Atkinson Becomes 'Potter' Baddie

Rowan Atkinson is trying to overcome the depression caused by the critical mauling of his last film by becoming a villain - he's playing Lord Voldemort in the new Harry Potter film. The British 48-year-old star had to check into a rehabilitation clinic in America after last year's Johnny English was slammed by critics - even though it did relatively good business at the box office. However, the rubber-faced funnyman has decided to expand his repertoire by signing up for the part of evil Voldemort in the upcoming The Goblet Of Fire, which is due for release in 2005. A source comments, "Its a very major career change for Rowan. He has been looking to spread his wings and branch out into other roles. "He doesn't want to be the nice guy or the rubber-faced chap forever." Atkinson's character has previously appeared only as a spirit, but is brought by to life by "death eaters" in the Goblet Of Fire, which will follow this year's third Potter installment, The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

<font color=skyblue>I think he'll do good. He looks dark enough.</font>

Hmmm....casting Atkinson was a good call, but considering the makeup required for the role (Voldemort's face looks more like a serpent than a human, these days), and the amount of screen time he gets, it hardly even matters who plays him. But I'm sure Atkinson will have fun with it. Overall, I think the best casting decision to date in the Potter films was either Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart, or Alan Rickman as Snape (although Rickman frankly disappointed me in <u>Chamber of Secrets</u>--apparently, he was dissatisfied with the director, and just sleepwalked through his role).

I also love Branagh and Rickman, and I think that Atkinson will do just great.
Too bad his role is short. Maybe they'll extend it?

Black Adder anyone? [img]smile.gif[/img]

I was very disapointed with CoS because John Cleese was in it but only got like 30 seconds of screntime... by the way those were the best seconds of an otherwise bad film... [img]smile.gif[/img]

I'll be hoping Rowan Atkinson will land the role. I think he'll be great. Yeah I'm Mr.Bean fan. :D

Kinda OT but does anybody know who's gonna be Dumbledore?

Geoffrey Rush, methinks.
I hope Atkinson gets the role as Voldemort. He's a great actor, and it will be fun to see him as something else than a clumsy fool. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I read today that his agent said it's only a rumour. And he was so "evil" as Blackadder... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I think its Sir Michael Gambon (spelling) who will be playing Dumbledore. I think Atkinson will be good, espically if he's like he was for Blackadder the second. That was cool.
I think the problem with Snape in CoS was he also had little screen time, which was a shame as he is a great actor, hopefully there will be more of him in the next few films.
I also agree Kenneth Branagh was great!!

He's had numerous chances at playing other villain chars on the BBC you know. Once off kinda things, short movies etc.