Cillian Murphy recently spoke to The Times and shut down the rumor that he will play Lord Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. He said, “I’m categorically not,” and asked reporters to make that the headline. He added that believing a rumor can become unhealthy and that he prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Why the Rumor Spread
The speculation began after fans saw Murphy’s name linked to the dark wizard on social media. The actor has played intense characters before, so fans imagined him as a perfect fit for Voldemort. Murphy also appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast where he said he has no knowledge of any casting talks. He mentioned that his children sometimes bring up the rumor, which shows how quickly it can grow.
Murphy Compares Himself to Ralph Fiennes
Murphy noted that stepping into the shoes of Ralph Fiennes would be a huge challenge. He called Fiennes an acting legend and said he would wish the new actor good luck. In a 2024 interview on Watch What Happens Live, Fiennes actually praised Murphy and said he would be “all in favor” of the Irish star taking the role. This endorsement added another layer to the discussion.
What We Know About the Real Casting
Redanian Intelligence reported that HBO has already chosen an actor for Voldemort. The source said the actor will appear in several episodes and that the studio plans to keep the identity secret until the series premieres in 2027. The report also mentioned that the show may keep other casting details under wraps to build excitement.
Other Roles Linked to Murphy
Besides Voldemort, industry scooper Daniel Richtman shared that Murphy was considered for the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell in the HBO series. The rumor sparked further conversation among fans, but Murphy has not confirmed any involvement.
Overall, Murphy’s clear statements help calm the online chatter. He remains focused on his current projects and lets the production team handle the casting decisions. Fans can look forward to the series debut and discover who truly portrays the Dark Lord.
Source: Superhero Hype






















