Casting Harry Potter TV Show Reboot
13. Aunt Petunia - Keeley Hawes
Aunt Petunia is almost as bad as Uncle Vernon in how she treats Harry, but it is how she appears to the outside world that is her number one concern, after Dudley that is. Fiona Shaw made for a fantastic Petunia in the original film, but Keeley Hawes is the perfect Petunia for this fantasy casting.
She was incredibly impressive in both Line of Duty and Bodyguard, yet her recent turn in Russell T Davies' It's A Sin, alongside Shaun Dooley, is nothing short of spectacular. She plays a mother who is overbearing, though because of her confusion and the love she has for her son. If there is one common theme there, it's how much she cares for her on-screen child.
Petunia is a difficult character to get right, because it is so easy to make her a hated, nosey neighbour. While she certainly is the latter, there needs to be a fine line with the former. While she is nothing like a caring mother-figure for Harry, she doesn't let him starve and she, technically, ensures he has clothes on his back - by giving him all of Dudley's old things. Hawes is a wonderful actor but it is truly a testamant to her that she can play deplorable people but still be considered as a warm figure. She would be excellent in the role.