Role Call: The UK is Calling, Will You Answer?

As fans and MuggleNet staff are dreaming about the fun they’ll have at MuggleNet’s Expo Patronum this April in London, this week’s Casting News highlights events and films taking place in the UK! From Ireland to London, Harry Potter cast have the UK covered. Take a look at where your favorite cast members are currently appearing in the coming months!

Stephen Fry has joined an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, titled Love and Friendship. Filming began on location late last week at Newbridge House in Donabonte in Ireland. Fry will play Mr. Johnson opposite Chloe Sevigny, who portrays his wife, Alicia.

Also set to film next month on location is An Inspector Calls, starring David Thewlis and Miranda Richardson. The production is slated to remain on location at Scampston Hall in Ryedale. Thewlis will play Inspector Goole while Richardson will portray the wealthy Sybil Birling, whose family is questioned after a local girl commits suicide. The BBC drama is set to air later this year.

We previously reported that Clemence Poesy‘s The Tunnel had been picked up for a second series, and as of last week, production is slated to begin this March in the UK and France. The series, now titled The Tunnel: Debris, will once again follow Poesy’s character Elise Wasserman and her British detective partner Karl, played by Stephen Dillane (father of teenage Tom Riddle actor, Frank Dillane), as they attempt to investigate a plane that has crashed into the English Channel. Director for Sky Atlantic had this to say about the second series:

Boasting fantastic nuanced performances by Clémence Poésy and Stephen Dillane and a totally gripping story, it is easy to see why the first series of this crime thriller struck a real chord with Sky Atlantic viewers.

Speaking of Frank Dillane, information regarding the Walking Dead spinoff is still trickling in. Filming has reportedly begun on the new series, which will introduce the fans of the original comic books and television series to a cast of new characters. Creator Robert Kirkman states that the new show will be “startlingly different” and that even if viewers have not watched the existing series or read the comics, the show will stand on its own, allowing viewers to jump in without having to know the series at all. Still no word as to what character Frank will be playing, but we’ll definitely be checking out the new series when it debuts!

A few of our favorite Hogwarts professors were seen on the red carpet in the last week, attending film and play premieres. Dame Maggie Smith appeared at the premiere for Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Royal Film Performance and World Premiere in Leicester Square, London. Bill Nighy also stars, but it appears he was not in attendance at the premiere. Take a look at some of the photos from the event below:

Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Zoe Wanamaker, and Nick Moran were also seen at the Royal Court production premiere of The Nether at the Duke’s York Theatre. You can view the photos below.

Nick Moran, who played wizard snatcher Scabior in the Deathly Hallows films, will be our special guest at Expo Patronum this April, which is a rare treat since he doesn’t often attend conventions! To get your chance to meet Nick, book your Expo Patronum ticket here!

Jim Broadbent will be taking on War and Peace with Gillian Anderson! The film adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel will take shape in the form of a six-part mini-series for BBC Worldwide and Weinstein Co. Filming is set to take place on location in Russia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Stills from the new production of Man and Super Man, starring Ralph Fiennes, have made it online! We previously reported on Ralph’s involvement and how he was approaching the dialogue for his latest role – now we can see him in action! Take a look at the stills below:

Variety also reports that Ralph has signed on for a role in A Bigger Splash with Tilda Swinton. You can read a synopsis of the thriller below, which is set to premiere in theaters later this year:

…the story revolves around a high profile couple — a famous rock star and a filmmaker (Schoenaerts and Swinton), who get an unexpected visit from an old friend and his daughter (Fiennes and Johnson) — creating a whirlwind of jealousy, passion and, ultimately, danger for everyone involved.

That wraps it up for this week’s Casting News! Were you excited to see our favorite professors out and about? Let us know what you thought about their attendance this week at public events and where you would like to see them next by commenting below!

Don’t forget – we are still hoping to see you this April in London – tickets to MuggleNet Live! 2015: Expo Patronum are limited but still available. Check out all the amazing special guests from the Harry Potter films who will be in attendance and then book your ticket here!