New frontrunner to play Voldemort in Harry Potter TV series emerges after scathing snub from Cillian Murphy

A new favorite to play Lord Voledmort in the new Harry Potter TV series has emerged following the snub of Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy.

Approved last year and based on JK Rowling’s beloved books, the new programme, a joint venture between streaming service HBO and film and entertainment giant Warner Bros, will tell a new iteration of Harry’s story at Hogwarts.

Earlier this year, Ralph Fiennes, who plays Voldemort in the film series, addressed his potential successor in an interview on the red carpet of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

While the 63-year-old Oscar nominee put Thomas Shelby actor Cillian, 49, in the running, calling him a ‘very good choice’, the Immortal Man star harshly downplayed the opportunity.

The Oppenheimer actor insisted he didn’t even know his name was featured in the film, given that he keeps himself away from social media and has little presence online.

Cillian addressed speculation that he could also take on the role. Diversity:’No, no, no. It would be very difficult to follow Ralph Fiennes.’

Earlier this year, Ralph Fiennes, who plays Voldemort in the film series, called out his potential successor, saying Cillian Murphy (pictured) was a ‘good choice’.

When asked for more information when suggestions were made that he would probably respond in the same way if he took on the role himself, Cillian added: ‘No, I don’t play those games.’

With Cillian now safely eliminated, a new leader has emerged in the debate among fans who have been busy speculating online.

Marvel Universe’s JARVIS Paul Bettany is now among the favorites to take on the coveted role of the dangerous dark wizard, according to those on social media.

Social media tipster Daniel Richtman used his feed on X (formerly Twitter) to claim Paul was the ‘favourite’ among bosses at HBO for the role.

Paul, 54, is known for his roles as JARVIS and Vision in the Marvel Universe, including the Disney+ series WandaVision, which earned him an Emmy Award nomination.

Fans went wild at the prospect of her taking on the role, responding on social media: ‘She would be the perfect choice!’

Another chimed in to joke: ‘I guess you could say THEY SAW THE VISION,’ while a third said: ‘This is actually a phenomenal choice.’

Cillian was previously the last name thrown into the hat for the role, but it’s unclear whether former Voldemort actor Ralph believes previous speculation that the Peaky Blinders star would take on the iconic villain.

Paul Bettany is now among the favorites to take on the coveted role of dangerous dark wizard

According to industry experts at OLBG (Online Betting Guide), odds are 6/1 for the Oppenheimer star to be cast as Voldemort.

Cillian later shut down the rumors himself while on Josh Horowitz’s show. Happy Sad Confused podcast – I wish everyone who takes on the role of ‘luck’.

The actor acknowledged that his children had brought him the online attention, saying: ‘I don’t know anything about it.’

He added: ‘It’s also really hard to keep up with anything Ralph Fiennes does.

‘The guy is an acting legend, so good luck to whoever fills those shoes.’

Confirmed actors include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

In May 2025, it was announced that Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will play the lead roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the ‘fantastic’ talents of the three newcomers: ‘Following an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce that we have found our Harry, Hermione and Ron.

“The talents of these three unique actors are nothing short of spectacular and we can’t wait for the world to witness their magic together on screen.

In May 2025, it was announced that Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will play the lead roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

‘We want to thank the tens of thousands of children who participated in the auditions. It’s been a real pleasure to discover so much young talent out there.’

Elsewhere, it has been revealed that the producers of the Harry Potter TV series have recruited a second child star to play the lead role of the young wizard as the mystery of the new face on set is unraveled.

The task of playing the wizard boy, the main character of JK Rowling’s books, was given to Dominic, who was first introduced in 2025.

It has been confirmed that there is a second Harry on set; A stuntman to replace the main star when another location was needed to shoot scenes in the HBO adaptation.

Body double Isaac Geut already appeared on set, substituting for Dominic when he was unavailable for certain scenes.

‘He’s got the perfect thick black hair and boyish looks needed to play the very young Potter,’ an insider said. Sun.

‘In fact, he is so similar to him that producers are talking about using him more extensively than previous stand-in actors in films.

‘That’s how confident they are that the boy will imitate the wizard’s appearance.’