NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- The voice stars from the Audible original recordings of J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter books say they were thrilled to fire up listeners' imaginations and help them connect to the magical stories in an immersive new way.
Although the fantasy novels were previously taped as audio books with a single narrator voicing all of the characters, the 2025-26 adaptations feature a 200-person ensemble, original music and spectacular sound effects.
"It was really exciting to be a part of something so new. The Jim Dale and the Stephen Fry versions are so iconic and these adaptations aren't to replace those versions. It's just a new way for people to listen to the stories," Nina Barker-Francis, who plays teen Hermione in Audiobooks four through seven, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview.
"We've all grown up knowing Harry Potter, whether it's through the films or through the books, so it does feel really special to be able to say that we are now a part of that franchise and getting to celebrate these stories and these characters again."
The Dark Lord has returned. 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Full-Cast Audio Edition' is out now! Continue the saga: https://t.co/UMO7HvrgLH. pic.twitter.com/WxZfXA2HC2— Audible (@audible_com) March 10, 2026
