Star-Studded Audiobook of Harry Potter Released Ahead of Holidays

London, England – Audible has released a full-cast audiobook adaptation of J.K. Rowling‘s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” just in time for the holiday season. The production features Cush Jumbo as the narrator, with an impressive cast that includes Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore and Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort.

In this new audio edition, a star-studded ensemble joins Jumbo to bring the beloved characters to life. Other notable cast members include Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Mark Addy as Hagrid, and newcomers Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton voicing young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

With a TV adaptation currently in production by HBO, the audiobook offers a fresh take on the classic tale of Harry, an orphan who discovers his magical heritage and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Listeners can expect excellent sound design, mimicking the sights and sounds of the magical world, including owls and the Hogwarts Express.

Macfadyen shared his experience of stepping into the shoes of Voldemort, inspired by Ralph Fiennes’s iconic portrayal in the films. He noted that he had to adjust his voice significantly during recording. “The director was like, ‘No, it has to be higher,’” he explained, demonstrating how he approached the role with a more high-pitched tone.

Despite the challenges of vocal adaptation and playful props, like a “comfort wand” given to him during the recording, Macfadyen described the process as an enjoyable experience. “I looked deranged, you know? And it was great,” he joked, reminiscing about his time in the studio.

This full-cast adaptation marks the first of a series that will cover all seven Harry Potter novels, set to be completed by May 2026. Fans of the series can listen to the new audiobook on Audible now.