Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton reprises role as Dolores Umbridge for 'extreme' new scenes in Universal experience
Staunton filmed new scenes for Universal Epic Universe's stunning new theme park ride, after previously saying she wouldn't return to the "Harry Potter" series.
After previously expressing doubt that she'd ever return to the Harry Potter franchise, Oscar-nominated actress and The Crown star Imelda Staunton will reprise her role as Dolores Umbridge in Universal Epic Universe's new Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic attraction inspired by the film series.
Over 14 years following Staunton's final Harry Potter film performance in 2010's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1, an official franchise YouTube video confirms that Staunton returned to film new scenes as the villainous character, who takes center stage in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride that takes guests through the British Ministry of Magic for Umbridge's trial. Visitors to the Universal Orlando Resort's next theme park (set to open in 2025) enter through the organization's grand atrium (as seen in the Harry Potter movies) ahead of the trial, until things go awry when, naturally, Umbridge attempts to escape and wreak havoc on her captors.
"You'll explore plenty of never before seen locations, like the Ministry of Archives and the Department of Magical Creatures," Hope Glomski, Universal Global Themed Entertainment said in the clip below, also confirming that film series characters like Corban Yaxley, Walden Macnair, the Carrow family, and Kingsley Shacklebolt will return in scenes for the ride alongside a new house elf character named Higgledy.