[Huntress]

This may be a little premature, but does anyone have any thoughts about the casting of the movies of Half Blood Prince and Order of the Phoenix?

IMHO, the casting in the first three movies has been excellent, although I think Michael Gambon was a less than inspired replacement for the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore. Sean Connery would have been much better.

As Slughorn, my first thought is Charles Laughton, which obviously is not possible. Maybe Ned Beatty?

As Delores Umbridge, I think Kathy Kinney (Mimi from The Drew Carrey Show) or Kathy Bates would be excellent.

[maryz]

As Delores Umbridge, I think Kathy Kinney (Mimi from The Drew Carrey Show)

LOL! Inspired choice!

[SouthernFreebird]

I was disappointed with the Dumbledore in the last movie also, I thought Anthony Hopkins with his piercing blue eyes and calm voice would have made a wonderful Dumbledore.

[SuziQ]

As Delores Umbridge, I think Kathy Kinney (Mimi from The Drew Carrey Show) or Kathy Bates would be excellent.

I think they'll stay with actors and actresses from the British Isles or Australia. I'm thinking Helen Mirren or Dame Judi Dench would be interesting casting. I would have suggested Miranda Richardson, but I think she's going to do a bang up Rita Skeeter!!