Speculation rises over female Voldemort in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot

Fresh speculation has gripped the Harry Potter fandom as rumours suggest HBO’s upcoming adaptation of The Philosopher’s Stone could feature a female incarnation of Lord Voldemort.

The new series, billed as a fresh take on J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, is expected to introduce Voldemort earlier than in the original films — possibly through flashbacks and his possession of Professor Quirrell.

Entertainment scooper Daniel Richtman reported on X that HBO is auditioning both men and women for the role of Voldemort. “So it’s possible we could see a female Voldemort in the series,” Richtman wrote.

The report has triggered heated debate online, with some fans coining names such as “Lady Voldemort” or “She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” Reactions have been sharply divided. “Nope. No thank you. Don’t care if I sound sexist. Voldemort should not be a female character. Put the whole thing in the trash if they do that,” one user posted. Another joked: “I present to you Lady ‘She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’ Voldemort!”

Rumours have also swirled around big-name casting. Cillian Murphy, of Oppenheimer fame, dismissed speculation during Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. “I don’t know anything about that… it’s 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,” he said.

Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the original films, previously praised Murphy, calling him a “wonderful suggestion.” Fans have also floated names such as Tom Hiddleston, but HBO has yet to make any official casting announcements.

In the original franchise, Ralph Fiennes portrayed Voldemort, while Christian Coulson, Richard Bremmer and Ian Hart played earlier versions of the character. Unlike the films, HBO’s series is expected to feature the Dark Lord from the first season, including flashbacks to Harry’s parents’ murder and Voldemort’s early return.

Source: Agency