Michael Gambon Confirmed As 'Harry Potter 3' Dumbledore

Warner Bros. Pictures’ have announced that Michael Gambon will take over the role of Professor Dumbledore from the late Richard Harris.

Also announced by Jeff Robinov - President of Production for Warner Bros. Pictures, is the beginning of principal photography on February 24 in Leavesden, England.

Actors Gary Oldman (Hannibal), Timothy Spall (Nicholas Nickleby), David Thewlis (Timeline), Pam Ferris (Matilda) and Paul Whitehouse (BBC’s The Fast Show) have also joined the esteemed ensemble cast of the film, which is being directed by Academy Award nominee Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, Great Expectations, A Little Princess).

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione return as teenagers to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.

"To be entrusted with such rich and beloved material, and given the opportunity to collaborate with this extraordinary cast and crew on the next Harry Potter adventure is an honor", Alfonso Cuarón said. "I look forward to bringing this intricate story to the screen and sharing it with film audiences around the world".

"I’m so proud to have been involved in this truly amazing film series, both as a director and a producer", added Chris Columbus. "I look forward to seeing it grow as Alfonso and the cast and crew further our imaginations with their truly inspired work".

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Gary Oldman plays Sirius Black, the eponymous prisoner whose escape is thought to pose a great threat to Harry Potter; Michael Gambon plays the role of Professor Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ venerable headmaster; Timothy Spall portrays Peter Pettigrew, an old friend of Harry’s father, James Potter, from their days at Hogwarts; David Thewlis plays Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor who harbors a mysterious secret; Pam Ferris plays Harry’s overbearing Aunt Marge; and Paul Whitehouse portrays Sir Caddogan, a Knight who becomes the temporary guardian of Gryffindor Tower.

Reprising their roles from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets are Daniel Radcliffe in the title role; Emma Watson as Hermione Granger; Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley; Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid; David Bradley as Argus Filch; Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy; Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon Dursley; Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge; Alan Rickman as Professor Snape; Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia Dursley; Dame Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall; Julie Walters as Mrs. Weasley; and Mark Williams as Mr. Weasley.

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