Recasting Voldemort In The Harry Potter Reboot

By Charlene Badasie | Updated

harry potter ralph fiennes voldemort

With a Harry Potter reboot series officially in the works, fans are curious about how a new generation of actors will bring the iconic characters to life. Among the most anticipated roles is that of Lord Voldemort, or He Who Must Not Be Named. While Ralph Fiennes delivered a memorable performance as the terrifying villain, other actors could put their own chilling spin on The Dark Lord.

Jeremy Strong

harry potter

Jeremy Strong, known for his brilliant performance in Succession, can embody haunted characters with depth that resonates with audiences. His portrayal of Succession’s Kendall Roy showcased his ability to navigate complex psychological terrain, making his characters utterly absorbing. As such, Strong’s potential interpretation of Voldemort can offer a fresh perspective that delves into the character’s motivations for power and tormented past.

Strong’s dedication to meticulously preparing for his roles hints at a performance beyond conventional villainy, offering a Harry Potter character as captivating, terrifying, and nuanced as the original, if not more so.

Sebastian Stan

Adding to the list of potential Voldemort candidates in the Harry Potter reboot is Sebastian Stan, an actor who has demonstrated his ability to portray sinister characters in various roles. Stan is best known for portraying Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His journey from being a brainwashed assassin to a conflicted hero showcases his acting range.

At the same time, the complexity he brought to Bucky suggests that he could excel at bringing the multifaceted Voldemort to life. Much like The Dark Lord, the Winter Soldier’s transformation from a seemingly ordinary person into a dangerous, morally complex character is a testament to Stan’s ability to capture the essence of darkness.

Cillian Murphy

cillian murphy

Cillian Murphy is no stranger to playing sinister characters, as evidenced by his role as the Scarecrow in the Dark Knight trilogy. His portrayal of the deranged and psychologically menacing villain illustrated his capacity to create an atmosphere of fear through actions rather than words.

Since a complex and dark history drives Voldemort, he would benefit significantly from an actor who can unearth the subtleties of the character and express them through body language. This approach could breathe new life into the Harry Potter villain, making him scary in a whole new way.

Benedict Cumberbatch

benedict cumberbatch the mandalorian

Adding Benedict Cumberbatch to the list of potential Lord Voldemort candidates can introduce a new angle to the Harry Potter villain. Cumberbatch has already left an indelible mark on the world of cinema through his work as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange. His interpretation of Voldemort would include a knack for conveying intensity and an underlying sense of ambiguity with ease.

The peculiar charm that Cumberbatch brings to his roles would add a new dimension to Voldemort’s serpent-like appearance. Moreover, the actor’s ability to balance gravitas with a touch of unpredictability would work seamlessly for this iconic character.

Daniel Radcliffe

daniel radcliffe wolverine

An unexpected choice would be to cast Daniel Radcliffe, who famously portrayed Harry Potter in the original franchise, as the reboot’s Voldemort. The meta-aspect of this casting alone would be a conversation starter, but beyond that, Radcliffe has already demonstrated his acting prowess in various roles after the wizarding world. Casting him as the nemesis of his iconic character would be a fascinating challenge for the actor and a unique experience for audiences.

It would be exciting to see Radcliffe tackle the role of Voldemort and explore the darker depths of his acting abilities. However, the final choice may come down to which actor can embody the essence of evil in a way that honors the original while adding a new layer of darkness to the reboot.