Cillian Murphy, who garnered global acclaim and an Academy Award for his role in Oppenheimer, is now being considered for the iconic role of Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter series reboot. While Warner Bros. has not confirmed any casting decisions, Murphy’s potential portrayal of the Dark Lord has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Ralph Fiennes, who famously embodied Voldemort in the original film series, endorsed the idea during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. “Cillian is a fantastic actor,” Fiennes remarked, expressing his approval of Murphy’s casting as a “wonderful suggestion.” Previously, Fiennes had indicated a willingness to reprise his role, but it seems the reboot is leaning towards fresh faces for key roles.
Fans have pointed to Murphy’s history of playing intense, morally complex characters, such as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders and Scarecrow in Batman Begins, as evidence of his suitability. Many believe he could bring a more nuanced take to Voldemort, exploring Tom Riddle’s transformation from a neglected orphan to the feared Dark Lord—a depth that the original films only touched upon. Social media has been abuzz with support for Murphy, with many calling this potential casting a “game-changer”.
The new series, backed by HBO and overseen by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, aims to delve deeper into the book’s narrative and characters. Casting is underway for the lead trio—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—as well as other pivotal roles like Dumbledore, with Oscar-winner Mark Rylance reportedly a favorite for the latter.
Production is expected to begin in 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements regarding this much-anticipated adaptation.
