Ralph Fiennes Suggests Tilda Swinton for Voldemort Role in HBO Harry Potter Series
Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed Voldemort in the original Harry Potter films, named Tilda Swinton as his choice to play the character in HBO's upcoming adaptation. He appeared on 'The Claudia Winkleman Show' on April 10 and stated that Swinton would be amazing in the role. Fiennes also reflected on past interest in reprising the part but noted that opportunity has passed.
Usa TodayFiennes Names Swinton for Voldemort Ralph Fiennes appeared on 'The Claudia Winkleman Show' on April 10 and named Tilda Swinton as the actor he thinks should play Voldemort in the HBO Harry Potter series.
Ralph Fiennes is 63 years old. ' Ralph Fiennes was asked on 'The Claudia Winkleman Show' if he could reprise the role of Voldemort. He played Voldemort in the original Harry Potter film series, which ran from 2001 to 2011.
' Ralph Fiennes said, 'I remember being asked the question, once we'd shot the film series, would I reprise the part, and this was some years ago now.
Earlier Casting Speculation Involving Murphy In January, Ralph Fiennes suggested on a red carpet that Cillian Murphy had been cast as Voldemort.
Ralph Fiennes said on the red carpet, 'I think Cillian Murphy's very good. ' Cillian Murphy told The Sunday Times that he is categorically not taking on the role of Voldemort. Cillian Murphy said on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast in 2025 that there is no truth to the Voldemort casting rumors.
He said on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast in 2025, 'it would be really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does, because the man is an absolute acting legend.
HBO Series Casting Announcements HBO's Harry Potter series is a new adaptation of the original books by J.
K. Rowling. Most of the main cast of HBO's Harry Potter series has been announced. Dominic McLaughlin is cast as Harry Potter in HBO's Harry Potter series. Arabella Stanton is cast as Hermione Granger in HBO's Harry Potter series.
Alastair Stout is cast as Ron Weasley in HBO's Harry Potter series. John Lithgow is cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter series. Paapa Essiedu is cast as Severus Snape in HBO's Harry Potter series.
Nick Frost is cast as Rubeus Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series. The role of Voldemort remains unannounced in the series.
Series Premiere Details HBO's Harry Potter series premieres on December 25.
The series represents a fresh take on the Harry Potter books following the original films that concluded in 2011.
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-10
Ralph Fiennes appears on 'The Claudia Winkleman Show' and suggests Tilda Swinton for Voldemort
1 sourceUsa Today - January 2026
Ralph Fiennes suggests Cillian Murphy cast as Voldemort on red carpet
1 sourceUsa Today - 2025
Cillian Murphy denies Voldemort rumors on 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast
1 sourceUsa Today - 2001-2011
Original Harry Potter film series runs, with Fiennes as Voldemort starting in 'Goblet of Fire'
1 sourceUsa Today - December 25, 2026
HBO's Harry Potter series premieres
1 sourceUsa Today
Potential Impact
- 01
Clarification reduces speculation around Cillian Murphy's involvement
- 02
Increased media attention on HBO Harry Potter casting decisions
- 03
Highlights transition from original films to new series format
- 04
Potential boost in fan discussions about Tilda Swinton's suitability for villain roles
- 05
May influence HBO's final casting choices for unannounced roles
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