Nearly 25 years ago, the “Harry Potter” films launched Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson into global stardom. While the young leads were relatively unknown, when it was time to cast the villainous Lord Voldemort, the production turned to veteran Ralph Fiennes. The actor’s transformation into the vindictive Dark Lord became a master class in menace, leaving Fiennes inextricably linked to the iconic character.

Now, as HBO gears up for a new seven-season adaptation that’ll debut Christmas 2026, the Wizarding World is bracing for a new era. With Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) set to lead the decade-long journey, the search is on for a villain who can match their commitment and redefine Harry’s heroism for the small screen.

As the industry buzzes with names, we’ve rounded up the top contenders to play He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. From rumor mill front-runners to dark-horse favorites, these actors possess the range and presence to redefine Lord Voldemort for the franchise’s next generation.

1. Cillian Murphy

From “Peaky Blinders” to his Oscar-winning turn in “Oppenheimer,” Murphy is a master of versatility. His history of playing complex antagonists, most notably in “The Dark Knight” trilogy, has fueled speculation that he’s the ideal choice to portray Voldemort on HBO’s adaptation. With his piercing gaze and chameleonic intensity, Murphy is an excellent casting choice to bring a fresh and terrifying depth to the character.

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2. Bill Skarsgård 

From playing Pennywise in the “It” franchise to Count Orlok in “Nosferatu,” Skarsgård is no stranger to physical transformation. So it only seems fitting that he be considered. Fans have dubbed him a modern-day “scream king,” and everyone knows Voldemort’s the scariest part of the “Harry Potter” story (aside from Dolores Umbridge’s Pepto-Bismol–inspired wardrobe, that is). Who wouldn’t love to see Skarsgård torment a new batch of kids?

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3. Paul Bettany  

Reports suggest Bettany is currently one of HBO’s top choices for the role. Having played villains in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “The Da Vinci Code,” the actor excels at blending menace with sophistication. Additionally, his experience enduring hours of claustrophobic practical effects for his Marvel character Vision proves he has the stamina to inhabit Voldemort’s sinister aesthetic. Though he maintains that no formal offer has been made, he fits the profile of the Dark Lord perfectly.

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4. Jamie Campbell Bower

After his chilling performance as Vecna on “Stranger Things,” it’s clear Bower excels in the shadows, leading many to fancast him as the new Voldemort. His ability to blend youthful charm with ancient, creeping evil makes him a prime candidate. Plus, he’s already been part of the “Harry Potter” franchise. Fans will remember him as the young Gellert Grindelwald across both the original and “Fantastic Beasts” films. 

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5. Cynthia Erivo  

While still very much unconfirmed, rumors of Erivo being cast as Voldemort on HBO’s “Harry Potter” series have sparked major buzz. Following her powerhouse turn as Elphaba in “Wicked,” fans suggest her signature intensity could reinvent the Dark Lord. After all, she’s already mastered playing one wicked witch. Trading a broomstick for a Horcrux feels like the ultimate way to defy gravity once again.

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6. Benedict Cumberbatch 

From his commanding turn as Khan Noonien Singh in “Star Trek Into Darkness” to his visceral, motion-capture performance as the dragon Smaug in “The Hobbit” movies, Cumberbatch is a master of playing the high-stakes antagonist. He even demonstrated his craft onstage, alternating between the creator and the creature in the Royal National Theatre’s 2011 production of “Frankenstein.” As a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (hello, Doctor Strange!), Cumberbatch has proven he can anchor a global franchise, making him a formidable candidate for a long-term commitment to the Wizarding World.

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7. Nicholas Hoult 

Hoult’s journey could come full circle if he finally joins the Wizarding World—this time as the Dark Lord. After originally auditioning for the role of Harry as a child, his recent transformation into Lex Luthor for James Gunn’s “Superman” proves he has the range to pull off a top-tier villain. With Hoult recently expressing interest in the HBO series, he feels like someone who could disappear into the role and finally leave a definitive mark on the franchise.

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8. Robert Pattinson 

Before becoming synonymous with “Twilight” vampire Edward Cullen, Pattinson played Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Now set to play the villainous Scytale in “Dune: Part Three,” he’s proven he can master manipulative antagonists. This makes him a great choice for fans as it would bring him back to the franchise. His quietly unhinged intensity would bridge the gap between the charming Tom Riddle and the predatory He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named.  

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9. Chiwetel Ejiofor 

No matter the role, Ejiofor brings a commanding presence to the screen. Having voiced Scar in the 2019 remake of Disney’s classic animated film “The Lion King,” Ejiofor knows what it means to bring depth to a popular story’s primary villain. After all, as he told Entertainment Weekly, he couldn’t wait to explore the psychology of Scar’s “completely destroyed and brutalized” relationship with Mufasa. We’ve got chills imagining what he’d do with Voldemort!

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10. Tom Blyth 

Blyth has already made his mark as Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” but there’s nothing stopping this relative up-and-coming actor from bringing another famous franchise’s bad guy to life. The Juilliard alum has plenty of television experience under his belt, too, as he was the titular “Billy the Kid” for three seasons on MGM+’s series. Making the move to another major franchise only seems like a matter of time for this rising star.

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Where to find casting calls for the new “Harry Potter” series

While the official search for the golden trio wrapped in October 2024, and it’s clear HBO is hunting for major star power to fill Voldemort’s robes, the production of the “Harry Potter” series is far from complete. With seven seasons of magic ahead, roles will continue to open up as production moves through the books. 

Whether you’re eyeing a supporting part, a spot as a background extra, or a position on the technical crew, keep a close watch on our HBO casting page. We regularly post fresh casting notices and updates for the entire network, ensuring you won’t miss your chance to join the Wizarding World when the opportunity arises.