Ralph Fiennes played one of the biggest villains in literary/film history across the Harry Potter films, and as the casting announcements rolled out for the new HBO series, the role of Voldemort has been left unfilled.
Many speculated as to whether it meant Fiennes could be stepping back into the robes of the powerful wizard, seeing as how actor Warwick Davis is returning to play Professor Flitwick. It didn’t seem out of the question to assume, but Fiennes is setting the record straight.
During a recent appearance on The Claudia Winkleman Show, Fiennes was questioned about HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series and the rumors surrounding who will take on the role of the Dark Lord. He explained:
“I remember being asked the question once we’d shot the total film series, would I reprise the part, and this was some years ago. I said, ‘Yes, I’d love to.’ But then nothing’s happened and I think that ship has sailed. But I’ll tell you, Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as being a contender, and I think she would be amazing.”
Swinton’s name has been among those rumored for the part alongside Cillian Murphy, though the Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders star recently shut down the rumors. “I don’t know anything about that,” Murphy said on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. “Also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever’s gonna fill those shoes.”
Fiennes had also previously endorsed Murphy for the role, telling Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live in December 2024, “Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
So we will just have to wait and see who gets cast, and if they can fill the shoes of Ralph Fiennes. The first season of HBO’s Harry Potter series is set to premiere this Christmas.
via: Variety
