There’s no shortage of spectacle inside Epic Universe’s latest expansion. The new Wizarding World land, anchored by the Ministry of Magic, is one of the most ambitious theme park projects Universal has attempted. It’s richly detailed, immersive, and filled with cinematic nods to both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises.
What it doesn’t include is the participation of the actors who first brought the story’s central trio to life.
Inside Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all appear. Just not as you remember them.
Sound-Alikes Over Stars
Guests familiar with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson may notice something slightly off in the voices guiding them through the new ride. That’s because the characters are voiced by sound-alike performers, not the original actors. The decision may surprise casual fans—but those following the franchise’s evolution won’t be shocked.
This isn’t the first time the trio has skipped a Universal attraction. Their involvement has been steadily decreasing since their original work on Forbidden Journey. By the time Escape from Gringotts debuted, their appearances relied heavily on repurposed footage and body doubles.
At this point, their absence feels less like an oversight and more like a deliberate distance.
There are several reasons for that. Schedules, of course. Each actor has moved on—starring in indie dramas, directing, launching book clubs, or raising families. Radcliffe has been particularly vocal about not wanting to return to the franchise anytime soon, a sentiment echoed in more muted ways by Grint and Watson.
But beyond the logistics is a larger fracture—one that runs through the heart of the Wizarding World’s legacy.
The Unspoken Divide
All three actors have publicly distanced themselves from author J.K. Rowling in recent years. After Rowling’s statements on gender identity prompted backlash, each of the original trio issued affirmations of support for the transgender community. In doing so, they helped widen an ideological gap between the creative originator of the series and its most recognizable stars.
That tension hasn’t gone away. And for a high-profile ride like Battle at the Ministry, the optics of participation would be impossible to ignore. Lending their voices to a new attraction—even one owned and operated by Universal, not Rowling—could easily be viewed as an endorsement of the broader franchise machine.
Meanwhile, other performers have returned. Imelda Staunton appears once again as Dolores Umbridge, and Eddie Redmayne lends his voice to Newt Scamander. Their involvement lends continuity—but also makes the trio’s absence more pronounced.
From a technical standpoint, the new attraction doesn’t suffer. The sound-alike casting is stronger than in past attempts. The ride is fast, atmospheric, and carefully tied to existing lore. It delivers what it promises. But for longtime fans, it’s hard to shake the feeling that something essential didn’t make the trip.
How do you feel about Universal recasting the trio?
