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Cast announced for adaptation of J.K. Rowling adult book

Casting has been announced for the BBC One/HBO miniseries adaption of J.K. Rowling‘s The Casual Vacancy, including Michael Gambon, Rory Kinnear, Keeley Hawes, Simon McBurney, Julia McKenzie, Monica Dolan and newcomer Abigail Lawrie. Gambon and McBurney are no strangers to playing Rowling’s fictional creations. Gambon previously portrayed the role of Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six feature adaptations of Rowling’s Harry Potter books, and McBurney voiced the house-elf Kreacher in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

The 2012 novel, which sold over six million copies worldwide, was Rowling’s first book for adults since completing the popular wizarding series. Its political story unfolds in the quaint and seemingly peaceful English town of Pagford, where the death of a Parish Councillor leaves a council seat vacant. Competing for a spot in the impending election, neighbor turns against neighbor, bringing slanderous secrets to light that divide the township’s citizenry.

The series, directed by Jonny Campbell and written by Sarah Phelps, will be broadcast as three one-hour segments, with production expected to begin in July. Bronte Film and Television, the independent production company jointly run by Rowling, will produce the show. ~Daniel Horowitz