Ralph Fiennes hints Cillian Murphy will play Voldemort in Harry Potter series

James Cox

Ralph Fiennes, who famously portrayed villain Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, has hinted Irish actor Cillian Murphy will be the next to portray the character.

JK Rowling's iconic novels are set to be reimagined on the small screen after the huge success of the films, with HBO filming a Harry Potter series.

During an event for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which Fiennes starred in with Murphy also working on the zombie franchise, he was asked about who should succeed him as Voldemort. 

Fiennes replied: "I'm told they are already filled, aren't they? I think Cillian Murphy is very good. A very good choice."

Murphy has long been linked with the role, and bookmakers have slashed odds on the Corkman playing Voldemort.

Murphy won best actor at the Oscars in 2024 for his portrayal of J Robert Oppenheimer, the 'father of the atomic bomb', in Christopher Nolan's biopic Oppenheimer. 

He will reprise the role of Tommy Shelby, perhaps his most well-known character, for a Peaky Blinders film which is set for release in March.