Harry Potter star to play a nun in NZ movie

By CathNews New Zealand

February 17th, 2025

Renowned British actress and comedian Miriam Margolyes, of Harry Potter fame, is to play a nun in a movie based on a novel by celebrated New Zealand author Dame Joy Cowley. Source: New Zealand Herald.

Holy Days will follow three quirky older nuns as they experience their own special New Zealand road trip.

Alongside Margolyes in the movie will be Oscar nominee and Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA winner Judy Davis, two-time Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Jacki Weaver and rising star Elijah Tamati.

According to the variety.com website, in the movie “three quirky older nuns hit the road looking for miracles, but end up learning to drive like demons instead. When the last of the sisters of St Suzanne’s face forced retirement, they take matters into their own hands. A last-minute dash to New Zealand’s stunning South Island leads them to an ex-nun-turned-lawyer who can defend their rights. A young Māori boy jumps onboard to help, but has a secret mission of his own . . . .”

Margolyes will play a Scottish nun in Holy Days and, as part of her research into the role, she visited the Tyburn Monastery near Rotorua and spoke with Mother Miriam Joseph.

“She is a remarkable character,” Margolyes said of her namesake in a Sydney Morning Herald interview.

“I am an atheist, and I was frank about that. She said she would pray for me to come back into the fold of those who believe. It’s not going to happen, but I respect what they do. . . . .”

Nonetheless, dialogue is important, Margolyes said.

Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand screened on Sky Open on February 9 and February 16. Her visit to the Tyburn monastery was among various encounters in the first episode. She described her visit to the chapel at the monastery as “mystifying, but very beautiful”.

She added: “I think the life of a nun is always fascinating for people who don’t live like that.

“The fire of the faith – it consumes everything. And that is what I will take with me when I play my next nun.”

Margolyes played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series.

FULL STORY

‘Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand’: Harry Potter star embraces Māori culture, tries Kiwi treats in new travel show – NZ Herald (By Mitchell Hageman/New Zealand Herald)

Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver Join ‘Holy Days’ (Variety.com)

Miriam Marolyes interview on her New Zealand series Holy Days on ABC TV (Sydney Morning Herald)

Watch Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand Online | Season 1 on NEON (Neon)