A new rumor points to a bold casting direction as HBO develops its Harry Potter reboot for television. According to reports, the studio is auditioning both men and women for the role of Lord Voldemort, signaling the possibility of a female incarnation of the Dark Lord. The series, adapting The Philosopher’s Stone, will introduce the character early through flashbacks and the pivotal confrontation with Professor Quirrell.
Men and women rumored to be auditioning for Voldemort
Rumors about the casting of Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series surfaced after entertainment scooper Daniel Richtman reported on X (formerly Twitter), “For the Harry Potter show, they’re auditioning both men and women for Voldemort, so it’s possible we could see a female Voldemort in the series.”
His post suggested that HBO is considering a broader range of actors for the role. The potential gender-swapped interpretation has been labeled “Lady Voldemort” or “She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” in online discussion.
Industry coverage notes that unlike the films, which introduced Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort starting in The Goblet of Fire, the series is expected to feature the character from season one. This includes flashbacks to the night Harry’s parents died and Voldemort’s possession of Professor Quirrell in The Philosopher’s Stone. Ralph Fiennes played the role in five of the original films, while Christian Coulson, Richard Bremmer, and Ian Hart contributed in earlier installments.
Speculation about big-name actors also entered the conversation. Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy denied involvement, stating on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, “I don’t know anything about that. I mean, also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.” Ralph Fiennes himself previously commented on Watch What Happens Live that Murphy “is a fantastic actor.” He added, “That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian.”
Reports highlighted other fan suggestions, naming Tom Hiddleston, but HBO has not confirmed any casting decisions. The series, produced by Francesca Gardiner and directed by Mark Mylod, will feature Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, alongside John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Janet McTeer in adult roles.
The Voldemort casting remains one of the most closely watched aspects of HBO’s adaptation.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
