Rhys Ifans to Play Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
DH Film
Posted by: sue
March 27, 2009, 07:39 PM
Tonight, scores of readers let us know that actor Rhys Ifans announced on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross program broadcast this evening on the BBC that he would be appearing in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While Mr. Ifans did not state which role he would be portraying, TLC can report that Rhys Ifans will be taking on the part of Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's eccentric father and publisher of the Quibbler magazine. A rather fitting photo of Mr. Ifans as an elaborately garbed person can be seen here. During his appearance, TLC reader Neil writes that Rhys Ifans said the "HP wardrobe people flew out to Spain to fit him
for his robes while on the set of Mr Nice," a film which is now in post production. Rhys Ifans has appeared in many films, notably Notting Hill, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and the soon to be released The Boat that Rocked. Update: You can now see additional photos of Rhys Ifans here in our Image Galleries. Also thanks to ComingSoon.net we can see video of his announcement via YouTube.
On a related note, UHP emailed us to let us know they spoke with agents for actress Clemence Poesy about her possible return to the part of Fleur in Deathly Hallows, however the negotiations are ongoing, and nothing is certain yet. We are working to learn more on this and will update when we can.
Please note: As with all the others, WB has not yet officially confirmed any of these casting reports, and we continue to await a formal release on these, however TLC believes the casting of Mr. Ifans as Xeno to be correct.
Thanks to SS, and especially Will, Nick, Neil, and all the readers who emailed about the Jonathan Ross announcement!
169 Comments
7524 Points
never heard of him.
44 Points
He can do quirky and all, but doesn’t he seem a little young to be playing the father of a teenager? Maybe it’s just me, but Xeno was more than just odd, he was committed to his vision of truth, which gave him a maturity that he otherwise would not have had. I hope Rhys can pull that off.
871 Points
Rhys Ifans is a character actor and I think that he will thoroughly enjoy the part of Theophilius, and it isn’t difficult to age up if required. Surrounded by the heavyweights of the HP team he isn’t going to make a mess of it is he?
1151 Points
I can’t wait to see Xeno in the films. He looks the part, but I hope he does it justice.
1884 Points
Yeah, he does play pretty wacky roles by the looks of it!! I only just realised you’d posted this- I’m glad you took a better look at the photos than I did Sue!! The one you linked to is great!! All we need is for someone to photoshop it so his coat is egg yolk yellow and it would be perfect!! :-)
As for Miss Posey; well if they’re in negotiations that’s great!! At least it looks like Fleur has been kept in. The more people they bring back the better as far as I’m concerned!!
1884 Points
P.s. Well done on narrowing down the role the he will be playing!! You rock!
580 Points
VEERRRRRYYYY nice! he should be great!look is right, at least! lol :)
121 Points
haha he looks like such a playboy!
4630 Points
I’ve never seen him act before. I like his face for Xeno.. not so much his hair. I pictured almost-shoulder-length blonder hair.. Hopefully WB will change his hair :]
2588 Points
Not quite what I had in mind for Xeno but I’m sure once he is in make up and costume he will fit just right. He seems a bit young for what I always pictured. As for Fluer, I hope they get the same actress again. I just love when they do that for continuity’s sake.
433 Points
He’s not how I pictured Xeno, but he is a perfect actor for this. Completely quirky, he plays fantastic over the top characters. Yes, I think I love this casting.
433 Points
Ifans is 40 guys, more than old enough to play a 16-year-old’s dad. MOEgir198, I was thinking Hoskins too, but I still like this choice.
83 Points
huh, interesting choice. Not quite what i expected. I pictured Xenophilius being more plump, but whatever. I’m sure he’ll do a great job! I hope Clemence Poesy reprises her role as Fleur too!
2121 Points
Hmm…I hope they’re going to age him up because he looks SO much younger than what I pictured.
2767 Points
OMGWHAT!?!? I mean, I love the guy, but I cannot see him as Xeno. Nope. Not at all.
never heard of him.