The “Harry Potter” reboot is already shaping up to be HBO’s biggest gamble. And the casting buzz hasn’t slowed down since the day it was announced, especially when it comes to Voldemort. Fans have been tossing out names for months. Debating who should portray the most infamous dark wizard in the wizarding world. One of the biggest names tied to the role? Cillian Murphy. But if you were hoping to see him slither into the robes of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the actor himself has officially shut that rumor down.
Getty (Jeremy Chan)Fans Wanted Murphy as the Dark Lord
Let’s be honest: the idea of Murphy as Voldemort wasn’t completely out of left field. He’s got the intensity, the icy stare. And after his award-winning turn in “Oppenheimer” and his unforgettable run in “Peaky Blinders,” fans figured he’d nail it. Social media lit up with fancasts, and it seemed like every few weeks, his name popped back up in conversation. Plus, HBO revealed back in July 2025 that the role was already cast, which only made fans double down on their speculation.
If Murphy wasn’t on the shortlist, he definitely lived rent-free in the fandom’s head.
Murphy Essentially Says No
On the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Josh Horowitz asked the question that’s been floating around for months; was there any truth to the Voldemort rumors? Murphy didn’t miss a beat:
“No. I mean, genuinely… my kids show me it occasionally, but like, I don’t know anything about that.”
And his little laugh was basically the nail in the coffin for the rumor. But he went on to give Ralph Fiennes (the actor who brought Voldemort to life in the original films) some serious props:
“I mean, also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. He’s… the man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.”
Respectful, clear, and straight to the point. Murphy’s not our new Dark Lord.
So, Who Is It?
That’s still the million-dollar question. It has since been confirmed that several key roles have already been cast (and Warwick Davis is even returning as Professor Flitwick).
But when it comes to Voldemort, HBO is playing the long game and not revealing who is going to appear under all that pale makeup. Until the big reveal, Potterheads are left with their theories and wish lists. Whoever it ends up being has the massive task of stepping into one of the most iconic villain roles in modern cinema. But as Murphy pointed out, while it’s no easy act to follow, it’s also an opportunity to bring something new to the table.
For now, the mystery continues. Murphy’s out, but the speculation isn’t going anywhere. Fans will keep waiting, wands at the ready, to see who’ll rise as Voldemort in HBO’s much-anticipated reboot.
What Do “Harry Potter” Fans Do Now?
Sadly, its going to be a long wait. The HBO “Harry Potter” reboot television series is expected to be released in 2027.
In the meantime, “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” the food competition show hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (i.e. the Weasley twins in the “Harry Potter” films) is getting a season 2 later this year.
