Ralph Fiennes just handed HBO his answer on Voldemort, and it is the one Potterheads have been waiting for: he says the “ship has sailed” for him to reprise the role, but he already knows who he wants to wear the Dark Lord’s robes next.
The Voldemort question is back
The Harry Potter TV series is still to announce who plays the young wizard’s arch nemesis, and as the show’s December launch gets closer, the casting question keeps circling back. Speaking on the BBC’s The Claudia Winkleman Show, Fiennes revealed he was once asked if he would return for the series, “some years ago,” and that he told them he would “love to.” But after hearing nothing since, he now believes that offer has passed.
His pick: Tilda Swinton
When asked who should take over, Fiennes did not hesitate to name the Doctor Strange and Narnia star. He said the actor would be “fantastic” in the part. Swinton has long been floated by fan circles as a natural fit for the role, and Fiennes’ blessing adds real weight to that buzz.
Who is actually in the running
HBO boss Casey Bloys has said the network has yet to lock its decision, while Cillian Murphy has denied he is taking the role after similar speculation. Fiennes is not the only movie veteran returning to the fold: Warwick Davis is set to reprise Professor Flitwick, and the Gilderoy Lockhart part went to Kit Harington.
What fans should expect
Voldemort only makes a cameo in the first story, so whoever lands the part will barely be seen for years; the grown-up Dark Lord does not appear again until the fourth book. For now the confirmed cast is led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in a saga that has long been a fixture of Philippine streaming and HBO GO.
| Role | Status |
|---|---|
| Voldemort | Not yet cast; Fiennes backs Tilda Swinton |
| Harry Potter | Dominic McLaughlin |
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow |
| Gilderoy Lockhart | Kit Harington |
| Professor Flitwick | Warwick Davis |
With HBO not confirming an annual rollout and the full seven-season run stretching well into the next decade, the Voldemort reveal could still be a long way off. For now, fans have a clear favorite to campaign for.
