Ralph Fiennes shares new pick for Voldemort in upcoming HBO 'Harry Potter' series
The reboot is set to launch later this year with Season 2 already in early production
Ralph Fiennes has weighed in on casting speculation for the upcoming Harry Potter reboot, and he has a new favourite to take over the iconic role of Lord Voldemort.
The Oscar-nominated actor, who originally portrayed the dark wizard in the blockbuster film franchise, said Tilda Swinton would be a “fantastic” choice to step into the role for HBO’s upcoming reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
Speaking on The Claudia Winkleman Show, Fiennes reflected on past casting conversations and said he had once been open to reprising the character himself, though he now believes that opportunity has passed.
“I remember being asked the question, would I reprise the part? This was some years ago,” he said. “And I said, ‘yes, I’d love to.’ But then, nothing’s happened. I think that ship has sailed.”
He then added his endorsement for Swinton, saying, “Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as being a contender, and I think she would be amazing. She would be fantastic.”
Swinton — known for roles in The Chronicles of Narnia, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Marvel films — has long been rumoured among fans as a possible gender-flipped interpretation of Voldemort in the rebooted series.
Fiennes had previously supported another fan-cast favourite, Cillian Murphy, calling him a “fantastic actor” and saying he would be “all in favour” of him taking on the role. However, Murphy has since shut down speculation, stating: “I’m categorically not.”
The new Harry Potter series, produced by HBO, is set to reintroduce the Wizarding World with an entirely new cast.
Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton will lead as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively.
Other major roles have already been filled, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
The series is expected to launch later this year with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with each season adapting one of J.K. Rowling’s original novels.
HBO has also confirmed that work is already underway on Season 2, Chamber of Secrets, as part of a long-term production plan designed to keep pace with the young cast’s growth.