- Primary Subject: HBO's casting update on Harry Potter reboot's Voldemort
- Key Update: HBO CEO Casey Bloys has confirmed that Lord Voldemort has not yet been cast for the first season, as the production intends to use a combination of stunt doubles and CGI to represent the "spectral" presence of the Dark Lord.
- Status: Filming season 1
- Last Verified: March 26, 2026
- Quick Answer: Lord Voldemort is not "missing" from the story, but an official actor hasn't been cast because his season 1 role is limited to a CGI face.
The first official teaser trailer for the Harry Potter reboot has finally been released, but someone is missing from the roster: who plays the Dark Lord, Voldemort, in the revival? Considering that the new series has to establish its roots and face off with the Boy Who Lived in the first season, when can fans unmask who takes the new role as the big bad?
Why Lord Voldemort is Not Included in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
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While He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is not set to appear in his full glory until the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, his deformed snake-like face is still due to be shown on the back of Professor Quirrell's head in the first. But how come we're not getting any confirmation of an official Voldemort actor?
While doing rounds to promote the launch of the revival in the UK. HBO CEO Casey Bloys was asked by Variety whether Voldemort has been cast yet: "No, we have not. As a rule, I would say any rumors - don't [believe them]. I don't even know who we're casting. I really don't! I would take everything you read with a grain of salt."
Initially, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy and the MCU star Paul Bettany have been eyed and rumored to take over Ralph Fiennes' torch in the Wizarding World. But Murphy has said multiple times he won't be joining the Harry Potter franchise.
There was even one rumor that we might be getting a female Voldemort this time. Alas, it would have to wait until a casting update has been finalized.
The most that's been reported was by reputable insider Daniel Richtman (via SFFGazette), stating they've at least got the voice covered: "They've already cast the voice actor for Voldemort in the Harry Potter series." Perhaps it would eventually make sense since it would take a couple more seasons before Harry faces the Dark Lord in his physical form.
How Book-Accurate is HBO's Harry Potter Reboot, Really?
One of the main reasons the reboot even came to exist stems from the fact that some Potterheads were dissatisfied with the unadapted parts of J.K. Rowling's original novel series. From Hermione's side quests of protecting house elves from exploitation to how Harry and Ginny's relationship developed over time, fans hope the revival corrects some of the movie franchise's missed opportunities.
TV Shows are, without a doubt, a better way to depict novel series (take Percy Jackson and the Olympians, for example). For the Wizarding World, eight episodes of runtime per season should be more than enough to break down everything from paper to screen once it arrives on the streamer. Here's to hoping the new trio does it better.
In the meantime, fans can wait for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (season 1) to drop on HBO Max in Christmas 2026. Stay tuned.
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