Update: Bill Nighy cast in The Deathly Hallows

Following weeks of speculation, Bill Nighy has confirmed he will be starring in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

Previously the Underworld star told Potter fansite The Leaky Cauldron: “I don’t think I’m allowed to say it but I’m going to be in the next Harry Potter film. I won’t say which character, but he’s a goodie. I just got the gig.”

Confirming his appointment to Sci Fi Wire, Nighy was in high spirits about playing the newly appointed Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour. He exclaimed: “I am a wizard. I am the Minister for Magic, and I am very pleased, because I thought I was going to remain the only English actor who wasn’t in Harry Potter, but apparently that’s not true.”

Following this Nighy gave his take on the character: “Scrimgeour is a rather tragic figure, without giving too much away,” said Nighy. “But there’s no giving too much away, because everybody’s read the books. So he’s a kind of tragic figure. You have that element. And he knows what’s coming. So that’s a very moving thing to play. He’s also very powerful, and he’s had a very complicated progress to the top.” He then went on to discuss his dealings with the film’s boy wizard. “And he has an interesting relationship with Harry, because Harry views him initially with complete contempt, but then it’s softened by subsequent events.”

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I is scheduled for release on 19 November 2010; Part II will follow on the later date of 15 July 2011.