The future of Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series is already sparking debate — and now the man who defined the role, Ralph Fiennes, has weighed in with a clear, honest take.
Speaking during an appearance on The Claudia Winkleman Show, Fiennes admitted that his time as the Dark Lord is most likely over. And instead of holding on to the role, he’s openly backing a surprising choice for the next chapter.
“That Chapter Is Done,” Says Fiennes
Fiennes didn’t dance around it. He revealed that while he was once open to returning as Voldemort after finishing the original film series, nothing ever moved forward — and now, in his own words, “the ship has sailed.”
It’s a grounded take, especially as HBO prepares to reboot the wizarding world with a fresh cast and long-form storytelling approach. The series isn’t looking back — it’s clearly building something new.
His Pick For Voldemort? Tilda Swinton
Instead of revisiting the past, Fiennes is already imagining the future — and his top pick stands out.
He named Tilda Swinton as someone who could take on Voldemort, calling the idea “amazing.” It’s an unexpected suggestion, but one that fits her reputation for bold, unconventional roles and transformative performances.
Interestingly, her name has already been floating in fan discussions, alongside actors like Cillian Murphy.
Cillian Murphy Responds To The Buzz
Murphy, however, isn’t buying into the speculation — at least not publicly.
The Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders star recently brushed off the rumors, saying he has no information about the casting. Still, he acknowledged the challenge ahead, pointing out that stepping into a role made iconic by Fiennes won’t be easy for anyone.
That respect says a lot about how deeply Fiennes’ version of Voldemort is still tied to audience memory.
A New Voldemort, A New Era
The upcoming Harry Potter HBO series is expected to take a more detailed, book-faithful approach compared to the films. With that comes the opportunity — and pressure — to redefine its most feared character.
Casting Voldemort won’t just be about performance. It’s about reintroducing a villain that audiences already know inside out.
What This Means Going Forward
Fiennes stepping aside feels less like a loss and more like a passing of the torch. His endorsement of actors like Swinton — and previously Murphy — shows he’s invested in seeing the character evolve rather than repeat.
And that’s really where the intrigue lies now.
Whoever ends up wearing the cloak next won’t just be playing Voldemort — they’ll be stepping into one of the most iconic roles in modern fantasy, with expectations already sky-high before a single frame has aired.
