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One iconic Marvel Cinematic Universe star may soon enter the wizarding world.
Warner Bros. Discovery is currently filming a new Harry Potter television adaptation for HBO. Announced three years ago, the series will retell J.K. Rowling’s seven books in a long-form format, with each season expected to adapt one novel.
Credit: Warner Bros.
The project is positioned as a faithful adaptation of the source material. Executives have said the extended format will allow the series to include storylines and details that were removed from the original films released between 2001 and 2011.
The reboot has also generated controversy. Rowling’s outspoken criticism of the transgender community has alienated parts of the fanbase, leading to ongoing debate surrounding the franchise’s future.
Despite that backlash, the series has moved quickly into production.
Filming for Season 1 is underway, and reports indicate Season 2 may already be entering pre-production with only a short hiatus planned between seasons.
HBO has already confirmed much of the central cast.
Credit: HBO
Dominic McLaughlin will portray Harry Potter, joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Luke Thallon has also been cast as Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
However, one of the franchise’s most important characters has not yet been officially announced: Lord Voldemort.
Voldemort Casting Remains Unannounced
Speculation surrounding Voldemort has circulated since the reboot was first announced.
Some reports claim Warner Bros. plans to keep the actor secret until the show premieres. Other rumors have suggested the character could potentially be reimagined.
At one point, Cillian Murphy was widely rumored to be in contention for the role.
The Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer actor addressed those reports directly.
Credit: Universal Pictures
“I’m categorically not,” Murphy told The Times. “Can you make that the headline?”
Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed Voldemort in the original film series, previously reacted positively to the idea of Murphy taking the role.
“I’m told [my shoes] are already filled, aren’t they?” Fiennes said in an interview shared on TikTok (via The Independent). “I think Cillian Murphy is very good. A very good choice.”
With Murphy ruling himself out, attention has shifted to another actor.
Paul Bettany Reportedly Under Consideration
According to industry scooper Daniel Richtman (via Comic Book Movie), Paul Bettany is currently HBO’s top choice to portray Voldemort in the upcoming series.
Bettany is best known for his role as Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first appeared as the character in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and later starred in the Disney+ series WandaVision.
Credit: Marvel Studios
The actor is expected to reprise the role as White Vision in the upcoming Disney+ series VisionQuest and is also rumored to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
Voldemort plays a limited but important role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the story, he survives in a weakened state and secretly manipulates Professor Quirrell during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.
The HBO series is expected to expand on elements that were reduced or removed from the films. The first movie omitted several scenes involving Harry’s early life with the Dursleys and additional details about Hogwarts.
A television format may also allow more exploration of Voldemort’s origins.
The film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince removed several memories showing Tom Riddle’s transformation into Voldemort.
Credit: Warner Bros.
Those sequences trace the character’s rise and his growing influence over followers.
Voldemort does not fully return in adult form until Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when Peter Pettigrew resurrects him.
From that point onward, the character becomes central to the story.
If Bettany ultimately takes the role, the long-term commitment required for the later seasons could limit how frequently he appears in future Marvel projects.
Do you think Paul Bettany is a good pick for the role of Lord Voldemort?
