaker Ollivander. Gregorovitch is sought by Voldemort in his quest for the all-powerful Elder Wand.

What’s his story? Born in what is today Croatia, Serbedzija is an actor of both screen and stage, acting in his homeland in the 1970s and 1980s before taking supporting roles in American films around the turn of the century.

Where do you know him from? “Mission: Impossible II,” “Batman Begins,” “24”

Jamie Campbell Bower as young Gellert Grindelwald
In the film: Grindelwald, mentioned briefly in early Potter books as the 1940s version of Voldemort, is discovered to have a much deeper connection with Dumbledore.

What’s his story? Bower is 21, a London-born singer, model and actor. Recently, he attended the London premiere of “Deathly Hallows” in a leg cast after a film stunt injury.

Where do you know him from? “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”  

What? Are there still actors left in Britain? Hey, Defense Against the Dark Arts always needs a new teacher. Here are a few we would have loved to see in the Potter movies: Judi Dench, Ewan McGregor, Helen Mirren, Michael Caine, Julie Andrews, Emily Blunt, Ben Kingsley, Angela Lansbury, Kate Winslet, Vanessa Redgrave, Jude Law, Ian McKellen, and Ricky Gervais.