Casting Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series is proving to be a tricky decision, and any choice will likely spark debate. While HBO has already filled many key roles for the first season, they haven’t announced who will play the series’ main villain. Technically, they don’t *need* to reveal the actor until closer to the fourth season, as Ralph Fiennes didn’t appear as Voldemort in the films until the fourth movie, *The Goblet of Fire*. However, the showrunners may be planning a different approach to introducing the character.
Rumors have circulated that the actor playing Voldemort in the remake would make a cameo at the end of the first season, during the confrontation between Harry and Professor Quirrell over the Philosopher’s Stone. Because his face is visible in that scene, it’s possible the actor was brought in and could be used in future flashbacks, showing the Dark Lord’s rise to power before he fully regained his body.
According to a recent post by @DanielRPK on X, HBO is reportedly holding auditions for the role, looking at both male and female actors. While @DanielRPK doesn’t always have accurate information, and this is just a rumor, it’s definitely sparked a lot of discussion and is likely to be controversial.
Could A Female Lord Voldemort Work?
I’ve noticed that whenever people suggest reimagining a famous character with a different gender – like James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or even Lord Voldemort – a lot of fans instantly get defensive. It’s understandable, and sometimes the reactions seem intentionally negative. But I think there are actually good points to be made on both sides when we talk about a woman playing such a significant role, like the biggest villain in the Harry Potter series.
Those in favor of open casting argue that HBO should prioritize finding the most talented actor for each role, regardless of gender. If an actress delivers an exceptional performance as Voldemort, she should be considered. A Harry Potter remake has the opportunity to be innovative, especially when compared to the existing films. While staying true to the source material is important, the show could also introduce new elements to surprise even dedicated book fans. This approach would create interesting new relationships and challenge typical fantasy tropes, where powerful villains are usually men.
Changing Voldemort’s gender would mean rewriting key parts of his story. His journey to darkness, his climb to power, and his connection to Harry are all deeply rooted in his experience as an orphaned boy – they mirror each other. His belief in being Slytherin’s heir and his family history with the Gaunts also feel more impactful because he’s male. While it’s not impossible to alter these elements, it might not be worth the effort. Another option would be to cast a woman to play the character without changing his gender, perhaps portraying him as more androgynous after his rebirth. However, this approach could end up satisfying no one.
Recasting Lord Voldemort as a woman in a Harry Potter remake would likely cause significant controversy, especially given the existing challenges the project faces. However, HBO shouldn’t let that stop them if they find an actress who truly embodies the character. Ultimately, the quality of the performance and the writing will be what matters most, and the debate might end up being about nothing. While it’s probable Voldemort will still be played by a man – and HBO likely has a shortlist of actors – whoever takes on the role, whether it’s Cillian Murphy, Tilda Swinton, or a surprise choice, should be able to honor Ralph Fiennes’ performance while also bringing a fresh perspective to the character.
A new TV series based on the Harry Potter books is being made and is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2027.
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2025-09-22 18:43