Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBritish comedian Peter Serafinowicz has been cast as Peeves the Poltergeist in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, a character previously cut from the original films. Peeves, a mischievous ghost from J.K. Rowling's books, was initially played by Rik Mayall for the films, but his scenes were ultimately removed due to time constraints. Serafinowicz joins a cast that includes Domnic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout as the leading trio, along with John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost in other significant roles. Gracie Cochrane, who was set to play Ginny Weasley, unexpectedly dropped out after season one due to unforeseen circumstances, requiring the role to be recast for future seasons. The series, which aims to adapt each of Rowling's seven books over a decade, was renewed for a second season in May and will premiere its first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, on Christmas Day on HBO Max. In fullHarry Potter HBO series casts fan-favorite character that was left out of filmsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Peter Serafinowicz is set to play poltergeist Peeves in the upcoming 'Harry Potter' adaptation for HBO.

Character was originally intended to appear in the films before being cut due to time constraints

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Inédito en la saga cinematográfica, este burlesco personaje ha encontrado cuerpo y una más que especial voz para su puesta de largo en pantalla

Peter Serafinowicz will portray Peeves the Poltergeist, a mischievous ghost beloved by fans but absent from the original Harry Potter films.

Peter Serafinowicz joins HBO's 'Harry Potter' series