Latest news with #Voldemort
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Who will play the new Voldemort? Hollywood actor predicted to star as iconic Harry Potter villain
One Hollywood actor has been tipped to play Voldemort in the upcoming HBO remake of JK Rowling's Harry Potter. With the cast edging closer to completion, Potterheads are waiting patiently to find out who will play the remaining characters - including Voldemort, the franchise's dark wizard. Ralph Fiennes was cast as the villain in the original eight movies. This time around however, a household name in the film industry is the bookies' favorite for the role. Paul Bettany comes in third in the predictions, followed by Ralph Fiennes in fourth, just in front of Benedict Cumberbatch. However, a return for any actor who featured in the original films seems increasingly unlikely given not a single one has yet been announced. While stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman passed away since they starred in Potter, a very public feud between JK Rowling and the movie's three main stars made certain they would not be returning. Hopes of seeing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint back at Hogwarts were all but crushed after the trio spoke out against the author over her views on trans rights in 2020. Rowling had stated her belief that women are defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity. The author later insisted she would never forgive the Harry Potter stars, with Rowling again taking aim at them just last month. Replying to a tweet asking: 'What actor/ actress instantly ruins a movie for you?', she wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' But while cast members of the films have publicly criticized the books' author, HBO have backed her saying she has a 'right to express her personal views'. The announcement came after other members of the cast were revealed months earlier, with Paapa Essiedu in-line to play Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Earlier this week, JK Rowling expressed her delight at the casting of her new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Responding to a fan on X asking how she felt about the appointments, she said: 'All three wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' The three new leads are expected to start filming this summer after being chosen from more than 32,000 audition tapes from across the UK and Ireland. The new adaptation will be spread across seven seasons, equal to the number of books - although there were eight films with the final Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows split into two parts. The HBO TV show is said to be costing over $100million per episode - and the three child actors taking the lead roles have been tipped to land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the 'wonderful' talent of the three newcomers, when making Tuesday's casting announcement. They said: 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. '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.'
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
British legend new frontrunner to play Voldemort after Harry Potter cast updates
A new name has leapt to the front of the race to predict who will play Voldemort in the Harry Potter adaptation for TV. 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 entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ 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
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic Hollywood star tipped to play villainous Voldemort in HBO's much-anticipated Harry Potter series - after the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were revealed
One iconic Hollywood actor has been tipped to play Voldemort in the upcoming HBO remake of JK Rowling 's Harry Potter. Film-lovers were sent into a frenzy earlier this week as the trio of child actors set to appear as Harry, Ron and Hermione were at last revealed after months of waiting. Directors of the much-anticipated series trawled through more than 32,000 audition tapes before deciding on the lucky three - Dominic Laughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The announcement came after other members of the cast were revealed months earlier, with Paapa Essiedu in-line to play Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Now, with the cast edging closer to completion, Potter lovers are waiting patiently to find out who will play the remaining characters - including Voldemort, the franchise's dark wizard. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ralph Fiennes was cast as the villain in the original eight Potter movies and played the dark lord sublimely. This time around however, a household name in the film industry is the bookies' favourite for the role. Leading early predictions is none other than British actor Tom Hiddleston, according to industry experts at OLBG (Online Betting Guide). The 44-year-old is currently placed at 1/1 in the guide's odds, ahead of Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy (6/4) in second and Paul Bettany (3/1) in third. While former Voldemort Ralph (5/1) sits in fourth just in front of Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch (6/1). However a return for any actor who featured in the original films seems increasingly unlikely given not a single one has yet been announced. While stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman passed away since they starred in Potter, a very public feud between JK Rowling, 59, and the movie's three main stars made certain they would not be returning. Film-lovers' hopes of seeing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint back at Hogwarts were all but crushed after the trio spoke out against the author over her views on trans rights in 2020. Rowling had stated her belief that women are defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity. The author later insisted she would never forgive the Harry Potter stars, with Rowling again taking aim at them just last month. Replying to a tweet asking: 'What actor/ actress instantly ruins a movie for you?', she wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' But while cast members of the films have publicly criticised the books' author, HBO have backed JK saying she has a 'right to express her personal views'. Earlier this week, the multi-millionaire author took to X to express her delight at the casting of her new Harry Potter (Dominic Laughlin), Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton) and Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout). Responding to a fan on X asking how she felt about the appointments, she penned: 'All three wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' The three new leads are expected to start filming this summer after being chosen from more than 32,000 audition tapes from across the UK and Ireland. The new adaptation will be spread across seven seasons, equal to the number of books - although there were eight films with the final Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows split into two parts. The HBO TV show is said to be costing £75million per episode - and the three child actors taking the lead roles have been tipped to land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the 'wonderful' talent of the three newcomers, when making Tuesday's casting announcement. They said: 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. '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.'
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Actors revealed for Harry, Hermione and Ron in Harry Potter TV series reboot
Like the films, the series is sure to be a Who's Who of A-list talent, with budgets that dwarf almost everything else on TV. The first performer to confirm their participation was Conclave star John Lithgow, cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow, 79, said that he did not expect to be asked to follow in the footsteps of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and Jude Law (who all played Dumbledore in the Wizarding World films). 'Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid,' he said in February. 'But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. 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.' Loading I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu has been cast as potions master Severus Snape, while Ozark 's Janet McTeer is to play deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall, a role that was made famous by the late Dame Maggie Smith and was previously rumoured to be going to Sharon Horgan and Rachel Weisz. Other stars confirmed to have signed up are Shaun of the Dead 's Nick Frost succeeding Robbie Coltrane as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, while the role of cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch will be filled by comic performer Paul Whitehouse. We also have our first villain. Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone who is later revealed to be under the control of the evil Lord Voldemort, will be portrayed by Luke Thallon. The 29-year-old is best known as a stage actor. Who will play Voldemort himself in later series is being kept under wraps, but those said to be in the frame include Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. How will the series be different from the films? HBO boss Casey Bloys has said the series will be a 'very, very specifically British 1990s production'. It is being overseen by Gardiner and Mylod, Britons who are both alumni of HBO's Succession. One need only look at their track record to know that the series will not merely be a rehash of the films. Gardiner worked on the TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials; while Mylod's hits include Game of Thrones and The Menu, a Ralph Fiennes horror satirising fine dining. It is expected that the series will be darker than the films, with HBO looking for a slightly older viewership than the pre-teens who were the primary target of the cinematic pictures. Friends of Gardiner – who wrote her master's thesis on the importance of darkness in kids' stories and has spoken of her dislike for patronising children – say she wants to bring a grittier, ' Wednesday /Tim Burton vibe' to the series. Perhaps most notably, the characters will be the same age as they are in the books, with each series presumably following the school year. That means, for instance, that Severus Snape (played by the inimitable Alan Rickman in the films) will be in his early 30s on the small screen. Essiedu is 34; Rickman, by contrast, was 55 when the first film was released. The exception is Dumbledore, who lived to the ripe old age of 115. Lithgow is unlikely to want to be working in his 12th decade. Is J.K. Rowling involved? Despite selling more than 600 million Harry Potter books and amassing a fortune of almost £1 billion ($2 billion) according to The Sunday Times' Rich List, Rowling has become a polarising character for her public contributions to the transgender debate. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we're going to get into,' Bloys said at an investor presentation in April 2023. 'Our priority is what's on the screen.' The 59-year-old author is key to the whole series: she serves as its executive producer and will have the final say on all the casting choices. Rowling praised HBO for 'preserving the integrity' of her books and said the new adaptation would 'allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series'. Will the original stars return? Probably not. Many of the original cast members – including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson – have criticised Rowling's trans views, and sadly others (including Gambon and Rickman) have died. Jason Isaacs, who played the villainous Lucius Malfoy in the films, was asked whether he would mount a comeback at the premiere of The White Lotus in February. 'I'm hoping to come back as Hermione,' he said, not entirely seriously. 'I sent my audition tape in and I've yet to hear. But they have my number.' When will the series be broadcast?
The Age
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Actors revealed for Harry, Hermione and Ron in Harry Potter TV series reboot
Like the films, the series is sure to be a Who's Who of A-list talent, with budgets that dwarf almost everything else on TV. The first performer to confirm their participation was Conclave star John Lithgow, cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow, 79, said that he did not expect to be asked to follow in the footsteps of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and Jude Law (who all played Dumbledore in the Wizarding World films). 'Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid,' he said in February. 'But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. 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.' Loading I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu has been cast as potions master Severus Snape, while Ozark 's Janet McTeer is to play deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall, a role that was made famous by the late Dame Maggie Smith and was previously rumoured to be going to Sharon Horgan and Rachel Weisz. Other stars confirmed to have signed up are Shaun of the Dead 's Nick Frost succeeding Robbie Coltrane as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, while the role of cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch will be filled by comic performer Paul Whitehouse. We also have our first villain. Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone who is later revealed to be under the control of the evil Lord Voldemort, will be portrayed by Luke Thallon. The 29-year-old is best known as a stage actor. Who will play Voldemort himself in later series is being kept under wraps, but those said to be in the frame include Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. How will the series be different from the films? HBO boss Casey Bloys has said the series will be a 'very, very specifically British 1990s production'. It is being overseen by Gardiner and Mylod, Britons who are both alumni of HBO's Succession. One need only look at their track record to know that the series will not merely be a rehash of the films. Gardiner worked on the TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials; while Mylod's hits include Game of Thrones and The Menu, a Ralph Fiennes horror satirising fine dining. It is expected that the series will be darker than the films, with HBO looking for a slightly older viewership than the pre-teens who were the primary target of the cinematic pictures. Friends of Gardiner – who wrote her master's thesis on the importance of darkness in kids' stories and has spoken of her dislike for patronising children – say she wants to bring a grittier, ' Wednesday /Tim Burton vibe' to the series. Perhaps most notably, the characters will be the same age as they are in the books, with each series presumably following the school year. That means, for instance, that Severus Snape (played by the inimitable Alan Rickman in the films) will be in his early 30s on the small screen. Essiedu is 34; Rickman, by contrast, was 55 when the first film was released. The exception is Dumbledore, who lived to the ripe old age of 115. Lithgow is unlikely to want to be working in his 12th decade. Is J.K. Rowling involved? Despite selling more than 600 million Harry Potter books and amassing a fortune of almost £1 billion ($2 billion) according to The Sunday Times' Rich List, Rowling has become a polarising character for her public contributions to the transgender debate. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we're going to get into,' Bloys said at an investor presentation in April 2023. 'Our priority is what's on the screen.' The 59-year-old author is key to the whole series: she serves as its executive producer and will have the final say on all the casting choices. Rowling praised HBO for 'preserving the integrity' of her books and said the new adaptation would 'allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series'. Will the original stars return? Probably not. Many of the original cast members – including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson – have criticised Rowling's trans views, and sadly others (including Gambon and Rickman) have died. Jason Isaacs, who played the villainous Lucius Malfoy in the films, was asked whether he would mount a comeback at the premiere of The White Lotus in February. 'I'm hoping to come back as Hermione,' he said, not entirely seriously. 'I sent my audition tape in and I've yet to hear. But they have my number.' When will the series be broadcast?
