Cillian Murphy has publicly dismissed rumors that he will portray Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter television series on HBO. The series, which started filming in July, has sparked widespread speculation about its cast, with particular attention on who will take on the role of the iconic villain originally played by Ralph Fiennes.
The Peaky Blinders star addressed the rumors during an interview on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, clarifying that there is no truth to the casting speculation despite online chatter noticed by his children.
Murphy’s Thoughts on the Role and Ralph Fiennes’ Legacy
Murphy expressed uncertainty regarding the rumors, stating plainly,
“I don’t know anything about that,”
and acknowledged the challenge of following an actor of Ralph Fiennes’ calibre.
“Also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever’s gonna fill those shoes.”
He added a lighthearted comment about his own physical traits, joking that he is “very attached” to his nose, especially considering the distinct appearance of Voldemort’s nose in the films, which was characterized by two slits instead of a traditional nose.
Ralph Fiennes’ Support for Murphy Taking on Voldemort
Previously, Ralph Fiennes, who first portrayed Voldemort in the 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has expressed his approval of Murphy potentially assuming the role. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in December, Fiennes remarked,
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian. Yeah.”
Fiennes reprised his villainous role across four Harry Potter films, including Order of the Phoenix and both parts of Deathly Hallows. In a 2022 interview with Variety, ahead of the HBO series announcement, he confirmed his willingness to return as Voldemort without hesitation.
Confirmed Cast Members and Pending Voldemort Casting
The production has publicly revealed much of the primary cast. Dominic McLaughlin will portray Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout taking on Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively. Veteran actors such as John Lithgow, Nick Frost, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu have been cast in key roles as Albus Dumbledore, Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape.
The role of Voldemort, however, remains unconfirmed, further fueling rumors and speculation.
Controversy Surrounding JK Rowling and Impact on the Franchise
The Harry Potter franchise has faced ongoing controversy related to author JK Rowling’s public views on transgender issues. Rowling sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Stonewall, following a 2020 essay outlining her opinions about sex and gender.
In 2024, Rowling reiterated her stance on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), controversially asserting that “there are no trans kids” and rejecting the concept that a child can be “born in the wrong body.” The author also founded the JK Rowling Women’s Fund in May 2025, which supports
“individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights.”
While lead actors from the original films—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson—have openly distanced themselves from Rowling’s views, expressing support for the transgender community, other cast members such as Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jim Broadbent have publicly defended her.
Anticipation Builds for the 2027 HBO Premiere
The Harry Potter television series is scheduled to premiere on HBO in 2027, generating considerable excitement among fans who await the adaptation of the beloved franchise. With much of the main cast already confirmed and filming underway, attention remains focused on the identity of the actor who will play Voldemort, a role crucial to the story’s conflict and legacy.
Cillian Murphy’s denial of involvement in the villain’s casting clarifies the current status and suggests that the production will seek an actor who can match the intensity and presence Ralph Fiennes brought to the character.
