Cillian Murphy has dismissed speculation that he will play Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. The 49-year-old Oscar-winning actor, who has long been a fan favourite for the role, confirmed there is no truth to the rumours during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
“I don’t know anything about that,” Murphy said. “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.” He added jokingly that he was “very attached” to his nose, a reference to Voldemort’s distinctive snake-like appearance.
Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed the Dark Lord in five films, had previously endorsed Murphy for the role, calling him “a fantastic actor” and “a wonderful suggestion” on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live in December. Despite this, the HBO Max series has yet to cast Voldemort, though many other roles have been filled.
The adaptation, expected to span a decade with each season based on one of J.K. Rowling’s seven books, will feature newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
