Harry Potter’s Top Pick for Voldemort Sets the Record Straight on Casting Rumors

HBO is rolling out its new Harry Potter series this Christmas, and most of the big pieces are already on the board. We’ve got a fresh Golden Trio, a bunch of Hogwarts faculty lined up, and one very noticeable blank space where the Dark Lord should be. Naturally, the rumor mill is doing laps.

The short version

Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout are stepping in for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Plenty of teachers and staff are said to be settled too (still no word on Peeves, weirdly). But the Voldemort casting? Still under wraps — which, to be fair, tracks for Season 1, when the character’s biggest moment is literally on the back of Professor Quirrell’s head.

About those Paul Bettany whispers

The latest name to get pulled into the vortex is Paul Bettany — yes, Vision from the MCU. He was asked about the chatter in a Screen Rant interview, and he pretty much swatted it away. He even blanked on Voldemort’s name for a beat, which is not exactly the move of a guy buried in scripts.

'I’ve heard that rumor too... Unfortunately, it’s just a rumor.'

'I’m not sure that I could face any more prosthetics in my life.'

After more than a decade in Marvel makeup, that last bit makes sense. If he’s being straight here, fans are no closer to knowing who gets the no-nose job — and it does make you wonder if the show is saving that reveal for maximum impact at the end of Season 1.

So who is He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Cast?

• Paul Bettany: Addressed it directly and said it’s just a rumor. Also not eager to revisit heavy prosthetics.
• Cillian Murphy: Has been a steady fan-favorite rumor for Voldemort and, sure, he can do chilling villain in his sleep (see Batman Begins). He’s denied it too.
• Andy Serkis: Has openly said he’d be into the role. On paper, a strong fit.
• Matthew Macfadyen: The Succession alum is a pitch-perfect fancast, but there’s no indication he’s pursuing it — or that the show wants him.

Could any of them be dodging under NDA? Always possible. But here’s the boring truth: wildly popular fancasts rarely pan out. Until HBO plants a flag, it’s all guesswork.

For now, the big picture is this: the new kids are in place, Hogwarts is filling up, Peeves is still MIA, and the Voldemort reveal remains the last major mystery. If they keep it under wraps until Christmas, I won’t complain — a surprise Dark Lord would make that first season finale a lot juicier.

Who’s your pick for Voldemort? I’m listening.