Cillian Murphy gives the most Cillian Murphy response ever about playing Voldemort in Harry Potter
Cillian Murphy gives the most Cillian Murphy response ever about playing Voldemort in Harry Potter
Earlier this year, Ralph Fiennes hinted that Cillian Murphy might take over the role of Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter television series. The revelation sparked confusion, especially since no formal announcement had been made and Murphy had already dismissed the idea of playing the antagonist.
Despite Fiennes’ endorsement, Murphy, 49, has categorically denied the part. In a recent interview, he chuckled when asked about his potential return as the dark wizard, stating, “I’m not even aware my name was in the mix.” He attributed this to his reputation for staying out of the public eye and being indifferent to celebrity speculation.
“Being a personality isn’t my strength,” he said, reflecting on the pressures of fame. “Talking about yourself, red carpets—this s**t isn’t healthy if you start to believe it. I’m really bad at it too.”
Murphy concluded with a touch of humility, calling himself “an incredibly average person.” The confusion over his involvement seems to have been a major misstep, as Fiennes, who portrayed Voldemort in all films except *Prisoner of Azkaban*, later admitted he had let the secret slip during a red carpet appearance.
At the event, Fiennes was asked who should replace him for the HBO series. When pressed further, he responded, “I think Cillian Murphy is very good,” before realizing he might have revealed too much. The interviewer, supportive of Murphy, remarked, “I love Cillian Murphy,” as Fiennes turned to his team, clearly flustered.
Though some fans expressed disappointment over the series’ controversial ties to the author’s anti-trans views, it now appears their concerns were premature. Murphy had already clarified his stance in October, telling *Variety*, “No, no, no. It would be very hard to follow Ralph Fiennes.”
Other names in the running for the role include Matt Smith, Tom Hiddleston, and Matthew Macfadyen, who is currently voicing Voldemort in Audible’s audiobook series. Tilda Swinton has also been speculated to play a female version of the character, with rumors circulating last autumn.
Meanwhile, the young actors cast as the trio will be Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. The first season is set to debut on HBO in the U.S. early or mid-2027, though the exact date remains unconfirmed.
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