Rumors about Cillian Murphy playing Lord Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series have been circulating online, but the actor has officially set the record straight. Murphy clarified that he has no involvement in the project and praised Ralph Fiennes’ iconic portrayal of the dark wizard. The new series, set to premiere in 2027, has already announced key cast members for roles like Harry, Hermione, and Dumbledore, but the actor playing Voldemort remains a mystery.
Cillian Murphy Responds to Fan Speculation
On September 11, 2025, Cillian Murphy appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast and directly addressed the rumors linking him to the role of Lord Voldemort. He stated that while his children had shown him the online chatter, he had no knowledge of any plans for him to join the series. Murphy expressed admiration for Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the original film series, noting the challenge of following such a legendary performance.
“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.”
Murphy also joked about the physical transformation required for the role, particularly Voldemort’s distinctive lack of a nose, saying, “I’m very attached to it!” His comments put an end to months of speculation fueled by fan campaigns and even support from original cast members.
Ralph Fiennes and Fan Reactions
Earlier in December 2024, Ralph Fiennes had publicly endorsed Murphy for the role during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. He praised Murphy as a “fantastic actor” and supported the idea of him taking on the character. This endorsement added fuel to the rumors, despite no official confirmation from HBO or the production team.
Fan reactions on social media were largely enthusiastic about the possibility of Murphy playing Voldemort. Many pointed to his previous villainous roles, such as in the thriller Red Eye, as evidence of his ability to portray menacing characters. However, with Murphy’s recent denial, attention has shifted to other potential candidates for the role.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Production Status
The Harry Potter TV series is currently in production, with filming having begun in July 2025 at Leavesden Studios in the UK. The series aims to adapt all seven books, with each season covering one book. The show is expected to run for 10 consecutive years, wrapping up around 2037.
Key cast members announced so include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Other notable casting includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Professor Flitwick from the original films.
The Mystery of Voldemort’s Casting
Despite the extensive casting announcements, the role of Lord Voldemort remains unconfirmed. Sources suggest that HBO may be keeping the actor’s identity secret until the series airs to build suspense. Voldemort is expected to appear in several episodes, but his full introduction may not occur until later seasons, as the story progresses.
The production team, led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, has emphasized a commitment to a faithful adaptation of the books. This includes aligning character ages with their book counterparts and exploring storylines that were condensed or omitted in the original films.
With Murphy officially out of the running, fans are now speculating about who might play Voldemort. The production team has not yet indicated when an announcement will be made, but casting for later seasons is expected to unfold as filming progresses. The first season, adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere on HBO in early 2027.
The series will also feature a diverse and inclusive cast, as highlighted in the initial casting call, which encouraged applicants from all backgrounds to audition for roles. This approach aligns with efforts to modernize the adaptation while staying true to the source material.
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