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‘Harry Potter’ TV Series: ‘Star Wars’ Actress Rumored for Aunt Petunia Role

The upcoming Harry Potter television series continues to build intrigue, not just for its promise of a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books but for its potential casting choices. With no official word yet on who will step into the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, speculation has been running wild—and now, a new name has entered the conversation.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, best known for Fleabag and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is rumored to have been offered the role of Petunia Dursley, Harry Potter’s bitter and resentful aunt. This latest report comes from industry insider Daniel Richtman (via SFFGazette.com), who claims that Warner Bros. is eyeing the Solo: A Star Wars Story actress to take over the role originally played by Fiona Shaw.

(L to R) Uncle Vernon, Dudley Dursley, and Aunt Petunia in 'Harry Potter'
Credit: Warner Bros.

While Waller-Bridge has yet to comment on the speculation, the rumor itself has already ignited discussions about what she could bring to the part. Known for her razor-sharp wit and layered performances, she would undoubtedly bring a new dimension to Petunia, a character whose complicated relationship with her sister, Lily Potter, has long fascinated fans.

Of course, without confirmation from Warner Bros., this remains a rumor, much like other recent casting speculation surrounding the series. Previous reports have linked actors such as Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) to the role of Lord Voldemort, Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) to Hagrid, and Mark Rylance (The BFG) to Dumbledore.

None of these have been officially confirmed, but with the show set to begin filming this summer, more concrete casting news is likely just around the corner.

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller Bridge)
Credit: Lucasfilm

Related: ‘Harry Potter’ Fans React to New TV Series’ “Diverse” Harry, Ron, and Hermione Casting

If true, Waller-Bridge’s casting would mark a bold yet fitting choice. While best known for her comedic and dramatic work, she has proven time and again that she can balance sharp dialogue with raw emotion—qualities that could make Aunt Petunia an even more compelling presence in the series.

The Harry Potter television reboot is slated to premiere on Max in 2026 or 2027 as part of Warner Bros.' ambitious expansion of the Wizarding World franchise.

Whether Phoebe Waller-Bridge will be part of that journey remains to be seen, but as casting rumors continue to swirl, one thing is certain: Harry Potter fans have plenty to talk about.

Would you like to see Phoebe Waller-Bridge step into the role of Aunt Petunia? Let us know in the comments!

Daniel

Dan is a huge fan of Star Wars, Disney, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, TMNT and Harry Potter, and has written for numerous film-focused and Disney-related sites, including Epicstream, Theme Park Tourist and Homey Hawaii. He has also recently completed his first children's novel, which he hopes to get published within the next year.

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