Will Cillian Murphy Play Voldemort in New Harry Potter Series? He Says

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Cillian Murphy does not believe Harry Potter is his to finish. 

Despite the buzz online suggesting Oppenheimer could play Voldemort in the forthcoming HBO TV series adaptation, it’s important to note that he hasn’t been officially cast for the iconic role yet.

In response to the suggestion about my potential appearance in the September 11th episode of the “Happy, Sad Confused” podcast, I must clarify that I’m not privy to any such information regarding my kids showing me details about it.

In his own words, the actor who was part of “Peaky Blinders” acknowledged finding it challenging to match the portrayal of the character by Ralph Fiennes.

According to him, it’s quite challenging to keep up with Ralph Fiennes’ performances. He truly stands out as a remarkable actor. Best of luck to anyone attempting to match his greatness.

Apart from being 49 years old, he playfully commented that he wouldn’t want to give up his nose for the role, humorously adding, “It means a lot to me.

In the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO, scheduled for release in 2027, several stars have been announced, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. However, Cillian isn’t the first actor to find himself embroiled in speculation about his participation.

In the early part of this year, although HBO didn’t verify any casting gossip, actor John Lithgow, who previously worked with Fiennes in the film “Conclave”, publicly announced that he would assume the character of Albus Dumbledore, thereby silencing the speculation.

He shared with Screen Rant in February that the news took him completely by surprise. It wasn’t a simple choice, as it will greatly impact the final part of his life, and he feels apprehensive about that. However, he is also thrilled about it.

Although at 79 years old, John feels a bit anxious about taking up this significant undertaking, he’s thrilled about becoming part of the renowned television series.

Many remarkable individuals are once again focusing on ‘Harry Potter’,” he continued. “Making this choice has been quite challenging due to my age. By the time we finish filming, I will be approximately 87 years old, yet I’ve agreed to participate.

Keep reading for a deeper look into the Harry Potter cast…

By July 2025, it became known that Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser was set to unveil Ollivanders, assuming the part of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the late and esteemed John Hurt.

Rory Wilmot, a young and promising actor, will soon take on the role of beloved Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom – a character that was previously portrayed by Matthew Lewis.

Actress Louise Brealey will step into the shoes of Zoe Wanamaker as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch flight instructor. Brealey is most recognized for her performances in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches, and Hulu’s Such Brave Girls.

In the upcoming movie, a fresh talent named Amos Kitson takes on the role that Harry Potter’s cousin Dudley previously held. Previously, Harry Melling brought the younger Dursley to life in the initial film adaptations.

Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will assume the Hogwarts house robes of Gryffindor, respectively portraying characters similar to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. These newcomers are replacing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who played these iconic roles in the Harry Potter film series between 2000 and 2010.

According to Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the executive producers of the television adaptation, it’s truly amazing to see these three exceptional actors at work, and we eagerly anticipate the world getting to experience their enchantment together on screen. We would also like to express our gratitude to the countless children who auditioned; it has been a delightful journey uncovering the abundance of young talent out there.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share the news that the legendary Slytherin house will be brought to life by the emerging talent, Lox Pratt. Previously, Tom Felton graced our screens with his portrayal of this character; however, he has now chosen to explore new opportunities on Broadway, playing the mature Draco in “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”.

In June of 2025, it was announced that Johnny Flynn, known for his role in Ripley, would assume the part previously played by Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, in HBO’s productions. To welcome his successor, Isaacs who portrayed Lucius in the movie series, posted on Instagram, expressing excitement about passing the torch to Johnny Flynn, praising him as a multitalented individual of immense skill.

Katherine Parkinson, known for her BAFTA-winning performance in the British sitcom “The IT Crowd”, has been cast to portray the Weasley matriarch in an upcoming TV adaptation. Previously, Julie Walters from “Mamma Mia!” fame had played this role.

By March 2025, it was nearly confirmed that comedian Nick Frost would take on the role of half-giant Hagrid, as Variety reported. Nick Frost gained notoriety through his collaborations with Simon Pegg in films such as “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” Originally portrayed by Robbie Coltrane, who passed away in 2022, the role of Hagrid was brought to life in the initial movies.

In December 2024, news emerged that Paapa Essiedu, an up-and-coming British actor best known for his work in shows like HBO’s “I May Destroy You,” was being considered to take on the role of Professor Snape, previously brought to life by the late Alan Rickman in the films.

Acclaimed actor John Lithgow has been announced to play the role of Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series. His vast resume includes roles from shows such as ‘Conclave’, ‘Dexter’, ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, and ‘The Crown’. Moreover, Lithgow’s accolades are equally impressive, with six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations to his name.

Lithgow stated to ScreenRant during his confirmation in February 2025, ‘Making this decision wasn’t simple, as it will shape the final stage of my career. I must admit, I’m a bit apprehensive, but also eager… By the time we wrap up, I’ll be approximately 87 years old, yet I’ve agreed.’

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

BAFTA-winning actor Daniel Rigby is set to assume the role of Harry’s uncle in the HBO Max series, expressing excitement about portraying the world’s most dismal non-magical character, Uncle Vernon, as he shared on Instagram. Previously, this part was played by Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.

Actress Bel Powley is set to follow in Fiona Shaw’s footsteps, as she assumes the role of Aunt Petunia. Notably, her acting resumé includes appearances in shows like “The Morning Show”, “A Small Light”, and “Masters of the Air”.

Actress Janet McTeer is poised to portray Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. McTeer’s career has been long-standing and includes roles in shows like Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. Previously, the illustrious Dame Maggie Smith played this role in the movie series.

In April 2025, it was revealed that Paul Whitehouse, a five-time BAFTA award winner, would be assuming the role of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, previously portrayed by David Bradley in the Harry Potter films. Notably, Whitehouse has made a name for himself in British comedy and even played the character Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Three young actors will step into the shoes of Harry’s schoolmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown in this production. These roles were originally portrayed by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave respectively.

In June 2025, news surfaced that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel was set to play the role of the Minister of Magic, a part previously brought to life on screen by the late Robert Hardy, who portrayed Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films until his passing in 2017.

It seems that Luke Thallon, relatively less recognized among this new cast, is set to embody Harry’s first Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Previously, Ian Hart portrayed Quirrell – a character with an unforgettable presence in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.

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2025-09-12 18:47