Casting Peeves For HBO's Harry Potter TV Show: 10 Actors Who Would Be Perfect

Dec. 19, 2024, 3:30 p.m.

Movies

Casting Peeves For HBO's Harry Potter TV Show: 10 Actors Who Would Be Perfect

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HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV show has been hinting at the new and exciting casting choices for the characters who make up the magical world. The Harry Potter casting rumors reveal that the series will continue casting predominantly British actors in the roles. This is unsurprising as the original movies followed this trend, and the show wants to take the best parts of the films and use them to create a bigger and more detailed world. Part of this journey will involve bringing book characters omitted from the movies to life onscreen for the show, like the infamous ghost Peeves.

Finding the perfect Peeves actor for the Harry Potter series will require a comedic actor with plenty of experience who isn't afraid to make a fool of themselves. Additionally, since Peeves is known for causing trouble and has little loyalty to anyone but himself, the performer needs to have a bit of a dark side as well. British humor is iconically dark and tongue-in-cheek, which will be perfect for the characterization of Peeves throughout the show. Though he doesn't have the largest role, any famous comedian would be ideal in this bit part as an Easter egg for audiences.

10 Ricky Gervais

Known for The Office (UK) (2001–2003)

Before The Office became one of the biggest sitcoms in the U.S., the original U.K. version was a lot darker and edgier, thanks to Ricky Gervais. Gervais played the Michael character, David, and pushed the show even further in terms of cringe content and humiliation for the characters. As one of the creators of the series, it's clear that Gervais' style of comedy is infused into the project and that he has a sharp and cutting sense of humor, which would be perfect for Peeves.

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Additionally, Gervais has good name recognition and is the kind of actor that audiences would instantly notice onscreen, which is vital for ghosts, who can sometimes get lost in the background. It's unlikely that Gervais would be interested in a role any larger than Peeves, as this would prevent him from touring or doing the smaller comedy projects he often tackles during the year. However, a fun cameo every now and then to cause trouble sounds just like the performer.

Series Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score The Office (UK) 97% 88%

Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite TV Shows My Watchlist Success! The Office The Office is a British mockumentary sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2003, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It chronicles the daily lives of the employees at Wernham Hogg, a fictional paper company in Slough. Ricky Gervais stars as the bumbling and often inappropriate office manager, David Brent, whose antics provide a humorous yet poignant look at office culture and interpersonal relationships. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date July 9, 2001 Cast Ricky Gervais , Martin Freeman , Mackenzie Crook , Lucy Davis , Stirling Gallacher Creator(s) Ricky Gervais , Stephen Merchant Seasons 2

9 Simon Pegg

Known for Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Simon Pegg owes a lot of his success to early collaborations with Edgar Wright on Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Since these breakout projects, Pegg has had his hand in many prominent franchises like Star Trek, as well as the occasional TV role, like his recent feature in The Boys. Though Pegg is typically typecast as the bumbling but well-meaning sidekick, there's still lots of wit and potential inside every performance, proving that he could take on a more malicious character.

Most recently, Pegg has been making his name with the Mission: Impossible franchise alongside Tom Cruise. Since Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is the franchise's end, Pegg will have a lot more time to join exciting new projects like the Harry Potter series. It's surprising that Pegg never lent his talents to the original movies, but this has ended up becoming a good thing since Peeves isn't the only role that Pegg could bring to life in the show.

Movie Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Shaun of the Dead (2004) 92% 93%

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 10/10 Shaun of the Dead From director Edgar Wright, Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, an ambitionless slacker who one day finds his world overrun by zombies. From a script by Wright and Pegg, Shaun of the Dead injects comedy into a typically horror-focused subgenre as Shaun and his lazy friend Ed (Nick Frost) attempt to rescue Shaun's estranged girlfriend and make it through the apocalypse unscathed. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date September 24, 2004 Runtime 99 minutes Cast Kate Ashfield , Nick Frost , Simon Pegg , Lucy Davis , Dylan Moran Director Edgar Wright Writers Simon Pegg , Edgar Wright Studio(s) Universal Pictures Expand

8 Matt Berry

Known for What We Do In The Shadows (2019–2024)

Matt Berry knows a lot about being part of a TV show that originally started as a film, as What We Do In The Shadows began as the 2014 movie starring Taika Waititi. However, in the years since, the What We Do In The Shadows show has grown beyond the popularity of the film and taken on a life of its own. A large part of this is thanks to the fantastic actors who bring the vampires to life, with Berry portraying Laszlo, a main character since season 1 and a vital part of the cast's chemistry.

Taking part in a new series like Harry Potter would continue exposing Berry to wider audiences, not to mention that he already has lots of experience playing a hilarious supernatural entity.

Now that the What We Do In The Shadows series has ended, it begs the question of what's next for Berry and his fellow castmates. Though What We Do In The Shadows is Berry's most famous project, he's also been in many off-beat British comedy shows like The IT Crowd and Toast of London. Taking part in a new series like Harry Potter would continue exposing Berry to wider audiences, not to mention that he already has lots of experience playing a hilarious supernatural entity.

Series Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score What We Do In The Shadows (2019–2024) 96% 92%

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite TV Shows My Watchlist Success! 29 8.9/10 What We Do in the Shadows What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-styled comedy series that follows the exploits of four vampires and a familiar living in Staten Island in the twenty-first century. Unrelated to the film of the same name, the show's vampires attempt to acclimate to the modern world but tend to find themselves lost often, leaving familiar-hoping-to-become-a-vampire Guillermo de la Cruz to pick up the pieces in the wake of their accidental destruction. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date March 27, 2019 Network FX Cast Doug Jones , Natasia Demetriou , Matt Berry , Mark Proksch , Kayvan Novak , Harvey Guillen , Kristen Schaal Seasons 6 Writers Jemaine Clement , Taika Waititi Streaming Service(s) Hulu Directors Jemaine Clement , Kyle Newacheck , Yana Gorskaya Showrunner Paul Simms Expand

7 Romesh Ranganathan

Known for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan (2018–2024)

Though Romesh Ranganathan isn't as popular outside the U.K. as some of the other actors who could play Peeves, he's a fantastic comedian who deserves an international breakout on the scale of the Harry Potter show. His reality documentary series, The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, is a hilarious addition to the travel series genre and showcases how Ranganathan can adapt to any situation and make it comedic. Like many British comedians, he also has plenty of experience on game shows.

In most of his work, Ranganathan has played himself, or a heightened version of him, but his personality already lends itself to a performance as Peeves. Since he often goes for such a deadpan and faux-serious style, he would bring an interesting twist to the character of Peeves, which would be refreshing and help the series stand apart. Conversely, audiences could see a new side of him if Ranganathan leans into the slapstick and over-the-top aspects of the poltergeist.

6 Andy Serkis

Known for Lord of the Rings (2001–2003)

Andy Serkis is no stranger to being part of an enormous franchise with lots of pressure riding on his performance. Many of the characters that Serkis portrays are created using CGI and other visual effects. However, this never hinders his performance. If anything, Serkis thrives when he gets to make exaggerated facial expressions and create unique voices, like in his role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings franchise, as well as his performance in the recent Planet of the Apes movies.

Though Serkis is known for his dramatic roles, he has flawless comedic timing that would make Peeves memorable.

While it's not confirmed how the Harry Potter series plans on executing the visuals of the ghosts, it's almost certain that the actor would be dealing with CGI or motion capture in some way. This makes Serkis perfect for the role, as he's consistently asked to give nuanced performances while heavily made up or dealing with advanced technology. Additionally, though Serkis is known for his dramatic roles, he has flawless comedic timing that would make Peeves memorable.

Movie Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 92% 95% The Two Towers (2002) 95% 95% The Return of the King (2003) 94% 86%

5 Nish Kumar

Known for The Mash Report (2017–2020)

As one of the more unknown comedians on the list, at least on the international stage, Nish Kumar would have the opportunity to gain recognition if he joined the cast of Harry Potter. It would be smart for the series to cast slightly more niche comedians like Kumar since he would have the opportunity to play Peeves however he saw fit, and audiences wouldn't have preconceived notions about him. Additionally, since Peeves isn't a major character, Kumar wouldn't have to step away from his live performances.

With experience in stand-up, hosting, and podcasting, Kumar knows how to make himself memorable and cut right to the meat of an issue. Understanding how to play to a live audience is helpful in comedic TV series and movies, as it gives the actors the ability to improvise and play off the performances of the other characters. Since so much of his comedy stems from his perspective on politics and world events, this could be an interesting angle to add to Peeves' characterization.

4 Toby Jones

Known for The Hunger Games (2012–2015)

One of Toby Jones' most recent prominent parts might have been part of The Hunger Games franchise, but the actor has been a seminal part of movies, television, and theater throughout his career. British actors' theatrical roots are a large part of why their performances are so often hailed as realistic and immersive. Most audiences would be hard-pressed not to find at least one project on Jones' extensive list of work that they haven't seen. In fact, the actor has already been part of the Harry Potter universe.

As the voice of Dobby, Jones disappeared into the role and created a character that audiences have been deeply affected by since The Chamber of Secrets premiered in 2002.

As the voice of Dobby, Jones disappeared into the role and created a character that audiences have been deeply affected by since The Chamber of Secrets premiered in 2002. This familiarity with the world of Harry Potter and the authoritative connection he would provide to the original films would only increase the excitement for the TV show. Additionally, paying tribute to his work in the first part of the franchise would be a great way to tie everything together.

Movie Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score The Hunger Games (2012) 84% 81% Catching Fire (2013) 90% 89% Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014) 70% 71% Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015) 70% 66%

Your changes have been saved The Hunger Games 10/10 Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Created by Suzanne Collins Cast Jennifer Lawrence , Josh Hutcherson , Liam Hemsworth , Elizabeth Banks , Woody Harrelson , Stanley Tucci , Donald Sutherland , Lenny Kravitz , Willow Shields , Phillip Seymour Hoffman , Rachel Zegler , Tom Blyth , Viola Davis Peter Dinklage , Hunter Schafer , Jason Schwartzman Expand See at Amazon See at Best Buy See at Walmart

3 Peter Capaldi

Known for Doctor Who (2005–Present)

Many Doctor Who fans mourned the loss of Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor when his tenure came to an end, but Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor is an underrated addition to the fantastic sci-fi franchise. As his seasons progressed, he only became more iconic and tackled some of the biggest transitions of the modern era of Doctor Who. One of the reasons he was chosen is because he's always been a big part of British film and television, especially in the comedic sphere.

The British TV series The Thick of It is one of Capaldi's most recognizable roles outside of the Doctor, and it demonstrates just how sharp and funny the actor is. However, his time in Doctor Who makes the best case for tapping him to take on the role of Peeves. Though sci-fi and fantasy are different animals, being part of such a fantastical and outlandish world like Doctor Who definitely prepared Capaldi for a magical one.

Series Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Doctor Who (2005–Present) 90% 64%

2 Robert Sheehan

Known for The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)

If the Harry Potter TV show casting department decides to go for a younger actor for Peeves, it's hard to argue that Sheehan wouldn't be the perfect choice. Known for his offbeat fantasy series The Umbrella Academy, in which he plays the unstable but hilariously endearing Klaus, Sheehan first rose to prominence thanks to the superhero TV series Misfits. Now that The Umbrella Academy has come to an end, it's time for Sheehan to take on his next challenge, and it's clear that fantasy suits him.

Related Harry Potter TV Show Is Fixing 1 Of The Movies' Biggest Wasted Opportunities (But It's Still Challenging) The Harry Potter TV show is officially bringing to life a character cut from the movies, but as exciting as this is, it's also quite challenging.

Giving Peeves a comedic style like Sheehan's, which leans toward maudlin and existentialism, would be a fun subversion of the slightly one-dimensional ghost from the books. Giving Peeves a little bit of a backstory and finding out why he likes making trouble so much could be a fun addition to the show. It wouldn't be surprising if there's a good deal of crossover between fans of The Umbrella Academy and audiences who will tune into Harry Potter.

Series Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024) 78% 61%

1 Richard Ayoade

Known for The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Seeing Richard Ayoade, who made his name playing a more awkward character in The IT Crowd, step into a fun and stylized role in Wes Anderson's recent short films was an exciting development. The sitcom's success has played into Ayoade's rise to fame, as he ended up winning a BAFTA for his performance. However, his talents don't stop at performing in front of the screen, and Ayoade's directorial projects have been just as interesting and successful.

His directorial debut, Submarine, was also written by Ayoade and is a cult classic praised for its insight into the trials and tribulations of adolescence. This experience in the many facets of film and television makes Ayoade uniquely qualified to join the cast of Harry Potter. He would be a hilarious Peeves because of his acting and comedic timing while also understanding the level of work that goes into a project of that scale.

Series Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score The IT Crowd (2006–2013) 85% 88%