A casual red carpet comment from Ralph Fiennes, the actor who defined Voldemort on screen, has ignited a massive fan debate. During an interview about the new Harry Potter TV series for HBO, Fiennes strongly suggested that Cillian Murphy has already been cast as the new Dark Lord, despite Murphy’s own previous denials.
The exchange, captured on video, shows Fiennes being asked who should fill his shoes as Voldemort in the upcoming show. He replied, “Well, I’m told they’re already filled, aren’t they?” When probed further, he specifically praised the Oppenheimer star, saying, “I’ve already said I think Cillian Murphy is very good. Very good. Very good choice. I think they’ve cast it, haven’t they?”. A moment of visible uncertainty followed, with Fiennes turning to his team and stammering, “I don’t know. I thought they had”.
This off-hand remark has sent the fan community into a spiral of speculation, excitement, and confusion, especially since Cillian Murphy himself seemed to rule out the role just a few months ago.
The Red Carpet Moment That Started It All
The incident happened during a promotional interview, the details of which quickly spread online. Fiennes, who played the iconic villain across four of the original films, was put on the spot about his potential successor. His initial response indicated he believed the casting was already a done deal.
“Well, I’m told they’re already filled, aren’t they?” – Ralph Fiennes
The interviewer then asked who he thought should take on the role, leading Fiennes to name-drop Cillian Murphy with clear approval. His subsequent confused reaction—”I don’t know, I thought they had”—is what transformed the moment from a simple endorsement into a potential spoiler. Fans online have dissected the clip, with many laughing at how the actor was seemingly caught out. Others pointed out that Fiennes is not officially involved in the new series and therefore isn’t bound by any secrecy agreements, which could make his comment more credible.
Cillian Murphy’s Previous Denial and Fan Reaction
The major twist in this story is that Cillian Murphy has publicly addressed these casting rumors before. In September 2025, while speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Oscar-winning actor was direct in his response.
“No, my kids show me it occasionally, but no, I don’t know anything about that. I mean, also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.” – Cillian Murphy
He even joked about being “very attached” to his nose, a playful reference to Voldemort’s distinctive lack of one. This clear denial from Murphy himself makes Fiennes’s recent comments all the more puzzling. The contradiction has split the fan base. On social media, reactions range from thrilled support to deep disappointment.
Some fans are excited by the idea, with one user calling Murphy a “darker, scarier, and somehow even more stylish” choice. Others express skepticism, noting the intense commitment of a seven-season series and the significant public backlash anyone involved with the project faces due to controversial statements from author J.K. Rowling. One fan wrote, “I really can’t see Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy attaching himself to this,” while another simply called the rumor a “huge bummer”.
The Challenge of Casting a New Dark Lord
Casting Voldemort for the HBO series is a unique challenge. In the original books, the character does not appear in his full, reborn form until the fourth story, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This means the actor might not be needed on screen for several years, as the show is planned to run for a decade, adapting one book per season.
This timeline raises questions about whether HBO would lock in a major, in-demand star like Cillian Murphy so far in advance. Industry observers suggest the network has so far avoided top-tier A-list actors for the main cast, focusing instead on respected talents like John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape. Committing to Murphy for a role that begins as a cameo would be a significant and expensive departure from that strategy.
Furthermore, other rumors persist. Earlier reports suggested HBO was considering both men and women for the part, with names like Tilda Swinton being mentioned as a potential “Dark Lady”. Other actors rumored or fan-cast for the role include Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Bettany, and Jamie Campbell Bower.
The Official Cast and What We Know About the Series
Amidst the Voldemort frenzy, the core cast for the first season of the Harry Potter TV series is set. The new trio will be played by Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger). They will be joined by established stars including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
J.K. Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the series. The show is a massive undertaking for HBO, with production planned to span ten years. The first season, adapting Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, will consist of eight episodes and is scheduled to premiere on HBO in the United States in early or mid-2027.
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