Ralph Fiennes has seemingly let slip that Cillian Murphy will portray Lord Voldemort in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation.
The 63-year-old actor, who memorably embodied the dark wizard across multiple films from 2005 to 2011, appeared to inadvertently confirm the casting whilst speaking to journalists at a premiere event.
The apparent revelation came during a red carpet appearance for his upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, where Mr Fiennes was questioned about who might succeed him in the iconic villain role.
Mr Murphy, the 49-year-old Oscar winner celebrated for his performances in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer, has been the subject of considerable speculation regarding the part.
Ralph Fiennes mentioned Cillian Murphy while talking about casting for Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter series
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The two actors are co-stars in the forthcoming Bone Temple production.
When asked who should take on the Voldemort mantle for the HBO series, Mr Fiennes responded: “Well, I’m told they’re already filled, aren’t they?”
He went on to express his approval of the apparent choice, stating: “I think Cillian Murphy is very good. Very good. Very good choice.”
The BAFTA-winning actor then appeared somewhat flustered, turning to his team for clarification. “I think they’ve cast it, haven’t they? You don’t know?” he asked, before adding: “I don’t know. I thought they had.”
Ralph Fiennes played Voldemort in the Harry Potter films from 2005 to 2011
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Video footage shared on social media showed Mr Fiennes looking slightly panicked following his comments, suggesting he may have disclosed information that had not yet been officially announced by the production.
Social media users responded enthusiastically to the apparent casting news. One fan declared it “amazing news,” whilst another commented: “Oh man this is a good casting actually.”
“Great casting choice honestly,” a third agreed, while another wrote: “I think he’s gonna be a good Voldemort.”
Another enthused: “Crazy work. This is going to be what makes the show so good. You’ve now peaked my interest.”
Harry Potter fans were delighted by the potential casting
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Someone else penned: “If that’s real, Cillian Murphy would crush Voldemort. Perfect quiet intensity for it.”
“If that is really true, I would be very pleased,” another fan approved. (sic)
However, Mr Murphy himself has previously appeared to distance himself from suggestions he would take on the role.
Speaking on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Peaky Blinders star said: “I don’t know anything about that.”
Oscar winner Cillian Murphy is celebrated for his performances in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer
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He also expressed admiration for his potential predecessor, adding: “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.”
Whether Mr Fiennes was commenting on genuine insider knowledge or simply responding to widespread internet speculation remains unclear.
The HBO series has assembled a notable ensemble cast, with newcomer Dominic McLaughlin taking on the title role of Harry Potter. Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger, whilst Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley.
Among the adult cast, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, with Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall. Nick Frost has been announced as Hagrid.
Additional casting includes Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
Paul Whitehouse, Bertie Carvel, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby have also secured roles in the production.
Warwick Davis remains the sole returning performer from the original film franchise, reprising his portrayal of Professor Filius Flitwick.
