Actors Who Could Play Voldemort in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series

Nearly 25 years ago, the “Harry Potter” films launched Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson into global stardom. While the young actor was relatively unknown, when it came time to cast the villain Lord Voldemort, the production turned to veteran Ralph Fiennes. The actor’s transformation into the vengeful Dark Lord became a master class in jeopardy, making Fiennes inextricably linked to this iconic character.

Now, as HBO prepares for a new seven-season adaptation, which will debut in Christmas 2026, the Wizarding World is preparing for a new era. Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alistair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) are set to lead a decade-long journey, continuing to search for a villain who can match their commitment and redefine Harry’s heroism for the small screen.

As names are being discussed in the industry, we have selected the top contenders to play the role of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. From rumored frontrunners to dark-horse favorites, these actors have the talent and presence to redefine Lord Voldemort for the franchise’s next generation.

1. Cillian Murphy

From “Peaky Blinders” to his Oscar-winning turn in “Oppenheimer,” Murphy is a master of versatility. His history of playing complex antagonists, particularly in “The Dark Knight” trilogy, has fueled speculation that he is the ideal choice to portray Voldemort on HBO’s adaptation. With his piercing gaze and chameleon-like intensity, Murphy is an excellent casting choice to bring a refreshing and terrifying depth to the character.

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2. Bill Skarsgård

From playing Pennywise in the “It” franchise to Count Orlok in “Nosferatu,” Skarsgård is no stranger to physical transformation. Therefore, it seems appropriate that it should be considered. Fans have dubbed him the modern-day “Scream King,” and everyone knows the scariest part of the “Harry Potter” story is Voldemort (except Dolores Umbridge’s Pepto-Bismol-inspired wardrobe). Who wouldn’t love to see Skarsgård torment a new group of kids?

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3. Paul Bettany

Reports suggest that Bettany is currently one of HBO’s top choices for the role. Having played villains in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “The Da Vinci Code,” the actor is a master of mixing menace with sophistication. Additionally, his experience enduring hours of claustrophobic practical effects for his Marvel character visions proves he has the stamina to inhabit Voldemort’s sinister aesthetics. Although he says no formal offer has been made, he fits the profile of the Dark Lord perfectly.

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4. Jamie Campbell Bower

After his stellar performance as Vecna ​​in “Stranger Things,” it’s clear that Bowser has excelled in the shadows, leading many to gravitate to him as the new Voldemort. Her ability to blend youthful charm with ancient, growing evil makes her a prime candidate. Plus, he’s already been a part of the “Harry Potter” franchise. Fans will remember him as young Gellert Grindelwald in both the original and “Fantastic Beasts” movies.

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5. Cynthia Erivo

Although still largely unconfirmed, rumors of Erivo being cast as Voldemort in HBO’s “Harry Potter” series have sparked major buzz. After her powerhouse turn as Elphaba in “Wicked,” fans are suggesting that her signature intensity could reinvigorate the Dark Lord. After all, she’s already adept at playing an evil witch. Trading the broom for a Horcrux seems like the ultimate way to defy gravity once again.

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6. Benedict Cumberbatch

From his commanding turn as Khan Noonien Singh in “Star Trek Into Darkness” to his stunning, motion-capture performance as the dragon Smaug in “The Hobbit” films, Cumberbatch is a master of playing high-stakes antagonists. He even performed his craft, alternating between creator and creature in the Royal National Theatre’s 2011 production of “Frankenstein.” As a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (hello, Doctor Strange!), Cumberbatch has proven he can anchor a global franchise, making him a strong candidate for a long-term commitment to the Wizarding World.

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7. Nicholas Hoult

Hoult’s journey may be complete if he finally joins the Wizarding World – this time as the Dark Lord. After originally auditioning for the role of Harry as a child, his recent transformation into Lex Luthor for James Gunn’s “Superman” proves he has the ability to pull off a top-tier villain. With Hoult recently expressing interest in the HBO series, he feels like he’s someone who can disappear into the role and ultimately leave a definite mark on the franchise.

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8. Robert Pattinson

Before becoming synonymous with “Twilight” vampire Edward Cullen, Pattinson played Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Now set to play the villainous Scythel in “Dune: Part Three,” he’s proven he can master manipulative adversaries. This makes him a great option for fans as it will bring them back to the franchise. His quietly cool intensity will bridge the gap between charming Tom Riddle and the predatory He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named.

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9. Chiwetel Ejiofor

No matter the role, Ejiofor brings a commanding presence to the screen. After voicing Scar in the 2019 remake of Disney’s classic animated film “The Lion King,” Ejiofor knows what it means to bring depth to the primary villain of a popular story. After all, as he told Entertainment Weekly, he couldn’t wait to explore the psychology of Scar’s “completely destructive and brutal” relationship with Mufasa. Just imagining what he would do to Voldemort gives us chills!

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10. Tom Blyth

Blythe has already made his mark as Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” but there’s nothing stopping this up-and-coming relative actor from bringing the bad guy from another famous franchise to life. The Juilliard alum also has plenty of television experience, as he was on MGM+’s series titled “Billy the Kid” for three seasons. It seems only a matter of time for the rising star to make a move to another major franchise.

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Where to find casting calls for the new “Harry Potter” series

While the official search for the Golden Trio will be completed in October 2024, and it’s clear that HBO is looking for major star power to fill the mantle of Voldemort, production on the “Harry Potter” series is far from complete. With seven seasons of Magic on the way, roles will continue to open up as production on the books progresses.

Whether you have your eye on a supporting part, a spot as a background extra, or a position on the technical team, keep a close eye on our HBO casting page. We regularly post new casting notices and updates to the entire network, ensuring you won’t miss your chance to join the Wizarding World when the opportunity arises.