Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Actress Imelda Staunton is the face associated with one of the most disliked and hated characters in the world ofHarry Potter. The English actress is known for her wide acting range, which has garnered her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. However, despite tackling a variety of roles Staunton is synonymous with the role of Professor Dolores Umbridge from theHarry Potterfilms.
In an interview, Staunton spoke candidly about her role in the hit franchise, while admitting that she hates her character as much as fans. However, Staunton also discussed the challenge of playing such a complex character in a beloved franchise likeHarry Potter. Here is what Imelda Staunton has said about her time as Professor Dolores Umbridge.
Also Read:“If I had known what’s coming”: Gary Oldman Felt His Harry Potter Acting Was Mediocre Because of 1 Legendary Co-Star
Imelda Staunton Voices Disdain For HerHarry PotterRole
Imelda Stauntondebuted as Professor Dolores Umbridge in 2007’sHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.She later reprised the role in 2010’sHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. However, despite just playing the character twice, Staunton has become synonymous with the role, particularly because of the general dislike for the character among the fans.
In a 2016 interview withEW, Staunton spoke about her character’s villainous traits and did not hold back going as far as calling her a monster.
“I don’t have to have sympathy at all, not in the slightest. I think she’s a bloody monster and to be played as such.”
Staunton made the above statement clarifying that she does not identify with Umbridge’s beliefs or actions. However, the actress further explained that the character is deluded, and she did not need to understand her motivations beyond her delusional nature.
“I don’t need to understand what she does, but from a character point of view, she believes she’s doing the absolute best for that school. Yet again, I have embraced a completely and utterly deluded woman.”
In the statement, Staunton references the authoritarian stance and dictatorial presence of Professor Umbridge, which has made her one of the most despised characters in fiction. However, the character’s personality, particularly her stance on ethnic cleansing, made the role an interesting challenge for Staunton.
Also Read:Daniel Radcliffe Jeopardised ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise By Appearing Butt N*ked In A Play, Infuriating WB Execs
Imelda Staunton Credits David Yates With Help Embracing Professor Umbridge
In the same interview, Imelda Staunton discussed the challenge of playing a character like Professor Umbridge. Staunton credited directorDavid Yateswith helping her embrace the character and understand the political side of Professor Umbridge, forcing her to take the role seriously.
In a 2007 interview with theLA Times, Yates addressed the cruelty of Professor Umbridge.
“Professor Umbridge is quite damaged as a person. She basically abuses Harry and puts him through this horrific detention. It is horrific abuse.”
Also Read: “It was a horrible, horrible feeling”: Harry Potter Star Hated Herself After Heartwrenching Daniel Radcliffe Torture Scene Despite Enjoying Playing The Role Before
Similarly, in a 2019 interview withOut Magazine, Staunton explained how her character’s cruel behavior stems from her absolute belief in her actions.
“These people who absolutely believe they are doing the right thing. So it’s not like, ‘I am evil, and I’m going to do …,’ and that’s so much more frightening.”
Staunton admitted that she enjoyed the challenge of playing a dark and complex character like Professor Umbridge. However, some scenes left her feeling horrible, particularly because of her character’s cruelty to Harry Potter and his friends. Staunton has since moved on to other similarly complex roles, including playing Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’sThe Crown.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
