The upcoming Harry Potter television series, set to premiere in 2026, has fans speculating about its casting choices. One of the most controversial roles is that of the infamous Dark Lord Voldemort. Adding fuel to the conversation, Ralph Fiennes, the film series’ original Voldemort, has thrown his support behind the idea of stepping into the sinister shoes of Cillian Murphy.
During his appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Tuesday, Fiennes enthusiastically responded to a fan’s suggestion of Murphy as Voldemort. He said, “Cillian is a brilliant actor.” “I really think it’s a wonderful, wonderful suggestion. I would be totally in favor of Cillian.”
Fans have since joined in on the support, urging producers to cast Murphy in the highly anticipated series.
Fiennes, who played the dangerous villain in five of the eight Harry Potter films, from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), left an indelible mark on the franchise Is. While the new series aims to re-imagine JK Rowling’s iconic world for a new generation, the task of casting Voldemort, one of the most fearsome antagonists in literary and cinematic history, is a significant challenge.
Although Fiennes had previously expressed a desire to reprise the role, his initial hesitation to take it back in 2005 was notable. “I was ignorant about the joy of books and what they give young people,” he revealed on CBS Sunday Morning in October. “In my ignorance, I thought, ‘Well, I’m not sure I want to do that.'”
However, it was his sister, filmmaker Martha Fiennes, who convinced him otherwise. “He said, ‘Ralph, this is Voldemort. You don’t understand. That’s what he is. The whole antagonist—one, bad guy,'” Fiennes recalled. Her insistence inspired him to accept the role, which he has since It has become one of his most iconic performances.
Interestingly, the Fiennes family’s connection to the magical world runs deep, as Ralph’s nephew, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, played young Tom Riddle (Voldemort’s childhood friend) in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009).
While official cast information for the upcoming TV series is still under wraps, Murphy, who is famous for his intriguing performances in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer, has emerged as a fan-favorite suggestion for Voldemort. His ability to bring intensity and depth to complex characters makes him an attractive choice for the Dark Lord.
As the countdown to the series continues, fans are anxiously awaiting updates on how producers will re-imagine the magical world of Hogwarts, and whether Murphy can truly bring his unique touch to Voldemort’s scary legacy.
