Cillian Murphy As Voldemort? Snape's Role Has Also Been 'Chosen'

The actor responsible for playing Voldemort in the 'Harry Potter' films, Ralph Fiennes, already has a 'successor' in mind to play the villain in the series being developed for Max (formerly HBO).

As Deadline reports, a viewer of 'Watch What Happen's Live' suggested the name of Cillian Murphy to play Voldemort and, it seems, Fiennes seems to appreciate the idea. “It’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be totally in favor of Cillian [Murphy], yes,” replied Fiennes.

It's worth remembering that Cillian Murphy won the Oscar for Best Leading Actor for his role in 'Oppenheimer' and is also known as Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'.

It's unknown whether Murphy would consider playing the role of Voldemort but considering this series is described as a faithful adaptation of the 'Harry Potter' saga (consisting of seven books), it's likely that the high level of commitment could be a deal-breaker. Especially considering that Murphy has been playing the main character in 'Peaky Blinders' for over ten years.

Paapa Essiedu © Getty Images

Who will play Snape?

There are also some rumors that suggest HBO may have already cast the person to play Severus Snape, the mysterious Potions professor who was once played by Alan Rickman.

The Hollywood Reporter says it has received reports from sources pointing to the casting of Paapa Essiedu ('I May Destroy You', 'Gangs of London', 'The Lazarus Project') in the role of Snape. The publication claims that the role has already been offered to Essiedu, but notes that it is not yet clear whether negotiations have already begun.

The actor began his career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and has worked on classic plays such as 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear'.

In a statement about Essiedu's casting in the role of Snap, HBO made no considerations and continues without announcing names for the cast: “We are grateful that such a high-profile series attracts so many rumors and speculation. As we move into pre-production, we will only confirm details once we have finalized agreements.”