Casting suggestions for OOtP

[laniw01]

On a separate but related thread, Iggy wrote: "I'd like to see
Dame Judi Dench as Umbridge"

Lani:

I agree that Dench could play the character very well, but she just 
doesn't look the part. Plus, her voice is too husky. We need an 
actress with a Minnie Mouse voice, squat body, round face and v-e-r-y 
wide mouth. Folks have suggested other actresses who fit the type a 
little better. (I can almost see Imelda Staunton in this role, as 
suggested by Isilvalacirca, though she'll need a really good makeup 
artist.) 

Iggy's post did start me thinking about where we could fit in
Judi Dench. She'd be perfect as Griselda Marchbanks, but that's 
typecasting. (It's so much like her "M" character, I don't see why 
she would even want to do it.) So, I'd give Marchbanks to Glenda 
Jackson and give a vulture hat and red purse to Dame Dench. It will 
take an exceptional actress to be convincingly stern and intimidating 
while wearing a dead bird of prey on her head; Dame Judi Dench is up 
to that task.

I've read occasional mention of icons such as Peter O'Toole
and Sean Connery. I'd like to see them get cameos as former 
headmasters hanging on Dumbledore's walls. They wouldn't get
speaking parts until OotP (Sean Connery could deliver Phinneas 
Nigellus' lines with a perfect blend of suave and snide), but
even a small glimpse in GoF would be a treat. 

I like Leb's suggestion for Ian McShane as Mundungus. I can also
see Michael Palin in the part. He can do `rogue' quite well.