Key Facts
- ✓ The third book, 'Prisoner of Azkaban,' was released on January 13, 2026.
- ✓ Hugh Laurie voices Dumbledore, while Matthew Macfadyen voices Voldemort.
- ✓ A new cast takes over for Harry, Ron, and Hermione starting with the fourth book.
- ✓ All seven books are scheduled for release by May 12, 2026.
- ✓ A promotional deal offers three months of service for $0.99.
A New Magical Era
The wizarding world has found a new voice. Audible has officially released the third entry in its groundbreaking full-cast audiobook series for Harry Potter. Released on January 13, 2026, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban continues an ambitious reimagining of the beloved series that began with The Sorcerer's Stone in November 2025.
This production represents a significant departure from previous audio adaptations. Rather than a single narrator, the series employs a diverse ensemble cast to portray the myriad characters of Hogwarts and beyond. The project is designed to deliver a cinematic audio experience, bridging the gap between reading the text and watching the film adaptations. With the release of the third book, the series is now one-third of the way through its rapid-fire rollout schedule.
The Star-Studded Cast 🎭
The voice cast features a roster of acclaimed talent from film and television. The official Harry Potter website has confirmed the core lineup, which brings significant gravitas to the iconic roles. Leading the cast are Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore and Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort.
Supporting them is Riz Ahmed taking on the complex role of Severus Snape, alongside Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall and Mark Addy as Rubeus Hagrid. The production also includes Adeel Akhtar as Argus Filch and Jude Farant as Draco Malfoy. Cush Jumbo serves as the Narrator, guiding listeners through the story.
Perhaps the most interesting casting choice involves the central trio. To accommodate the aging of the characters and the compressed production timeline, Audible has cast two distinct sets of actors:
- Books 1-3: Frankie Treadway (Harry), Max Lester (Ron), Arabella Stanton (Hermione)
- Books 4-7: Jaxon Knopf (Harry), Rhys Mulligan (Ron), Nina Barker-Francis (Hermione)
This switch occurs between The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire, allowing the voices to mature alongside the characters' narrative arcs.
"I had the chance to listen to the full audiobook for The Sorcerer's Stone when it released in November and genuinely loved it. At just over eight hours, I thought it was a unique experience that landed somewhere between reading the books and watching the films."
— Early Listener Review
Release Schedule 📅
Audible has mapped out a swift release strategy to bring all seven books to listeners within seven months. This monthly cadence ensures fans have a steady stream of new content. The full schedule is as follows:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - November 4, 2025 (Available Now)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - December 16, 2025 (Available Now)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - January 13, 2026 (Available Now)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - February 10, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - March 10, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - April 14, 2026
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - May 12, 2026
Listeners can access these titles through Amazon and the Audible app. The platform is currently promoting a 30-day free trial, which allows new users to download the audiobooks at no cost. Additionally, a promotional deal offers three months of service for $0.99, valid until December 16.
The Listening Experience
Initial reception to the new format has been positive, with early listeners describing it as a unique middle ground between literature and cinema. The full-cast approach allows for distinct character voices and dynamic interactions that differ from a single narrator's interpretation.
"I had the chance to listen to the full audiobook for The Sorcerer's Stone when it released in November and genuinely loved it. At just over eight hours, I thought it was a unique experience that landed somewhere between reading the books and watching the films."
The first installment, The Sorcerer's Stone, clocks in at just over eight hours. The production aims to capture the nuance of the text while providing the immersive quality of a radio play. With the release of the third book, listeners can now experience the first act of the series with the full cast.
Looking Ahead
As the series progresses into 2026, the transition between voice casts for the main characters will be a focal point for fans. The shift at The Goblet of Fire promises a more mature vocal tone, reflecting the darker themes of the later books. With four more releases scheduled between February and May, the project represents one of the largest audio productions in publishing history.
For those interested in exploring this new format, the availability of trial offers makes it an accessible time to begin the journey. The combination of star power, immersive sound design, and faithful storytelling ensures this series will remain a significant topic in entertainment news throughout the year.
