Ralph Fiennes addresses possible Voldemort return amid HBO casting mystery

Olivia Gantzer
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:07:51 +0000

Ralph Fiennes has conceded that his opportunity to portray Lord Voldemort once more has likely come and gone.

The 63-year-old actor, who embodied Harry Potter's arch-enemy across five films between 2005 and 2011, revealed he expressed enthusiasm for returning to the role when previously approached.

Speaking to BBC's The Claudia Winkleman Show, Mr Fiennes said: "I remember being asked the question would I reprise the part? This was some years ago. And I said, 'yes, I'd love to.'"

However, the actor disclosed that no further communication followed from those behind the wizarding franchise. "But then, nothing's happened. I think that ship has sailed," he added.

The interview airs tonight at 10.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Despite his own prospects dimming, Fiennes offered a glowing recommendation for who might take on the Dark Lord mantle.

"But I tell you, Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as being a contender, and I think she would be amazing. She would be fantastic," he said.

Both Swinton and Cillian Murphy, known for his starring role in Peaky Blinders, have been linked to the villainous part in HBO's forthcoming television adaptation of the beloved book series.

The casting of Voldemort remains one of the most closely watched decisions for the new production, with speculation continuing to swirl around which performer will ultimately bring the fearsome wizard to life for a new generation of viewers.

While the identity of Voldemort remains uncertain, HBO has confirmed several key casting decisions for its adaptation.

Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick, marking a return to Hogwarts for the veteran actor.

Fresh faces will take on the central trio of young wizards, with Arabella Stanton cast as Hermione, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, and Alastair Stout as Ron.

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These newcomers step into roles that launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who portrayed the beloved characters throughout the original eight-film series based on JK Rowling's novels.

The television reimagining represents a complete refresh of the franchise's core cast, with the exception of Davis's return to the magical school.

Fiennes's reflections on his Voldemort tenure arrive as another original cast member makes a notable comeback to the wizarding world.

Tom Felton has stepped back into the shoes of Draco Malfoy for the Broadway staging of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child at New York's Lyric Theatre, marking his first appearance as the character in 14 years.

The production continues its run until May 10.

The HBO series is set to debut this Christmas on HBO Max, with its inaugural season drawing from Rowling's first novel, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.

Subsequent seasons will adapt her remaining books in the series.

Rowling herself serves as an executive producer on the television project.

Excitement for the series continues to grow, with HBO recently releasing a trailer for the upcoming show.

Fans eagerly tuned into the first look at the franchise's new HBO series recently, which was met with a divided reaction.