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Paul Bettany Denies Voldemort Role in HBO's Potter Series

3/9/2026

Summary

Bettany Denies Voldemort Role

Paul Bettany says he has not been contacted about playing Lord Voldemort in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series.
Other actors, including Cillian Murphy and Tilda Swinton, have been linked to the role.
The series is in production in the United Kingdom with a new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore.
It is set to launch in 2027.

Summary

Voldemort Casting Speculation

HBO's Harry Potter series is keeping the Lord Voldemort casting secret, fueling speculation.
Cillian Murphy has been a long-time favorite, and Ralph Fiennes endorses him.
Paul Bettany, at the Saturn Awards, denied involvement, saying, "nobody has called me up about that."
Matthew Macfadyen, known for Voldemort in Audible's Full-Cast Audiobooks, doubts live-action casting.
The series is set to launch in early 2027 and will introduce Voldemort early, aiming for continuity across its seven-season run.

History

Historical Context

The Harry Potter film series, launched with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 2001, transformed the film industry by establishing a successful franchise model, grossing over $7.7 billion worldwide. This cultural phenomenon, based on J.K. Rowling's novels, has inspired numerous adaptations and spinoffs, including an upcoming HBO series, reflecting its lasting impact on media and popular culture.

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Bettany Denies Voldemort Role

Paul Bettany says he has not been contacted about playing Lord Voldemort in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series.
Other actors, including Cillian Murphy and Tilda Swinton, have been linked to the role.
The series is in production in the United Kingdom with a new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore.
It is set to launch in 2027.

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