Cillian Murphy has dispelled rumors suggesting he is set to portray Voldemort in a new Harry Potter TV series. The speculation originated from a TikTok video where Ralph Fiennes, famous for playing the villain in the film series, hinted at Murphy’s casting. However, Murphy clarified in a Times interview, “I’m categorically not,” emphasizing his non-involvement.
The series, scheduled for release next year, has already cast several actors. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton will lead as the three central children. The adult cast includes notable names like Janet McTeer, John Lithgow, Nick Frost, Paul Whitehouse, Johnny Flynn, Warwick Davis, and Paapa Essiedu. The casting has sparked criticism amid a planned boycott due to Harry Potter creator JK Rowling’s controversial stance on transgender rights. Rowling, serving as an executive producer, remains a polarizing figure in the UK due to her advocacy against legal protections for trans individuals.
In Murphy’s interview, he also touched upon his return as Tommy Shelby in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders film. Reflecting on playing Shelby for a significant part of his life, Murphy attributed the show’s success to TV’s enduring, novel-like medium. The Peaky Blinders film releases in cinemas on 6 March and on Netflix by 20 March.