The BBC One miniseries version of J.K. Rowling’s novel A Casual Vacancy has been given a cast.
BBC and HBO revealed that Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes, Rory Kinnear, Monica Dolan, Julia McKenzie and Abigail Lawrie will be starring in the three-episode miniseries, which is set to begin production July 7.
Gambon (Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2) is playing Howard Mollison and McKenzie is playing his wife, Shirley, according to Variety. Their characters are the owners of a delicatessen in Rowling’s novel.
Rowling, who is producing the miniseries, was a big supporter of Harry Potter vet Gambon’s casting, reports The Daily Mail. Hawes is set to play Howard and Shirley’s daughter-in-law, Samantha.
The miniseries is being produced by Rowling and Neil Blair’s production company, Bronte Film and Television. Sarah Phelps is the screenwriter, while Jonny Campbell (In the Flesh) is set to direct.
The rest of the cast, including the roles of the Jawanda family, Gaia Bawden, and Mary Fairbrother, will soon be announced.