British legend new frontrunner to play Voldemort after Harry Potter cast updates
After HBO this week anointed three young actors as Harry, Hermione and Ron for a new generation, speculation has ramped up for who will play the trio's arch nemesis.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have been cast in the lead roles to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, after over 30,000 young hopefuls threw their name into the sorting hat at the casting director's office.
The production had already shared a swathe of casting announcements, with John Lithgow set to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu taking on Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
The Potterheads are now waiting for the rest of the cast to be announced, with our new Voldemort still missing from the roster.
The leading contender for the spot is said to be British actor Tom Hiddleston. No stranger to playing a baddie, Hiddleston is probably best known as Marvel's impish Loki.
The 44-year-old is currently leading early predictions, according to Online Betting Guide, who have put him at 1/1 odds.
He's followed by Peaky Blinders Cillian Murphy at 6/4, who previously had something of an edge after the original Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes gave Murphy his blessing.
Fiennes was asked to address weeks of speculation Murphy would take over the role during an interview on Watch What Happens Live. Who do you think would be the best Voldemort?
He said: 'Cillian is a fantastic actor. That's a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.'
Following Hiddleston and Murphy in the bookies' reckoning is another Marvel star, with Paul Bettany at 3/1. Then in fourth is yet another Marvel alum – maybe willingness to be in one franchise means you're more likely to do it again – with Benedict Cumberbatch at 6/1.
This comes after HBO finally shed light on how much the TV adaptation of JK Rowling's smash books is going to cost, after astronomical figures had been bandied about.
Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take…
Tom Hiddleston's tenure as Loki in the Marvel franchise is riddled (get it) with moments proving he has a strong Voldemort performance in him. Think back to when he went full panto villain at Comic-Con in 2013, emerging from the dark with the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
He's certainly capable of playing a charismatic villain – but there's the risk his charm may soften Voldemort's edges. After all, who didn't end up secretly loving Loki, even before we were meant to?
We want someone who's truly terrifying to play Voldemort. Hairs upright on the back of your neck type of thing.
Perhaps an actor like Idris Elba would be a better fit, admittedly not currently in the conversation, but with a commanding presence and The Wire's Stringer Bell as proof he knows how to play a complicated villain.
The budget reported so far would make the HBO show the most expensive ever to be made, trouncing Prime Video's $465 million (£399 million) price tag for Rings of Power. More Trending
The Express reported each episode would cost £75 million to make, boosting the UK economy by billions.
However, a source close to the production has now confirmed to Metro that the reported figure is inaccurate.
Instead, the production costs will be on a par with Game of Thrones' budget. The eighth season of the show was its most expensive, costing roughly $15 million (almost £12 million at the time) per episode.
View More »
The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max in 2026.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Harry Potter fans annoyed about casting detail no one's got right in 25 years
MORE: Here's why fans think Arabella Stanton as new Hermione is 'perfect casting'
MORE: The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Emma Raducanu lifts lid on Carlos Alcaraz dating rumours after sparking romance speculation earlier this summer
Raducanu also spoke out about her frequent coaching changes CARL IT OUT Emma Raducanu lifts lid on Carlos Alcaraz dating rumours after sparking romance speculation earlier this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMMA RADUCANU has admitted her frustration at speculation surrounding her love life. The British sensation is quietly enjoying her best season since shooting to fame by winning the US Open in 2021. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Emma Raducanu has been in good form this year Credit: Getty 6 Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz are both sponsored by Evian Credit: Getty At Wimbledon, Raducanu faced speculation regarding her relationship with Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz. It had recently been announced that the pair would partner up for the US Open's revamped mixed doubles event. While Raducanu had also attended one of Alcaraz's matches at Queen's. The 22-year-old insisted at the time that she and the two-time former Wimbledon champion were "just friends". READ MORE IN SPORT NO BAWLS, PLEASE Raducanu 'asks for crying kid to be EJECTED from arena' in tense exchange With the US Open just around the corner, Raducanu discussed speculation surrounding her love life with The Guardian. The British No1 said: "I guess I'm like, it comes with the territory, people being so curious. "I think they're more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news. "But I just keep myself to myself, my private life to one side. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 6 Raducanu and Alcaraz are set to partner up at the US Open Credit: Getty 6 Raducanu, 22, watched Alcaraz play at Queen's earlier this summer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial "It's always funny when people try to find something out, but I try not to read into it so much." During Wimbledon, British star Cameron Norrie was bizarrely asked if he was dating Raducanu. Emma Raducanu 'asks for crying child to be EJECTED from stadium' in tense exchange with umpire and crowd agree The baffled looking ace, who is in a long-term relationship with Louise Jacobi, replied: "Sorry?" The reporter then responded: "I am trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu. "It seems to be going around all the men's singles... I was wondering if you're dating her, please?" A clearly uncomfortable Norrie then said: "I'm not, no. You can ask her. I don't know." Addressing that weird exchange, Raducanu laughed before saying: "That was terrible, terrible." 6 Cameron Norrie was understandably baffled by the question The British No1 is ranked No39 in the world and was narrowly beaten by Aryna Sabalenka in round two of Cincinnatti earlier this week. For the first time since her US Open triumph four years ago, Raducanu has managed to play a full calendar - crucially staying injury free. With Mark Petchey having TV commitments, Raducanu has begun working with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig. On chatter surrounding the several coaches that she has worked with down the years, Raducanu said: "When you see things like: 'Oh, Emma on her ninth coach', I'm like: 'Guys, come on.' Certain ones don't count. "If you've had a trial, you don't have to carry on after the trial. A few have been trials, a few have been other situations. "I just try and take the high road. And try to do what the royal family would do.'
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Cancel your weekend plans to binge Sheridan Smith's 'outstanding' Netflix drama
It looks like Netflix subscribers are discovering a Sheridan Smith crime drama that first aired on ITV in 2012. Mrs Biggs is climbing up the streamer's ranking of the platform's top 10 TV shows – making a convincing argument for a mid-August weekend watch. Smith – who has so many British dramas to her name it can be easy to let one slip – stars in this five-part drama, which is based on the true story of the Great Train Robbery. The drama focuses on the relationship between Charmian, played by Smith, and Ronnie Biggs, played by Daniel Mays. It follows everything from their first lovestruck meeting and the fateful 1963 train heist, to its aftermath and their eventual divorce in 1976, after Biggs fathered a child in Brazil. We see the petty crook meet his soon-to-be wife on, of all places, a train. 'The future is full of possibilities,' he tells her. 'The past will only drag you down.' With that, the Biggs couple set off on a crime spree before they eventually decide to settle down for a quiet married life. That is, until the 'one last job' pops up in the chance to join the train robbers. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Some labelled the drama a sanitised version of events, but it was inspired by a letter Biggs sent to his wife following the death of their son Nicholas. Biggs's former wife Charmian was also a consultant on the show. The show's writer and executive producer Jeff Pope said he wanted to set out a romantic tale, rather than a romanticised one. 'We show Ron as perhaps a little too wilfully optimistic and Charmian is the cold voice of reason throughout. It absolutely would be a danger of a piece like this to romanticise it,' he told The Guardian. 'It will get laughed out of court if it's a slushfest. In the first episode, they steal, he strikes her, we acknowledge the fact he had a criminal record; further down the line, Charmian has an abortion by another man. We don't pull back, we don't flinch.' Praised at the time of its release for the quality of the acting and the excitement of the episodes, TV viewers have shared their positive reception over the years, as Mrs Biggs has been available on ITVX as well as Netflix. Taking to X, @AshWoody90 praised: 'Mrs Biggs on Netflix, possibly one the best things I have ever watched.' More Trending @elliot_gonzalez commended the creative partnership between the show's writer and star, writing: 'Jeff Pope and Sheridan Smith should always work together. Mrs Biggs, The Widower, Cilla and now The Moorside. All outstanding work.' @TVChatty wrote: 'All week I've been watching Mrs Biggs on ITV3. Why did I not watch it first time? Fantastic story and great acting. Really enjoyed it.' @lizcurran echoed: 'Sheridan Smith is wonderful in Mrs Biggs – she is one of my favourite actors. Utterly mesmerising – always.' View More » Mrs Biggs is available on Netflix and ITVX. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Brooklyn Beckham distressed over claims wife Nicola Peltz 'hasn't backed down for months'
The star is said to be 'excruciated by everything' Brooklyn Beckham has spoken out to quash rumours that his wife Nicola Peltz is controlling him, as close pals reveal his distress over the negative portrayal of his spouse. The eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham is upset by claims that Nicola is unfairly targeted following reports that his family was not invited to their wedding vow renewal ceremony. An insider commented: "It's so rooted in misogyny that all of the heat for his parents not being invited is on Nicola. Everyone seems to forget that Brooklyn is an adult man and fully capable of speaking out. Nicola would have respected all that he chose. It breaks Brooklyn's heart to see his wife being painted as this vixen and viper." The 'Lola' star has faced allegations of cutting her husband off from both his relatives and mates. Observers have noted that at the August 2 event, which Nicola's father Nelson officiated, there appeared to be an absence of Brooklyn's extended family and British friends. While Brooklyn has not officially responded to the controversy, he recently made his feelings clear through social media actions. He liked an Instagram comment from a user who stood up for Nicola. The commenter had stated: "Why is it assumed that she made the decision to exclude them? ... If he really wanted his parents there, they would be." The Mirror has recently reported on the severe rift between David and Victoria Beckham and their daughter-in-law, which resulted in the couple only learning about the vow renewal through online news and photographs, reports the Mirror. Friends of Nicola and Brooklyn have revealed that his siblings Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, were also excluded from the event following what they describe as a string of online jibes. A source commented: "Brooklyn's brothers have been fanning the flames. They've openly made fun of and trolled Brooklyn in comments on social media." However, there are those who question the necessity of ostracising the entire family. Excluded from the August 2 festivities in the US were all the Beckhams - including little sister Harper, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. An insider confided to the Mirror: "Why punish the whole family for what is essentially a fallout with just the mum and dad?" It was reportedly difficult to not invite Harper, 14, given her closeness to Brooklyn and the grandparents. A friend remarked: "They are trying to make the best decisions for them in what are very unfortunate circumstances. Navigating family stuff is hard and it's ugly." Despite the current estrangement, the couple maintains hope for mending ties. The same friend added: "The door is open. No one wants to see this kind of pain exist. There is always hope. At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water."
