Oscar-Winning Actress Could Be the Dark Lord: HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot Eyes Lady Voldemort
HBO is moving forward with its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, set to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books.
The show will star Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost will appear in supporting roles.
According to HBO and Warner Bros. Television, the series is being produced in partnership with Brontë Film & TV and Heyday Films, with showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod leading the creative team.
Casting for the series began in late 2024, following a search that considered more than 32,000 actors for the main roles. McLaughlin, Stout, and Stanton were officially cast in May.
Filming started that July at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England, with principal photography completed over several months. The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2027 on HBO in the United States, with eight episodes planned for its first season.
In a surprising twist, insider Daniel RPK recently reported that HBO may take a bold new approach with the character of Voldemort.
Sources suggest the series could feature a female version of the Dark Lord, potentially played by Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton. Swinton, known for her chilling and mysterious roles, has already sparked discussion online among Harry Potter fans, with the idea of a “Lady Voldemort” generating both excitement and debate.
They’re auditioning both men and women for Voldemort so it’s possible we could see a female Voldemort in the Harry Potter series! pic.twitter.com/3Wbr7DsrWY
— Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) September 21, 2025
“She already has that mysterious and powerful screen presence that fits perfectly with the Dark Lord’s vibe,” some fans have noted. Others point out that Swinton’s natural look gives her a haunting, otherworldly quality, which could make her a compelling choice for the role.
The rumor is not yet confirmed, but if true, it represents a significant departure from Ralph Fiennes’ iconic portrayal in the original films. HBO has not commented on the casting speculation, leaving fans to eagerly anticipate more details as production continues.
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