Ralph Fiennes, the original portrayer of Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, has seemingly let slip that Cillian Murphy may have been cast in the role for the upcoming HBO series. During a red carpet interview, Fiennes expressed surprise that the casting remains unconfirmed. This comes after Murphy previously dismissed rumors of taking on the part.
Ralph Fiennes, who played the iconic villain Voldemort in the eight Harry Potter films, has inadvertently reignited speculation about Cillian Murphy stepping into the role for HBO's forthcoming television adaptation. In an interview on the red carpet for his new film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Fiennes was asked who he thought should succeed him as the Dark Lord. He responded, "Well, I'm told they're already filled, aren't they?"
When pressed further on who could match his performance, Fiennes praised Murphy, saying, "I've already said I think Cillian Murphy is very good, a very good choice. I think they've cast it, haven't they? Or they haven't, oh, I don't know, I thought they had." He then laughed it off and walked away, appearing caught off guard by the question.
This slip follows Murphy's own denial of the rumors last year on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. The Oscar-winning actor from Cork bluntly stated, "No," when asked about the fancasting. He mentioned that his children had shown him social media posts about it but emphasized, "I doesn't know anything" about the casting. Murphy added, "Also, it's just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does, because the man is an absolute acting legend. So good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes."
The HBO series, a reboot of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, is slated for release next year, with Voldemort among the key characters yet to be officially cast. Fans have expressed renewed excitement online despite the lack of confirmation. Meanwhile, Murphy faces a packed schedule, including producing and starring in Blood Runs Coal, a lead role in Damien Chazelle's untitled next film alongside Daniel Craig and Michelle Williams, and the Peaky Blinders movie set for March.
