Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy has addressed the widespread fan speculation about him playing Voldemort in the HBO Harry Potter series, stating there is “no truth” to the rumors. He praised original actor Ralph Fiennes, calling him an “absolute acting legend.”
September 12, 2025: In a move that has put to rest one of the most persistent fan-casting rumors, Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy has confirmed that he will not be playing the dark wizard Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.
Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Murphy addressed the speculation head-on, stating there was “no truth” to the online chatter. His statement comes despite an endorsement from none other than the original screen Voldemort, Ralph Fiennes, who had previously named Murphy as a “fantastic actor” for the role.
While expressing his respect for Fiennes’s iconic performance, Murphy joked that it would be “really hard to follow” him and added, “I’m very attached” to his nose, a lighthearted nod to Voldemort’s signature lack of one.
With Cillian Murphy officially out of the running, the role of “He Who Must Not Be Named” remains a closely guarded secret. According to reports, the production has already cast the actor, but the identity of the new Voldemort is being kept under wraps, potentially until the series’ premiere in 2027.
The show, a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, has begun production with a new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Other confirmed cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Hagrid.