The one who must not be mentioned for legal reasons
No one does slow build-up quite like the big streaming services; the only thing that is currently teased slower than the Harry Potter cast is the fourth season of The White Lotus. We’ve been treated to a couple of big names in bigger roles for HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation of the franchise: Nick Frost as Gygrid, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, we’ve even confirmed the golden trio (Harry, Hermione and Ronny). The biggest surprise on the poster is the series’ villain, Voldemort, who is still unpossessed.
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Many actors have been rumored to be in the running for the role, with Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy the one who has received the most attention from fans. However, he quickly dismissed these rumors, telling The Times, “I categorically don’t play Voldemort.” But according to gossip source Daniel Richtman, HBO has opened its eyes to another name: Paul Bettany.
Known for his role as J.A.R.V.I.S. in Marvel’s Iron Man, as well as starring in other MCU successes such as The Avengers, Doctor Strange, WandaVision, What If…? and others. He has also recently starred in the Sky series Amadeus as Mozart’s rival Salieri, alongside Will Sharpe. Now he may be donning the ragged, black clothes of one of literature’s greatest villains.
There has been no response from Bettany about the role yet, although the reactions from fans online have been mostly positive, with many calling him a “perfect choice” for the role, referring to some of his other villain roles such as Silas in The Da Vinci Code.
Other names that have been suggested include Matt Smith, Willem Dafoe, Benedict Cumberbatch and Christian Bale – some are eager to see Fiennes return to the role, and most agree that whoever takes over the role will have a difficult job surpassing the original performance.
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The series has had its share of controversy due to J.K. Rowling’s public transcritical attitudes, and as a result, some actors have distanced themselves from the project. Some fans are eager to hear Bettany’s stance in light of the casting rumors.
Although Voldemort appears in the first novel, he is only half a face attached to Professor Krengle, and he does not reappear in his full physical form until the fourth novel, The Goblet of Fire. So, while filming is already underway for the first series, it could be quite a while before we get any confirmation from HBO on who will actually take on the role, unless they plan to let The Dark Lord appear earlier than expected.
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