Harry Potter fans devastated after ‘perfect’ acting legend rules out playing Voldemort

An acting legend has ruled out playing Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot.

With filming already underway for the HBO adaptation of JK Rowling’s books, there has been a great deal of speculation around who will play the iconic Dark Lord character.

Earlier this month, Succession star Matthew Macfadyen emerged as the current favourite to take on the role after he voiced Voldemort in a new Harry Potter audiobook series.

Now, however, a fellow British talent known for his work in House of the Dragon and The Crown has removed himself from the conversation.

Appearing on NBC News, Matt Smith shut down a line of questioning from a reporter asking whether he would take on the role from Ralph Fiennes.

The 42-year-old said: ‘No, no, no. I mean can anyone play it after Ralph? He was so good.’

Asked whether he would accept the role if he was offered, the former Doctor Who star added: ‘Hypothetically, who knows?’

‘But following in the footsteps of the great Ralph Fiennes is a very difficult mantle for someone so good luck whoever it is. It ain’t gonna be me.’

Who are the other contenders for Voldemort?

HBO has already revealed that John Lithgow has been cast to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu is Severus Snape, and Nick Frost will play Hagrid.

In addition to that, three young actors have been cast to play Harry, Hermione and Ron, following in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

But Harry Potter fans are still waiting to find out who will star as Voldemort.

Matthew Macfadyen

The current favourite to become the new Voldemort is Matthew Macfadyen, according to odds by Online Betting Guide.

The Succession star is at 1/1 to play him after voicing him in the audiobooks.

The first of these seven audiobooks, which feature full cast voices, will be released by Audible on November 4.

Paul Bettany

Joining his fellow Marvel actor Matt Smith in the running is Paul Bettany.

The 54-year-old British star is tipped at 3/1 odds as of now.

He is known for playing Vision in WandaVision and previous Avengers movies, as well as Legion, The Da Vinci Code and A Beautiful Mind.

Cillian Murphy

Behind Smith and Bettany, Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy is next up.

The 49-year-old is at 4/1 odds to become He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

This comes after the original Voldemort actor, Ralph Fiennes, gave his blessing to the Oppenheimer star.

During an interview on Watch What Happens Live, Fiennes said: ‘Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian. Yeah.’

Tom Hiddleston

Last but not least, Tom Hiddleston is also in the running to play the iconic character.

At 5/1 odds, he was previously thought to the be the favourite for the role.

Given his previous experience playing baddie characters, like with Loki, Voldemort could be a perfect fit.

Last week, HBO announced who will be playing the Weasley siblings in the upcoming Harry Potter TV show.

Taking to social media, HBO Max shared a picture of five kids who have landed the role of a lifetime as The Burrow’s smiling occupants.

The series has also been confirmed for a 2027 release window, which will mark 16 years since the final movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two was released in cinemas.

The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max in 2027.

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