Ralph Fiennes says he was once open to returning as Voldemort but now thinks the chance has passed and suggests Tilda Swinton would be fantastic in the role
The conversation about whether original franchise actors will return for HBO’s new adaptation continues to spark headlines. On an episode of The Claudia Winkleman Show, Ralph Fiennes revisited the question of playing Voldemort again, saying he had once been asked about a comeback and had answered in the affirmative. Yet, as production has moved forward, Fiennes told the host that he believes the ship has sailed — a phrase he used to indicate that the opportunity to step back into the role has likely passed him by.
His comments did not close the door on the discussion about who might inherit the part. Fiennes went further, offering his enthusiasm for another name that has circulated in fan conversations: Tilda Swinton. That endorsement adds a prominent voice to the speculation about the series’ eventual portrayal of the Dark Lord, even as HBO has maintained a deliberate silence on casting that particular role for the upcoming adaptation.
It is worth noting that Fiennes has not always been dismissive about returning. He told an interviewer in December 2026 that he would be open to the idea, and he has publicly praised colleagues he views as strong candidates. For example, he previously expressed support for Cillian Murphy when that name arose in discussions about possible actors to take on Voldemort. Fiennes’ recent remarks suggest a shift from personal availability to practical acceptance that the character will be recast, and he framed his comments with appreciation rather than regret.
A number of prominent British actors have been linked to the role in media and fan speculation. Alongside Tilda Swinton and Cillian Murphy, there have been other names floated in the public sphere, but HBO leadership has been cautious about confirming anything. Casey Bloys, the head of the network, told reporters that the role had not yet been cast, and urged audiences to treat rumors tentatively. Meanwhile, Murphy himself publicly denied involvement, categorically shutting down suggestions that he would step into the character’s shoes.
Swinton’s frequent mention as a contender has excited observers because of her chameleonic approach to roles and her history of taking unconventional parts. If she were to be cast, the series would be presented with choices about how to adapt the character’s backstory and visual identity, especially given how iconic the original film interpretation was. Speculating about such a casting invites questions about continuity, interpretation and the way the series might use gender, age and presence to reframe a familiar antagonist.
The logistics of casting are also shaped by the series’ timeline. In the first book adaptation, the grown-up version of Voldemort barely appears, making the urgency of a permanent casting choice lower for initial production. Industry observers note that a full reappearance of Voldemort does not occur until later installments, which gives HBO time to weigh long-range casting decisions. Still, with the first episode rollout planned for Christmas 2026, the network faces a public countdown that fuels interest in who will ultimately embody the villain.
While talk of the Dark Lord dominates headlines, the new series has already announced a fresh ensemble for the younger characters: Dominic McLaughlin will play the title role, joined by Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Not all returning performers have been replaced; notably, Warwick Davis is set to reprise his original part as Professor Flitwick, creating a thread of continuity between the film saga and the television retelling. These casting choices provide a mix of new talent and franchise ties as the adaptation prepares to reach audiences.
Fiennes’ public encouragement of Swinton — and his earlier praise for Murphy in December 2026 — keeps the conversation about the role alive without dictating how it will be resolved. For viewers and fans, the debate underscores how casting can shape expectations: a familiar villain reimagined by a different performer can change tone, emphasis and narrative impact. As discussions continue and HBO moves closer to the series launch, the eventual selection for Voldemort will likely be evaluated not only on resemblance to the original but on how it serves the show’s broader creative vision.