Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy is a renowned English actor. In the Harry Potter film series, he portrayed Rufus Scrimgeour, the stern and determined Minister for Magic, in the 2010 film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. (film)

Nighy's performance as Rufus Scrimgeour is confined to the first part of the final film adaptation. His portrayal establishes the grim atmosphere of the Second Wizarding War from the Ministry of Magic's perspective. (film)

• The film opens with a scene, not present in the book, where Nighy as Scrimgeour holds a press conference. He addresses the wizarding community, acknowledging the threat of Lord Voldemort but projecting an image of strength and resolve. (film)
• His primary scene from the novel is faithfully adapted, where he travels to The Burrow to read the last will and testament of Albus Dumbledore to Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. During this interaction, Nighy captures the official and slightly antagonistic nature of Scrimgeour, who suspects Dumbledore of hiding a secret weapon for Harry. (film)
• Scrimgeour's off-screen death is later announced by the arrival of Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus at the wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, a pivotal moment signifying the fall of the Ministry to the Death Eaters. (film)

• The character of Rufus Scrimgeour makes his debut in the novel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but he was cut from the corresponding film adaptation. The role was subsequently cast for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 to establish the political climate at the start of the story. (film)
• Prior to his casting, Bill Nighy had often joked in public that he was one of the few British actors who had not yet appeared in the Harry Potter film franchise. He expressed great delight when he was finally offered the role. (media interview)
• Nighy was good friends with the late Alan Rickman, the actor who portrayed Severus Snape. (media interview)