David Thewlis to portray Count Zurov in ‘The Winter Queen’

It has been announced today that David Thewlis, who portrayed Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter films, will appear in The Winter Queen as Count Zurov.

The Winter Queen is a tale of intrigue that takes place in nineteenth century Russia, based on the worldwide bestselling novel by Boris Akunin. It follows the story of detective Erast Fandorin as he tries to uncover the mystery behind a rash of suicides by young and wealthy men. In the process of his investigation, Fandorin discovers more than he bargained for. The character to be played by Thewlis, Count Zurov, is initially a suspect, but ends up being a friend to Fandorin.

Principle photography on The Winter Queen is set to begin in April 2013. Anjelica Huston and Milla Jovovich will also appear in the film.

Thanks to Broadway World Movies for the tip.

This is only the latest casting news for Harry Potter actors; 2013 will see a number of new releases in theaters and on DVD. Daniel Radcliffe will appear in Kill Your Darlings, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this month, and Horns, while co-star Rupert Grint will appear in The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman, also premiering at Sundance, The Drummer, Cross Country, and CGBG, all currently in post-production. Emma Watson is also having a busy year, with her hit The Perks of Being a Wallflower due out on DVD in February, and her films The Bling Ring, This is the End, and The Voice in my Head all due out this year.

And the trio aren’t the only ones with big releases this year—Maggie Smith is currently starring in the wildly popular television series Downton Abbey, whose third season is currently airing in the U.S., Emma Thompson will appear in a film adaptation of the popular young-adult novel Beautiful Creatures, Alan Rickman will appear as Ronald Regan in The Butler and star alongside Rupert Grint in CGBG. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg…

Keep an eye on MuggleNet for all the latest casting news!