Role Call: A Countess, Three Contenders, and a Chef Walk Into a Pub…

It sounds like the start to a great joke, but this week’s role call is anything but! As fall approaches, our Harry Potter cast are returning to familiar and favorite roles as we take a look at the new season of Downton Abbey, discuss possible Oscar noms, a return to Monty Python’s roots, and a first look at Medea!

We previously posted the trailer for Dame Maggie Smith‘s new film with Kevin Kline, My Old Lady. New stills from the film have been released today along with more information on the film and the special pre-screening release to be held September 15 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The screening will raise funds for the Gloucester Stage Company and tickets start at $50. You can obtain more information about the event or purchase tickets here and take a look at the photo stills below:

Stephen Fry is set to appear in a five episode series on UKTV’s Gold, Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly). The series was given the go ahead in June and “explores the nation’s favourite Monty Python sketches and the effect that they have had on the comedy world. It will also include the very best footage from their TV series and insights from the celebrities” including Mike Myers, Tracey Ullman, and Stephen Fry. A behind the scenes documentary of Monty Python, the comedic troupe that features actor/comedian John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick),  is also in the works.

New Orleans is about to get a bit more thrilling! Variety reports that Gary Oldman has signed on to begin filming Man Down, a psychological thriller about an army veteran in a post-apocalyptic America where he must search for his family while dealing with his past in the Afghanistan war. While it has not been revealed which character Oldman will play, this new film is one of a handful he has recently taken on. We will bring you more information about his role in Man Down as it becomes available. Filming is set to begin October 30.

Have you ever wondered about the food on set for the Harry Potter cast and crew? Residents in Briton Ferry are about to find out! Chef Danny McDonnell, who catered to the cast and crew of the films, recently came to the aid of the new owner of The Ferryman after visiting for a quick drink. He tells the South Wales Evening Post that he saw potential in the pub:

I don’t like to see people struggling, and I would not be a very good chef if I came here and didn’t provide a new business with some ideas. I am going to come back in three months and again in six months, and spend some time with them in the kitchen. I’ll be offering my services for free to show them how to do home-made sauces, and how to add more spices to their food.

Back in May, we reported on the PBS September airing of Sweeney Todd, starring Emma Thompson. It was recently announced that Thompson will be engaged in a limited run of the production on stage beginning March 30 at the London Coliseum for 13 performances. The show will open the first season of musical theater for the English National Opera. You can learn more about the English National Opera and book tickets here.

Helen McCrory is also taking the stage in the latest production of Medea, which has just released a trailer for the show and premieres today in cinemas around the world – you can find a local theater to watch the show here after viewing the trailer below:

McCrory and her husband, actor Damian Lewis, will also appear next month at the Cheltenham Literature Festival where they will read some of the world’s greatest love poems, followed by an onstage interview. You can learn more about their appearance and book tickets here.

Domhnall Gleeson has made the list of 2015 Oscar contenders according to IndieWire. Domhnall was included in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Unbroken, which is set for a December theatrical release. Other names who made the list are Ralph Fiennes for Grand Budapest Hotel and Timothy Spall for Mr. Turner – both whom are listed for Best Actor. Only time will tell if these three will actually garner nominations.

Finally, there is reason for Downton Abbey fans to rejoice! The trailer for the upcoming fifth season of the series has been released and you can watch it below! In the trailer, we see new faces and old along with hints of trouble at Downton for a number of characters, including what appears to be a fire and a daring rescue. Take a look and tell us what you think the new season holds for the residents of Downton, including the talented Dame Maggie Smith as the witty and popular dowager countess.  The new season is set to air on ITV on September 21.

That wraps up this edition of Casting News – don’t forget to check out our Cast Pages to find out what your favorite stars are up to! As always, we love to hear what you think the talented cast of the Harry Potter films should take on next. Make sure to leave your thoughts in our comment section below and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest and greatest news in the Harry Potter universe!