In a revelation that will send a shiver down the spine of Potterheads everywhere, acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy has disclosed he was once in the running to play one of cinema's most infamous villains: Lord Voldemort.
The Irish star, now Oscar-nominated for his leading role in Oppenheimer, recently confirmed long-standing rumours that he auditioned for the part of He Who Must Not Be Named in the Harry Potter film series. The role, of course, ultimately went to the formidable Ralph Fiennes, who defined the character's terrifying, snake-like presence.
The Audition That Never Was
Murphy recalled the experience during a recent interview, noting it was early in his career. While he didn't specify which film he read for, the timing suggests it would have been for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), which marked Voldemort's first proper physical appearance.
'I think it was after Batman Begins,' Murphy stated, reflecting on the timeline. He went on to praise the actor who eventually secured the part, saying, 'I do remember auditioning for Voldemort, but I'm pretty sure Ralph Fiennes got the job, so I think it was the right call.'
A Different Path to Stardom
While Murphy missed out on a permanent place in the Wizarding World, his career trajectory was hardly hindered. His collaboration with director Christopher Nolan deepened, leading to his iconic role as the sinister Scarecrow in The Dark Knight trilogy and his recent critically acclaimed performance in Oppenheimer.
This 'what if' moment offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternate cinematic universe. Murphy's intense, piercing blue eyes and ability to project chilling menace would have undoubtedly created a very different, though likely equally compelling, Dark Lord.
Fiennes' portrayal, with its chillingly soft-spoken malice and physicality, became iconic. Yet, Murphy's confession allows fans to ponder an intriguing question: what would a Cillian Murphy Voldemort have looked like?
