Will Cillian Murphy Portray Voldemort in HBO’s Harry Potter?
The latest Harry Potter casting update has revealed six Hogwarts staffers, but lacked the Golden Trio and the big villain — Lord Voldemort. However, there is a huge favorite for the role — and creators aren’t rushing to shut down the rumors.
Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group CEO, has recently added fuel to the fire of the “Cillian Murphy as Voldemort” discussion that has been ongoing in the Harry Potter fandom for quite a while.
Murphy, who has recently stolen the spotlight in Christopher Nolan ’s Oppenheimer and is set to return in the new Peaky Blinders movie, has been hailed by fans as one of the perfect choices for Lord Voldemort. When asked about the potential casting in a Deadline interview, Dungey replied:
“I have no comment, no comment, no comment.”
Yup, three “no comments” in one answer. Naturally, the Harry Potter fandom is already having a hard time not taking this as a “yes, you’re right about your fancasting.”
However, nothing has been made official about the Dark Lord’s new face in HBO’s upcoming adaptation. Still, Murphy’s casting as Voldemort has at least one huge supporter who has been directly involved with the darkest part of Harry Potter’s story.
Ralph Fiennes Supports Cillian Murphy as Voldemort
In December 2024, Finnes was asked about Murphy as Voldemort during an interview on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live. And it appears that OG Voldemort is on board with the idea!
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah,” Fiennes said (via Variety).
That doesn't mean Fiennes himself can't return for the HBO series — as Voldermort or whoever.
What Do Fans Think of Cillian Murphy as Voldemort?
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Many fans support the idea of casting the Oppenheimer star as the Dark Lord — especially because Murphy's appearance is closer to the book's description of Voldemort than what we saw in the movies.
“He looks the part, but he also has the demeanor that fits the role. I've always imagined Voldemort to be a calm and cold blooded killer that has high levels of confidence,” suggested Redditor Martijn_MacFly.
Others note that Murphy would also be perfect as the younger version of Voldemort, back at the time when he was Tom Riddle.
Also, some people are so disappointed with HBO's current creative decisions that Murphy's involvement may be the only silver lining.
“Murphy as Voldemort is the only thing compelling me to watch the show tbh,” Redditor Erzter_Zator said.
When Will HBO’s Harry Potter Premiere?
The release date is yet to be announced, but the projected release year is 2026. The filming is set to begin in summer 2025 in Leavesden, the same locations the movies were filmed.
