JAMES McAvoy has been announced as a cast member in a new Harry Potter audiobook series.
The Scottish actor, known for his roles in Shameless and X-Men, is taking on the role of Mad-Eye Moody in the upcoming Audible series of JK Rowling's books.
Commenting, McAvoy said he was "absolutely thrilled" to play the role of Mad-Eye Moody.
He added: "He's a layered character, constantly shifting between battle-hardened intensity and unexpected moments of wisdom.
"Capturing his commanding presence was incredibly fun."
Other actors to be announced on Wednesday include Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington, who will play Professor Lockhart, Pride and Prejudice star Keira Knightley, who is taking up the role of Professor Umbridge, and Gavin and Stacey actor Iwan Rheon, who will play Professor Lupin.
McAvoy is joined in the series by another Scot – Michelle Gomez, who is playing Professor McGonagall.
Fans were unhappy with Gomez taking on the part, as Rowling has become renowned for her opposition to transgender rights.
Gomez insisted she was a supporter of LGBT+ rights, and said she “understood” why her taking on the role was “painful” for many fans.
Cast list for new Harry Potter Audible series:
- Hugh Laurie: Albus Dumbledore
- Matthew Macfayden: Lord Voldemort
- Riz Ahmed: Professor Snape
- Michelle Gomez: Professor McGonagall
- Mark Addy: Hagrid
- Alex Hassell: Lucius Malfoy
- Daniel Mays: Dobby
- Kit Harrington: Professor Lockhard
- Keira Knightley: Professor Umbridge
- Iwan Rheon: Professor Lupin
- Ruth Wilson: Bellatrix Lestrange
- Ambika Mod: Nymphadora Tonks
- Leo Woodall: Bill Weasley
- Simon Pegg: Arthur Weasley
- James McAvoy: Mad-Eye Moody
- Gemma Whelan: Professor Sprout
- Matt Berry: Sir Cadogan
- Sara and Avni Deshmukh: The Patil Twins
- Cush Jumbo: Narrator
- Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, Arabella Stanton: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger (Books 1-3)
- Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, Nina Barker-Francis: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger (Books 4-7)
The rest of the cast is set to be announced in due course.
