Is Cillian Murphy playing Lord Voldemort in the new ‘Harry Potter’ series? The actor responds: ‘Can you make that the headline?’

Cillian Murphy is done with people asking if he is the new Lord Voldemort in the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ series. Now the Oscar-winning actor has set the record straight. Murphy, who is set to reprise his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the upcoming ‘Peaky Blinders’ film, has now shut down the rumors with a definitive answer. In an interview with The Times, Cillian Murphy gave a definitive answer about joining the Harry Potter universe as the ultimate villain. He revealed, “I’m categorically not.” As Murphy has been asked the same question hundreds of times, he adds, “Can you make that the headline?” Rumours about Murphy playing the Dark Lord began circulating over a year ago and gained further momentum after Ralph Fiennes, who originally portrayed Voldemort in the film franchise, appeared to endorse the idea. In January 2026, during an interaction with Let’s Talk Film, Fiennes said in a clip that later went viral on TikTok, “ I think Cillian Murphy is very good. A very good choice." At the time, he also suggested he had heard that the role had already been filled.However, Murphy’s latest statement makes it clear that he is not part of the wizarding reboot.The HBO adaptation, based on the seven-book series by J.K. Rowling, is currently filming in the United Kingdom and is expected to premiere in 2027.Meanwhile, a new generation of actors is set to lead the franchise. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger, roles famously brought to life on screen by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.