There has been an interesting development regarding the casting for the upcoming HBO reboot of Harry Potter. Ralph Fiennes, known for his portrayal of Voldemort, has suggested that Cillian Murphy, the star of Oppenheimer, would be an excellent choice to take on the role of the dark wizard in the new series. According to reports, Fiennes expressed his support for this idea during an episode of Watch What Happens Live, where he responded positively to a viewer's recommendation of Murphy for the villainous role. He acknowledged the suggestion enthusiastically, indicating he would be pleased to see Murphy take on the character.
It remains unclear if Murphy would consider accepting such a role since HBO has not yet announced any cast members for the much-anticipated show. However, HBO has already confirmed a commitment to a ten-year run for the series, meaning any actors involved would be expected to stay for the duration. The series, which was officially unveiled in April of last year, aims to provide a faithful adaptation of the original novels. The creators promise a more detailed narrative than what can be achieved within the constraints of a traditional two-hour movie. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, known for their work on Succession and Game of Thrones respectively, will be leading the writing and directing of the project. Currently, HBO is on the lookout for its lead characters, Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Additionally, there has been light-hearted speculation regarding Dumbledore's casting. Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, humorously noted that he would be an appropriate age for the role of the Hogwarts headmaster, considering he last featured in the series in The Prisoner of Azkaban released twenty years prior. Reports indicate that actor Mark Rylance is a top contender for the role of Dumbledore, in keeping with the focus on British actors for the cast. This decision may stem from the active involvement of the series’ controversial original author in the casting process. Filming for the Harry Potter television show is tentatively scheduled to commence around the spring of 2025, with HBO aiming for a release in 2026.