Ralph Fiennes thinks the “ship has sailed” for him to reprise the role of Voldemort, but he’d be greater than pleased to pass the wand to a different acclaimed British actor: Tilda Swinton.
During an appearance on “The Claudia Winkleman Show” on Friday night, Fiennes was questioned about HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series and the rumors surrounding who will tackle the role of the Dark Lord.
“I remember being asked the query once we’d shot the overall film series, would I reprise the part, and this was some years ago. I said, ‘Yes, I’d like to,’” Fiennes revealed. “But then nothing’s happened and I feel that ship has sailed.”
Nonetheless, he added: “But I’ll let you know, Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as being a contender, and I feel she could be amazing.”
Indeed, Swinton’s name has been whispered to be in the combination for the part alongside Cillian Murphy, though the “Oppenheimer” and “Peaky Blinders” star recently shut down the rumors.
“I don’t know anything about that,” Murphy said on Josh Horowitz’s “Pleased Sad Confused” podcast. “Also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The person is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever’s gonna fill those shoes.”
Fiennes had also previously endorsed Murphy for the role, telling Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” in December 2024: “Cillian is a unbelievable actor. That’s a beautiful suggestion. I could be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
The primary season of HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is about to premiere this Christmas.