Speculation around who might portray Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series continues to grow, with Paul Bettany among the names recently linked to the iconic villain. However, the actor has clarified that he has not been approached for the role.
While attending the Saturn Awards on Sunday, Bettany spoke about the rumours during an interview with Screen Rant. “I haven’t heard anything about that [playing Voldemort] …. I’m a big fan of the [Harry Potter] IP, and I’m a big fan of HBO, but nobody has called me up about that,” he said.
The casting speculation began after it was reported that Bettany was considered a preferred choice by HBO to portray the dark wizard in the upcoming adaptation of JK Rowling’s beloved fantasy series.
With the show already deep into production for its first season in the UK, the identity of the actor who will play Voldemort remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the project. Several performers have been rumoured for the part, including Cillian Murphy and Tilda Swinton.
Murphy’s name gained traction after Ralph Fiennes, who famously portrayed Voldemort in the original Harry Potter film series, suggested him as a possible successor. But Murphy has repeatedly denied being involved. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he said, “No, my kids show me it occasionally, but no, I don’t know anything about that. I mean, also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.”
Meanwhile, the main trio of young actors for the series has already been revealed. Dominic McLaughlin will step into the role of Harry Potter, alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Draco Malfoy will be played by Lox Pratt.
The show’s supporting cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Other characters from the wizarding world will be portrayed by Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Harry’s relatives, the Dursleys, will be played by Bel Powley as Petunia and Daniel Rigby as Vernon.
