Ralph Fiennes believes his “ship has sailed” to reprise the role of Voldemort, but he’d be more than happy to pass the baton to another acclaimed British actor: Tilda Swinton.
During an appearance on “The Claudia Winkleman Show” on Friday night, Fiennes was asked about HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series and rumors about who will play the Dark Lord.
“I remember being asked the question if I would play the role again once we shot the entire film series, and this was a few years ago. I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love to do that,'” Fiennes revealed. “But then nothing happened and I guess that ship has sailed.”
However, he added: “But I will tell you, Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as a contender, and I think she would be amazing.”
Swinton was actually rumored for the role alongside Cillian Murphy, though the “Oppenheimer” and “Peaky Blinders” star recently shut down the rumors.
“I don’t know anything about it,” Murphy said on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. “Plus, it’s really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The guy is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever is going to fill those positions.”
Fiennes had previously supported Murphy for the role, telling Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” in December 2024: “Cillian is a fantastic actor. It’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be rooting for Cillian. Yes.”
The first season of HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is set to premiere this Christmas.
