The casting hat has announced a new player for HBO’s anticipated Harry Potter series. Deadline exclusively reports that Bertie Carvel will join the book adaptation as Cornelius Fudge. He joins an array of actors set to take on the classic characters previously depicted in the 2000s film series.

According to Deadline, Carvel will take on the role of the Minister of Magic, previously played by Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small, Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years) who appeared in four films, beginning with the second installment, Chamber of Secrets. Fudge was notoriously known for ignoring the signs that He Who Should Not Be Named had indeed returned, setting his eye on the cursed child and Hogwarts.

While the films captured the imagination of thousands of millennial teens and young readers, the series aims to be a more faithful adaptation of the novels penned by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince, The Prisoner of Azkaban) Deadline reports. It will be written and executive-produced by showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Killing Eve) with multiple episodes directed by fellow EP, Mark Mylod (The Menu, Succession). Warner Bros. Television will produce along with Brontë Film and TV and Heyday Films.

Before we see him in this magical world, Deadline lists Carvel will be seen in another high-profile HBO project: the anticipated GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Originally for a late 2025 release, it will now debut next year with the third season of House of the Dragon. Carvel is also known for roles in Netflix’s The Crown and Dalgliesh, where he holds the title role.

According to Deadline, HBO was mum on the report, only stating, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

In addition to Carvel, the three leads — Harry, Hermione, and Ron —were recently announced. They join a host of actors that include John Lightgow (Concalve, Dexter), Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project, Gangs of London), Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Spaced), and Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds, The White Queen).