**‘Harry Potter’ Series: Cillian Murphy Confirms He Won’t Play Voldemort**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025, 12:26 PM*
The upcoming HBO *Harry Potter* series has ignited widespread speculation about who will take on the iconic role of Lord Voldemort. Among the most talked-about names is *Oppenheimer* actor Cillian Murphy, who many fans have fancast as the dark wizard. However, Murphy has once again dismissed these rumors.
In a recent interview with *Variety*, Murphy firmly stated, “No, no, no. It would be very hard to follow Ralph Fiennes.” When asked if he was keeping his casting a secret, he added with a laugh, “Ha! No, I don’t play those games.”
### Earlier Comments from Murphy
Murphy first addressed the Voldemort rumors in early September, saying, “My kids show it to me occasionally, but I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know anything about that.’” He also reiterated how challenging it would be to follow in Ralph Fiennes’s footsteps, remarking, “Also, it’s really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does.”
### Support from Ralph Fiennes
Interestingly, Ralph Fiennes—who portrayed Voldemort in the original film series—has expressed strong support for Murphy taking on the role. Back in December 2024, Fiennes commented, “Cillian is a fantastic actor. I actually think that’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
### Other Contenders for Voldemort
Besides Cillian Murphy, actor Matt Smith is also considered a frontrunner for the role. Known for his work on *The Crown* and *Doctor Who*, Smith has questioned whether anyone can follow Ralph Fiennes, stating, “Can anyone play him after Ralph [Fiennes]? He was so good.”
Another actor linked to the role is *Succession*’s Matthew Macfadyen. However, Macfadyen has been confirmed as the voice of Voldemort in Audible’s new series of *Harry Potter* audiobooks.
As the anticipation builds around HBO’s *Harry Potter* series, fans continue to speculate on who will bring the Dark Lord to life. For now, Cillian Murphy has put those rumors to rest, leaving the casting a mystery for the time being.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/cillian-reacts-to-rumors-of-playing-voldemort-in-harry-potter/story
