Is Cillian Murphy not playing Voldemort in 'Harry Potter' series
What's the story
Irish actor Cillian Murphy, famous for his role in Oppenheimer, is said to be in the running for a major role in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. The series will start filming in the summer of 2025. Industry insider Daniel Richtman reported that Murphy is being "eyed to play Professor Quirinus Quirrell." However, Warner Bros. Discovery is yet to confirm this speculation.
Character insight
Murphy's potential role in 'Harry Potter' reboot
To recall, in the Harry Potter series, Professor Quirrell is the first Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in the titular character's first year (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) at Hogwarts. The character, played by Ian Hart in the original movie, is a stuttering professor who carries Voldemort's remains on his head. Despite his major role in the first installment, Quirrell never returns after his death.
Series involvement
Murphy's potential commitment to 'Harry Potter' series
There is speculation that the role of Quirrell may be too minor for an actor of Murphy's caliber, considering he won the Best Actor award for Oppenheimer in 2023. However, it is also suggested that he might not want to commit to a long-term series like Harry Potter. In response to these rumors, HBO said, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation."
Additional speculation
Other casting rumors for 'Harry Potter' reboot
Along with Murphy, rumors are also rife that Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been offered the role of Petunia Dursley. Warner Bros. has not confirmed this either. Notably, fans have been wanting to see Murphy as Tom Riddle/Voldemort in the new Harry Potter series iteration, given the character's complexity and the potential for early hints at future plot developments. The Harry Potter TV series is slated to premiere on HBO in 2026.