Cillian Murphy does not believe Harry Potter is his to finish.
Indeed, amid the online chatter pushing for the Oppenheimer star to be cast as Voldemort in the upcoming HBO television adaptation, he clarified that he has not been cast as the iconic villain.
“No,” he said of the possibility of his casting on the Sept. 11 episode of the Happy, Sad Confusedpodcast “My kids show me occasionally and I don’t know anything about that.”
And the Peaky Blinders alum admitted that Ralph Fiennes’ interpretation of the character is a particularly hard act to follow.
“It’s really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does,” he noted. “He’s the man. An absolute acting legend. Good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.”
The 49-year-old also joked that he wasn’t willing to lose his nose for the part, joking, “I’m very attached to it.”
While the new Harry Potter series, set to hit HBO in 2027, has announced some of its stars—including the golden trio of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger—Cillian isn’t the first actor to have to address rumors of his involvement.
Earlier this year, while HBO declined to confirm any casting rumors, John Lithgow—who starred alongside Fiennes in Conclave—confirmed he would take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, putting speculation to rest.
“It came as a total surprise to me,” he told Screen Rant in February. “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”
Indeed, while John, 79, is nervous about the prospect of signing on to such a commitment, he is excited to join the iconic series.
“Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter,” he added. “That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Keep reading for a deeper look into the Harry Potter cast…
Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander
In July 2025, it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser would be opening the doors to Ollivanders, taking over the role of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the late, great John Hurt.
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
Young actor Rory Wilmot is set to star as fan favorite Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom, who was previously played by Matthew Lewis.
Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch
British actress Louise Brealey will take over from Zoe Wanamaker as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch flying instructor. Brealey is perhaps best known for her roles in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches and Hulu’s Such Brave Girls.
Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
Harry’s cousin Dudley will be played by newcomer Amos Kitson. Harry Melling portrayed the young Dursley in the original movies.
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin & Alastair Stout as Hermione, Harry & Ron
Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will step into the Gryffindor robes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The trio takes over from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played the roles in the film franchise from 2000 to 2010.
“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,” said Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the executive producers of the TV adaptation. “We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
The iconic Slytherin will be played by rising star Lox Pratt. He takes over from Tom Felton, who recently announced he will be heading to Broadway to take on the adult version of Draco in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
In June 2025, HBO announced that Ripley actor Johnny Flynn would be taking on the role of Draco’s father, Lucius Malfoy. The White Lotus star Jason Isaacs portrayed Lucius in the movie series and he took to Instagram to congratulate his successor: “Thrilled to be passing the keys to Malfoy Manor to @johnnyflynnmusic, a monstrously talented renaissance man.”
Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
Katherine Parkinson, who won a BAFTA award for her performance in British sitcom The IT Crowd, will star in the TV adaptation as the Weasley matriarch. The role was previously played by Mamma Mia! actress Julie Walters.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
In March 2025, Variety reported that comedian Nick Frost was nearing a deal to play half-giant Hagrid. Frost was launched to fame for his roles alongside Simon Pegg in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Hagrid was played in the original films by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
In December 2024, it was reported that Emmy-nominated British actor Paapa Essiedu was in talks to play Professor Snape, who was memorably portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the movies. Essiedu is a rising star of stage and screen, perhaps most recognized for his role in the HBO drama I May Destroy You.
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Veteran actor John Lithgow will star as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the HBO series. His extensive list of credits includes Conclave, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown. Lithgow also boasts an impressive list of awards, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.
“It was not an easy decision,” Lithgow told ScreenRant while confirming his casting in February 2025, “because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited… I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.
Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley
BAFTA-winner Daniel Rigby will step into the shoes of Harry’s uncle in the HBO Max series. “Thrilled to be playing the world’s worst muggle, Uncle Vernon,” Rigby posted on Instagram. The role was previously played by Richard Griffiths, who died in 2013.
Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley
British actress Bel Powley will follow in Fiona Shaw‘s footsteps and take on the role of Aunt Petunia. Powley’s screen credits include The Morning Show, A Small Light and Masters of the Air.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
British actress Janet McTeer is set to play Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor and Hogwarts’ Deputy Headmistress. McTeer’s career spans back decades and includes roles in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. The legendary Dame Maggie Smith took on the role in the film franchise.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
In April 2025, HBO announced that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be stepping into the boots of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, taking over the role played by David Bradley in the films. Whitehouse is well known for his comedy work in the UK, and (fun fact!) he also appeared as Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni & Sienna Moosah as Seamus, Parvati & Lavender
A trio of youngsters will take on the supporting roles of Harry’s schoolmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. Those characters were previously played by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury and Jessie Cave.
Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
In June 2025, it was reported that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel would be portraying the Minister of Magic. Robert Hardy, who died in 2017, played Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movies.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Perhaps the least well-known actor of the new cast, theater actor Luke Thallon will portray Harry’s first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Ian Hart previously portrayed Quirrell, who plays a memorable role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
