Mean girl energy has returned to Hogwarts, and this time, Thai fans finally have a Slytherin to root for.

Big news for Thai muggles and practising wizards: Thai-British actor Laila Barwick is stepping into Slytherin green as Pansy Parkinson in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, according to the official website, HarryPotter.com. So get your side-eyes and sly smirks ready because this Slytherin knows exactly how to stir the pot.

In the original movie series, Pansy Parkinson went through multiple recasts. As part of Draco Malfoy’s clique, she’s a spiteful, sharp-tongued bully. Though she may seem one-dimensional at first glance, pulling off that sassy, mean-girl attitude convincingly requires genuine skill.

Having starred in The Pope’s Exorcist (2023) and Travelling Past (2024), Barwick is more than prepared to take up the mantle. While casual Potterheads may remember Pansy Parkinson from the original films as little more than background, fans are already speculating that she’ll get her own moments to shine in the upcoming HBO series.

For Thai fans of the franchise, having a Thai-British actor join the Wizarding World is more significant than it might appear. Representation has always mattered in Harry Potter, and over the years, there have been ongoing debates – and even controversies – about how characters of diverse backgrounds ought to be portrayed, an issue that has directly involved Rowling herself.

Barwick doesn’t shy away from her Thai-British heritage, proudly showcasing both flags in her Instagram bio. Thai fans are thrilled to root for someone who shares their background, even if her character is notoriously mean. Still, there’s hope she might get her own story arc in the new series, one that reveals a more complex, emotionally mature side

The first instalment of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will premiere on HBO Max this Christmas 2026. Fans can follow her on Instagram at her official handle, @laila.barwick.