Rumors that Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Lord Voldemort in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series have ignited significant backlash from fans. The speculation, fueled by social media posts, centers on concerns over deviations from J.K. Rowling's original books. The series is slated for a late 2026 or early 2027 release on Max.
Rumored Casting Details
Social media buzz intensified on December 4, 2025, when X account Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives posted that Cynthia Erivo is allegedly in talks to play Lord Voldemort in HBO's Harry Potter original series. The post, which garnered over 2 million views, 4,000 comments, and 2,700 retweets, claimed the casting follows Erivo's success in Wicked: For Good. Instagram page Small Screenco amplified the rumor, noting 'early whispers' but clarifying nothing is confirmed. Fans have praised Erivo's talent but criticized the potential reimagining of Voldemort as a Black woman, viewing it as a major departure from the books and films.
Fan Reactions and Backlash
The rumor has sparked widespread debate, with many fans accusing the adaptation of pushing an 'over-woke agenda.' One X user wrote, 'Respect the book, pls; the over-woke agenda is pissing me off.' Another stated, 'How hard is it to stick with the book adaptation? That was the whole point of a show vs a movie. It Could’ve been any colour of man under the makeup, but it’s Lord Voldemort, not Lady Voldemort. Just leave Voldemort and Snape alone.' A third warned, 'I will deactivate my account if that happens,' adding, 'They are ruining HP's by going woke.' This backlash echoes earlier concerns over confirmed castings like Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, which some say conflicts with the character's book description.
Confirmed Series Elements
HBO's Harry Potter series will adapt J.K. Rowling's seven books across multiple seasons, starting filming in mid-2025. Confirmed cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The project aims for a faithful yet expansive retelling, streaming on Max in late 2026 or early 2027.