Andy Serkis told a podcast host he's 'waiting for the call' about playing Voldemort in HBO's Harry Potter, while juggling major projects like The Hunt for Gollum and The Batman Part II
The announcement that HBO and warner bros. are adapting J.K. Rowling’s wizarding saga for television has sparked intense casting conversation, and one surprising name has entered the mix. On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, actor and director Andy Serkis responded to the suggestion that he might play Voldemort in the upcoming series, saying he was “waiting for the call.” The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is scheduled to debut Christmas 2026 on HBO and HBO Max, and the show will adapt each book across multiple years as part of a long-form television plan.
Serkis’s reaction was playful but candid: he acknowledged the challenge of following Ralph Fiennes’s iconic film portrayal and joked about the physical transformation the role might demand. This exchange landed while Serkis was promoting his animated adaptation of Animal Farm, and his openness reignited public speculation about who will play the Dark Lord. Meanwhile, HBO’s main trio—Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron—are already set, leaving Voldemort as one of the few remaining high-profile casting questions.
Serkis brings a track record of complex, digitally augmented and villainous performances, most famously as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and as characters like Supreme Leader Snoke. His expertise with motion capture and performance-driven CGI would be relevant if the HBO production leans into visual effects to recreate Voldemort‘s serpent-like features. Beyond technical fit, Serkis has played morally ambiguous and outright antagonistic roles before, which bolsters the argument that he could approach the Dark Lord’s psychology with nuance rather than imitation.
Despite the creative fit, Serkis’s calendar is crowded: he is directing and appearing as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum and returns as Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman Part II. Those commitments raise questions about his ability to commit to a multi-season series that could extend across a decade if HBO adapts all seven books. However, industry observers note that Voldemort is relatively peripheral in the first installment, giving a potential actor time to join later seasons if scheduling allows.
HBO and Warner Bros. have reportedly discussed several names for the role, from long-rumored favorites like Cillian Murphy to mentions of Paul Bettany. Some actors publicly denied involvement, while others were simply subjects of industry speculation. The production appears deliberate in matching a performer to a figure who becomes central to the saga over multiple seasons, and sources suggest the studio prefers to find a single actor who can grow into the role as the show progresses.
In the books and previous films, Voldemort is not fully manifested as a physical antagonist until later installments, notably Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and the final volumes. That narrative arc means initial seasons may require only brief appearances or voice work, with the villain’s screen presence intensifying in subsequent years. For potential cast members with tight timetables, that staggered escalation provides an opportunity to agree to a long-term association without immediate, full-time production demands.
On the podcast, Serkis quipped that Ralph Fiennes “has big boots to follow” and playfully refused to give an on-air impression, but he made clear he would consider the role. His comments should not be read as a formal offer or acceptance; rather, they reflect willingness and an understanding of the role’s profile. For fans and industry watchers, Serkis’s remarks add a credible voice to an ongoing conversation, while reminding everyone that casting decisions for high-stakes, long-running adaptations often evolve over months or years.
Whether Serkis ultimately takes part or the role goes to another actor, the mention of his name highlights the scale of ambition behind HBO’s adaptation. With principal casting for the student leads already set and a plan to adapt every book, the choice of Voldemort will shape future seasons. For now, audiences can look forward to the first episode of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone arriving Christmas 2026 on HBO and HBO Max, and to further casting announcements as the project advances.