Helena Bonham Carter is Bellatrix Lestrange, a new baddie, in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" introduces several new characters to the screen from the book series. Most notable, perhaps, is the sadistic, toad-like Dolores Umbridge -- at least, that's how she's described in J.K. Rowling's book. In the film due in theaters tomorrow, she's played by Imelda Staunton -- the Oscar-nominated actress from "Vera Drake."

	Kreacher, the house elf, is also new to the series. Click photo for larger image. Related article See 'Harry Potter' in IMAX 3-D

The director, too, is new to the series, but he's sticking with it: David Yates, best-known for his BBC television work, already has begun pre-production on the next film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." He follows Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films, Mike Newell and Alfonso Cuaron.

Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg adapted "The Order of the Phoenix," following Steve Kloves on the other Harry Potter films.

Here are some new friends and foes who Harry, Ron, Hermione and company will contend with in film No. 5:

Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) -- The Oscar-nominated actress, recently seen in the inspirational film "Freedom Writers," plays a cloying, nasty piece of work in Dolores Umbridge, who was brought to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to quash what Harry knows to be true: The evil Voldemort and his followers have returned. Umbridge tortures Harry, both mentally and physically, while trying to keep him quiet.

Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge. Click photo for larger image.

Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) -- A disciple of Voldemort and therefore an enemy to Harry. Bellatrix is worse for wear after doing time in Azkaban Prison. She also is the sister of Narcissa Malfoy, aunt to Draco Malfoy and related to Harry's true guardian, Sirius Black -- a relationship that has dire consequences. Carter has lately been seen and heard in projects with her partner, director Tim Burton, for whom she'll play Mrs. Lovett opposite Johnny Depp in the upcoming film version of "Sweeney Todd."

	Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood. Click photo for larger image.

Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) -- A Hogwarts schoolmate, her father is a tabloid publisher, and she takes gossip as gospel. Harry is one of the few classmates to befriend the bespectacled, often annoying Luna, who proves steadfast in troubled times. This is Evanna's film debut.

Kreacher (voice of Timothy Bateson) -- A magical creature known as a house elf, Kreacher belongs heart and soul to the Black family's dark side. When Sirius Black was the only male member of his family left, Kreacher was forced to serve him, although reluctantly. Kreacher despises Sirius because the elf sees him as having betrayed his mother, who was adored by the elf. Like Dobby the house elf in previous films, Kreacher will be a computer-generated creation.

Natalia Tena as Nymphadora Tonks. Click photo for larger image.

Kingsley Shacklebolt (George Harris) and Nymphadora Tonks (Natalie Tena) -- Both characters are Aurors (skilled in defense against the Dark Arts) and members of the Order of the Phoenix. Author J.K. Rowling describes Shacklebolt as a tall, bald black man who has a deep, calming voice. Harris has worked with Laurence Olivier, who was an early mentor, Harold Pinter and on films with Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg. Tonks (she hates her first name) spices things up with a youthful vivacity, not to mention purple hair. She's also a metamorphmagus, who can change appearance at will. Tena's previous films include "About a Boy" in 2002.

-- By Sharon Eberson,
Post-Gazette entertainment editor

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Correction/Clarification: (Published July 11, 2007) As originally published July 10, 2007, this story incorrectly attributed the screenplay of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." The movie's screenwriter is Michael Goldenberg.