Sep
Imelda Staunton Returns as Dolores Umbridge for New Universal Experience
Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton, known for her role as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series, is set to reprise her role in an exciting new attraction at Universal Epic Universe. Despite previously expressing doubts about returning to the franchise, Staunton has filmed new scenes for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic experience.
More than a decade after her last appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), Staunton has returned to embody the infamous Umbridge for the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. This immersive attraction, opening at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, will take guests through the British Ministry of Magic, featuring a dramatic trial scene involving Umbridge. Visitors will walk through a grand atrium reminiscent of the one in the films before encountering a chaotic escape attempt by Umbridge.
The new ride promises to showcase never-before-seen locations, including the Ministry of Archives and the Department of Magical Creatures. Universal Global Themed Entertainment’s Hope Glomski revealed that familiar characters such as Corban Yaxley, Walden Macnair, the Carrow family, and Kingsley Shacklebolt will appear, alongside a new house elf named Higgledy.
Assistant Director Anisha Vyas Burgos praised Staunton’s performance as “absolutely brilliant,” highlighting how she pushed Umbridge’s character to new extremes. Footage from the filming process shows the 68-year-old actress working in front of a green screen to bring her iconic role to life once again.
In a 2019 interview with Hello! magazine, Staunton had expressed skepticism about returning to the Harry Potter franchise but acknowledged the continued fan interest. “Of course I can scare people. I don’t get a lot of kids coming up to me actually. It’s the grown-up kids — you want to say you are 35 — but they grew up with it,” she said. “Harry Potter doesn’t stop, does it?”
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Staunton’s representatives for further comments.
Staunton’s return follows the news that Eddie Redmayne will also reprise his role as Newt Scamander for the new Epic Universe attraction. The new Harry Potter land will blend the timelines of the eight main films with the Fantastic Beasts series, spanning settings from 1920s Paris to 1990s London. Visitors will experience seamless transitions between these worlds via the Métro Floo transportation network, allowing fans to experience the Floo Network firsthand.
While Redmayne and Staunton’s returns are confirmed, the participation of other iconic characters such as Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) has yet to be officially announced, although their images have appeared in recent promotional material from Universal Epic Universe. (Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for these stars.)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic is slated to open at Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Check out the video above to see Staunton back in action as Umbridge.
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