New Harry Potter Show: Who Will Play Voldemort?

The new Harry Potter series for HBO is now being filmed. Many actors are chosen, but we don't know who will play the main bad guy, Lord Voldemort. The show will also explore characters like Draco Malfoy more deeply.
By Newsroom | TV Shows, Fantasy |

The forthcoming HBO series based on J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books faces significant public interest regarding its casting, particularly for the central villain, Lord Voldemort. While a number of other major characters have been officially cast, the identity of the actor set to portray the Dark Lord remains unconfirmed. This situation has led to widespread speculation and debate among fans, particularly as the series aims for a season-by-season adaptation of the novels, suggesting Voldemort's full on-screen emergence might be delayed.

Production Underway Amidst Casting Speculation

Production for HBO's Harry Potter series has officially commenced, with filming reportedly underway for the initial seasons. The project intends to adapt each book into a separate season, a structure that will influence the pacing of character introductions and plot developments. The young leads, including Harry Potter (portrayed by Arabella Stanton), Hermione Granger (played by Alastair Stout), and Ron Weasley (actor unspecified), have been confirmed. Additionally, several prominent adult roles have been filled, such as Albus Dumbledore by John Lithgow, Severus Snape by Paapa Essiedu, Minerva McGonagall by Janet McTeer, and Rubeus Hagrid by Nick Frost.

Lord Voldemort: A Lingering Question Mark

Despite the confirmation of numerous cast members, the role of Lord Voldemort, the series' primary antagonist, has not yet been publicly assigned. This absence of an official announcement fuels ongoing fan discussions and media reporting. It is plausible that the series might employ a multi-actor approach to portray Tom Riddle and his Voldemort persona across different stages of his existence, as has been hinted at in prior Harry Potter installments. There is no current confirmation regarding which actor, if any, will embody Voldemort.

Shifting Character Dynamics: The Case of Draco Malfoy

The Harry Potter series appears poised to explore certain characters with greater depth than previously seen in the film adaptations. Notably, Draco Malfoy is being presented with a potential reinterpretation.

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  • Expanded Backstory: Reports suggest the series will delve into Draco's family life and potentially develop a more sympathetic or nuanced portrayal, using his home environment to build early empathy.

  • Narrative Deviation: This approach represents a departure from the films, which largely presented Malfoy as a clear antagonist. The series aims to move beyond Harry's direct perspective to flesh out the inner lives of other characters.

  • Impact on Antagonism: While Malfoy is still positioned as an antagonist, the series may explore the reasons behind his animosity and his family's fears, particularly in relation to Voldemort's rise.

Potential Casting Rumors and Fan Preferences

Several actors have been rumored or are popular fan choices for the role of Lord Voldemort.

  • Cillian Murphy: Mentioned as a favored choice by both fans and bookmakers, though no official link has been established.

  • Matt Smith: Another actor who has been a subject of fan speculation; however, reports indicate he has denied being cast.

  • Matthew Macfadyen: Reportedly considered for the role, though without official confirmation.

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The history of Voldemort's on-screen portrayal in the films, which initially involved actors like Richard Bremmer before Ralph Fiennes took on the resurrected role, serves as a precedent for casting significant characters.

Narrative Pacing and Voldemort's Introduction

Given HBO's commitment to adapting one book per season, the full manifestation of Lord Voldemort's character is unlikely to occur in the initial seasons. Adapting Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) as the basis for Season 1 means that Voldemort's complete on-screen return would not align with the narrative until Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4). Leaked set photos may indicate an earlier presence or involvement of Voldemort in the reboot, potentially altering the timeline seen in the films. The reported plan to film the first two seasons back-to-back could signal a commitment to establishing key plot points early on.

Expert Perspectives and Fan Expectations

The decision to expand the narrative focus beyond Harry's immediate experiences, particularly regarding characters like Draco Malfoy, is a significant undertaking.

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"The Wizarding World’s most loathed character could be getting a tragic backstory." - Inverse

This approach to character development could serve to enrich the overall narrative and provide a more complex exploration of the Harry Potter universe. However, changes to established characters can also invite scrutiny and varied fan reception.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The HBO Harry Potter series is actively in production, with a confirmed cast for many key roles and a clear structural plan for adapting the source material. The most prominent unresolved casting question revolves around Lord Voldemort. The series is also expected to offer a more in-depth exploration of supporting characters, including Draco Malfoy and the lives of Hogwarts teachers, potentially diverging from the film adaptations in significant ways. The eventual casting of Voldemort and the specific narrative choices made regarding his introduction and portrayal will be critical elements in shaping audience reception of the new series. Further official announcements are anticipated as production progresses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the new Harry Potter show already being made?
Yes, filming for the HBO series has started. They plan to make one season for each book.
Q: Who will play Lord Voldemort?
The actor for Lord Voldemort has not been announced yet. This is a big question for fans.
Q: Will Draco Malfoy be different in the new show?
It looks like the show might show more about Draco Malfoy's family and feelings, making him more complex than in the movies.