Ralph Fiennes Says the ‘Ship Has Sailed’ for Him to Reprise Voldemort Role in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series, but Tilda Swinton ‘Would Be Amazing’

Ralph Fiennes thinks the “ship has sailed” for him to reprise the role of Voldemort, but he’d be more than happy to pass the wand to another acclaimed British actor: Tilda Swinton.

During an appearance on “The Claudia Winkleman Show” on Friday night, Fiennes was questioned about HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series and the rumors surrounding who will take on the role of the Dark Lord.

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“I remember being asked the question once we’d shot the total film series, would I reprise the part, and this was some years ago. I said, ‘Yes, I’d love to,'” Fiennes revealed. “But then nothing’s happened and I think that ship has sailed.”

However, he added: “But I’ll tell you, Tilda Swinton was mentioned somewhere as being a contender, and I think she would be amazing.”

Indeed, Swinton’s name has been whispered to be in the mix for the part alongside Cillian Murphy, though the “Oppenheimer” and “Peaky Blinders” star recently shut down the rumors.

“I don’t know anything about that,” Murphy said on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. “Also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever’s gonna fill those shoes.”

Fiennes had also previously endorsed Murphy for the role, telling Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” in December 2024: “Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”

The first season of HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is set to premiere this Christmas.