Cillian Murphy Denies Rumors of Playing Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter Series
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Cillian Murphy has denied rumors that he would portray Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter series. The Oscar-winning Oppenheimer actor confirmed in a new interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he will not be taking on the role of the infamous villain.
He said: “No, my kids sometimes show me that stuff, but no, I don’t know anything about it. I mean, on the other hand, continuing the work Ralph Fiennes did is incredibly difficult. The man is a legend of acting. So I wish the best of luck to whoever takes on that role.”
Fiennes first played Voldemort in 2005’s fourth Harry Potter film and reprised the role in 2007, 2009, and both parts of the final installment. In an interview with Bravo, Fiennes welcomed the idea of Murphy succeeding him, saying: “Cillian is an extraordinary actor. It’s a great suggestion. He has my full support. Yes.”
In another interview with Entertainment Tonight, the 62-year-old actor gave advice to the next Voldemort: “Make sure you can handle that long, flowing robe—and don’t trip. Practice walking in that long, flowing robe.”
It was previously announced that Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, taking over from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. Olivier Award winner John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Oscar nominee Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, I May Destroy You star Papa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Shaun of the Dead actor Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both known for Succession, are behind the new Harry Potter series for HBO. Gardiner serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Mylod, who will also direct several episodes.
