Cillian Murphy Sets the Record Straight on Voldemort Rumors

Cillian Murphy has officially put an end to the persistent rumors that he would be stepping into the role of Lord Voldemort for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series. The Irish actor, who recently reached a career high with his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, made it clear that he has no plans to play the Dark Wizard originally portrayed by Ralph Fiennes.

During a recent interview with The Times, Murphy was quite direct about his lack of involvement, even joking that he wanted his denial to be the focus of the story. I’m categorically not, Murphy said when asked about the casting speculation. He also touched on the nature of fame and how quickly internet rumors can spiral out of control.

Can you make that the headline? He asked, before explaining that he finds it unhealthy to get caught up in the constant cycle of public personality and red carpets. The actor described himself as just an average person and admitted that he isn’t particularly good at playing the part of a celebrity.

This isn’t the first time he has had to address the Voldemort fan-casting. Murphy previously mentioned on a podcast that his children sometimes show him these rumors, but there has never been any official discussion behind them.

He expressed a high level of respect for Ralph Fiennes, calling him an absolute acting legend, and noted that following in those footsteps would be a massive challenge for any performer. Interestingly, Fiennes himself gave Murphy his blessing in a 2024 interview, stating he would be all in favor of the casting.

While Murphy has opted out, the search for the next Voldemort continues to be a major mystery. Reports from Redanian Intelligence suggest that the role has already been cast and that the character will appear in several episodes.

However, HBO is reportedly keeping the actor’s identity a closely guarded secret, likely until the show moves closer to its 2027 premiere date. Murphy had also been linked to the role of Professor Quirrell by some industry insiders, but that remains unconfirmed as well.

Outside of the wizarding world, Murphy is currently preparing for a massive return to his most famous television role. He is set to star in the highly anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which is scheduled to hit select theaters on March 6. followed by a Netflix release on March 20.

The movie, directed by Tom Harper, picks up during World War II and features an impressive cast including Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth. Murphy has also been busy producing and starring in Blood Runs Coal, a historical labor union drama where he plays a lawyer seeking justice for his father.

Additionally, fans of the actor’s early work are looking forward to his involvement in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the sequel to his breakout hit 28 Days Later. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film is expected to explore the long-term aftermath of the viral outbreak.

Between these gritty dramas and his ongoing production work, the 49-year-old actor remains one of the busiest names in Hollywood, even if he prefers to stay away from the spotlight when the cameras aren’t rolling.

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