‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Star James Howard Cast in Suspense Feature ‘Albert’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” star James Howard has been cast in upcoming suspense film “Albert.”

Howard, who played Draco Malfoy in the West End production of the show, will star as The Rector in the new film. He also previously had a role in Pierce Brosnan film “Survivor.”

Set in the seventeenth century, “Albert” tells the story of a man called Sarre, who has a book of dark magic titled “Le Petit Albert.” The local rector warns him away from the book and offers him salvation – but despite his efforts, the book cannot be destroyed and returns to Sarre with dark consequences.

Cameron Ashplant (“Marooned Awakening”) also appears in the film, which is written, directed and produced by Joshua Fletcher.

The film has just started principal photography on location on the U.K. island of Guernsey and is aiming for a late summer 2025 release.

“Finding an actor who could play the dark, ambiguous, yet curiously paternal role of The Rector was a challenge,” said Fletcher. “Yet, through some sort of divine intervention, James Howard enters from stage left. Having played Draco Malfoy on London’s West End in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ James filled those qualities with the intensity and grace I had always hoped for and, upon discovering he also grew up in the Channel Islands, it all started to make sense – this was a match made in heaven and I can’t wait to share his work in the film.”

The film’s cinematographer is Andrew Butler (“In Another Life”) while Elizabeth Butterick (“Trying”) is on board as costume designer.

Roger and Frances Le Tissier exec produce for Ivy Gate Films (“Say Your Prayers”). “Albert” is supported and financed by Guernsey Arts, Visit Guernsey and Ivy Gate Films.