
HBO is creating a new multi-season TV series based on the beloved Harry Potter books. While much of the cast is known – including John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter – one key role remains uncast: Lord Voldemort, who was famously played by Ralph Fiennes in most of the Harry Potter films.
With little official news available, speculation about who will play Voldemort has been running wild. For a time, Cillian Murphy, known for his role in Oppenheimer, was a popular pick, and Ralph Fiennes even said he thought Murphy would be excellent. However, Murphy has firmly stated he isn’t involved. Another frequently mentioned contender is Tilda Swinton, who has a history of playing memorable villains, including the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and has starred in films like Suspiria, Snowpiercer, Doctor Strange, and The Killer, among others.
As a huge movie fan, I know a lot of us would instantly be hooked if Tilda Swinton were cast as Voldemort – it would be a total game changer for a potential Harry Potter show! Apparently, Ralph Fiennes feels the same way. He mentioned on The Claudia Winkleman Show that Swinton was suggested, and he thinks she’d be absolutely brilliant in the role.

Tilda Swinton has a unique and gender-neutral look that would make her a compelling choice to play Voldemort – it’s easy to imagine her in the character’s dark robes and with a wand. However, she previously expressed some reservations about the Harry Potter series in a 2016 interview with The Scots Magazine, so she might not be interested in taking the role, even if offered.
Tilda Swinton recently revealed why she declined the role of Professor Trelawney in the 2004 film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a role ultimately played by Emma Thompson. She explained that she doesn’t like how the Harry Potter movies portray boarding schools like Hogwarts as idyllic and cozy. “I dislike films like Harry Potter because they romanticize these environments,” Swinton stated. “I believe boarding schools can be a harsh place to grow up, and I don’t think that kind of education is beneficial for children.”
Tilda Swinton had a negative experience at West Heath boarding school in London, calling it “Hell.” Therefore, rumors about her appearing in the Harry Potter series are likely untrue.
Another possibility is bringing back Ralph Fiennes to play his movie role, especially since Warwick Davis is returning as Professor Flitwick. However, that seems unlikely now, as Fiennes hasn’t been contacted by the studio. He mentioned years ago that he would be happy to revisit the character, but he believes the opportunity has passed.
I’m so excited for the new Harry Potter show on HBO! From what I understand, the first season will cover the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. And apparently, Voldemort does show up in that book, though not exactly how you’d expect. We’ll all find out how they handle it when it premieres this Christmas, and I can’t wait!
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2026-04-12 20:47