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Harry Potter fans have shared their dismay after a fan-favourite actor denied rumours he’ll be playing Voldemort in the HBO reboot.
The upcoming series has already announced the majority of its main cast, with Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stranton, and Alastair Stout starring as the Golden Trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
As for the adult crew, original film series star Warwick Davis will be reprising his role as Professor Flitwick, Paapa Essiedu will star as Snape, and Katherine Parkinson will join as Mrs Weasley, among others.
One key role curious fans likely won’t find out until the series airs, however, is who will be playing the main villain, Lord Voldemort. Although that hasn’t deterred speculation.
The latest name on everyone’s lips has been Peaky Blinders star and Oscar-winning talent Cillian Murphy.
But it sounds like the Irish actor, 49, has no plans to take up the mantle.
Appearing on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, he addressed the reports that he is one of the frontrunners to portray the fictional foe.
‘I don’t know anything about that,’ he said about the rumours.
Then continued: ‘Also, 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.’
Ralph played Voldemort (whose movie version is infamous for his slitted nostrils) from the fourth movie onwards and, as the Oppenheimer star joked, he is ‘very attached’ to his nose.
Despite his reservations, Ralph himself gave the stamp of approval to his potential casting on Watch What Happens Live at the end of last year, saying he was a ‘fantastic actor’ who he would be ‘all in favour for’ him.
Nonetheless, fans are gutted at him essentially taking himself out of the race.
Who are the frontrunners to play Lord Voldemort
Succession star Matthew Macfadyen (who has also been cast as the villain in the Harry Potter audiobooks) is at 1/1 odds.
He is followed by Marvel alum Paul Bettany and Loki star Tom Hiddleston at 3/1 and 4/1 odds, respectively.
As for who will actually land the gig, time will tell.
‘My sadness knows no bounds!’ Niquolai said on a Reddit thread discussing the development.
‘He literally is the perfect guy to play Lord Voldemort. I mean look at him,’ itsokayyasho shared.
‘Bummer. He’s my favourite actor ever and would’ve been great to see him join the franchise,’ Miri_Cillibatch6 wrote.
‘He’s my dream Voldemort casting choice, but I’m not counting on it being him,’ dingleberry_mustached declared, adding that they holding onto some hope.
‘That’s a shame he would’ve been perfect,’ OddConsideration 4349 added.
Cillian is not the only one who has been intimidated by Ralph’s prowess on the big screen.
Earlier this year, Doctor Who actor Matt Smith also offered a similar reply when asked about the matter, which equally devastated fans.
He told NBC News: ‘No, no, no. I mean, can anyone play it after Ralph? He was so good.’
And when pushed on whether he would accept the role if offered, added: ‘Hypothetically, who knows? But following in the footsteps of the great Ralph Fiennes is a very difficult mantle for someone, so good luck whoever it is. It ain’t gonna be me.’
The franchise is not only getting a TV reboot but also an updated audiobook narration with a star-studded cast list involving Keira Knightley, Hugh Laurie, Matthew Macfadyen, Riz Ahmed and Michelle Gomez.
The Harry Potter series and its upcoming adaptations remain a controversial topic as the creator, JK Rowling, continues to be called out for her views on the trans community.
Several people have called out those who are getting involved in the new versions.
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