Bill Nighy apparates into Potter cast.

News hit the internet earlier this week that the always entertaining Bill Nighy has landed a role in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows two-parter.

The Harry Potter films always sport the best British acting talent going, so the choice to include Nighy in the film at this late stage seems natural. After all he's one of the best actors the UK has to offer.

The decision to keep the cast this side of the pond was a rule enforced by J K Rowling when talk of adapting the books began. With the Potter universe so firmy rooted in the UK it was a crucial decision. Could you imagine Haley Joel Osmond in as the boy who lived? Scary thought, but it almost happened.

As of yet he hasn't confirmed exactly which character he will be playing. As Nighy explains to The Independent "I don’t think I’m allowed to say it but I’m going to be in the next Harry Potter film . . . I won’t say which character, but he’s a goodie"

To take an educated guess, word is he will be playing Rufus Scrimgeour, Cornelius Fudge's replacement for Minister of Magic. Scrimgeour is a hard faced character who often butts-heads with Potter and co and while he's not the goodest of goodies, he's certainly not on Voldermorts side.

All this is yet to be confirmed of course, so take it with a pinch of salt. Whatever the role Nighy takes it looks like he has some reading to catch up on, when asked if he has read the series he explains "Not yet, but I will! It’s rather like being in a Shakespeare that way, you know?"

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is shooting now, with the first part due to be released on 19th November 2010. Check out the teaser poster below.


Meanwhile Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince hits cinemas on 15th July.