Paul Bettany playing Voldemort in 'HP' series? Actor breaks silence
What's the story
Hollywood actor Paul Bettany (WandaVision) has reacted to rumors of him playing Lord Voldemort in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. Speaking to Screen Rant at the Saturn Awards on Sunday, he said, "I haven't heard anything about that [playing Voldemort]." "I am a big fan of the [Harry Potter] IP, and I'm a big fan of HBO, but nobody has called me up about that."
Casting speculation
Bettany's name was linked to Voldemort's role recently
The speculation about Bettany being considered for the role of Voldemort was first reported by Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman. He claimed that the actor was HBO's top pick to play Harry's arch-nemesis in the new adaptation of JK Rowling's work.
Role speculation
The makers haven't announced casting for Voldemort
Actors Cillian Murphy and Tilda Swinton have also been rumored to be in contention for the part. Murphy was previously suggested by Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the original Harry Potter film series. However, the Steve actor has since denied any involvement with the project on multiple occasions. "It's just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does...so good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes," he said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Series casting
Meanwhile, here's the cast of 'Harry Potter' series so far
The Harry Potter TV series, currently in production for its first season in the UK, has already cast several key roles. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Alastair Stout is Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton has been cast as Hermione Granger. Other notable cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
Additional cast
Other actors in the 'HP' series
The makers have also finalized casting for several supporting roles. Lox Pratt has been cast as Draco Malfoy, while Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid. Bertie Carvel has been confirmed to portray Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, and Johnny Flynn will take on the role of Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy. The Dursleys, Harry's aunt and uncle, will be played by Bel Powley as Petunia and Daniel Rigby as her husband Vernon.