Which Harry Potter film was the first to feature Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was the first Harry Potter film to feature Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange.

Bellatrix is introduced as one of Lord Voldemort’s most devoted followers. In the film, she escapes from Azkaban with other Death Eaters and later takes part in the confrontation at the Department of Mysteries. Carter’s performance established the character’s wild appearance, theatrical manner and extreme loyalty to Voldemort.

Bellatrix had been important in the wider book story before her film debut, which can cause confusion about when the character first appears on screen. Her first movie appearance is in the fifth film, not Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Carter returned as Bellatrix in the final three films. The character’s major later storylines include the attack on Shell Cottage, the break-in at Gringotts and the Battle of Hogwarts, where she faces members of the Weasley family.