The search for a Dark Lord: Examining the Rumors Surrounding Cynthia Erivo and the Role of Voldemort in the New Harry Potter Series
The upcoming Harry Potter television series reboot from HBO has ignited fervent speculation amongst fans, notably regarding the casting of Lord Voldemort. Recent online activity, including a viral social media post exceeding a million views, has centered on actress Cynthia Erivo as a potential candidate for the iconic villain. However, despite the widespread discussion and sometimes heated reactions, there is currently no credible evidence linking Erivo to the role, nor has any official proclamation been made.
The surge in speculation followed reports dating back to September 2025. Entertainment industry insider Daniel Richtman, known as DanielRPK, reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the production was holding auditions for both male and female actors for the part of Voldemort. Richtman stated,”For the Harry Potter series,they audition both men and women for the role of Voldemort,so it is indeed possible that we will see a woman play Voldemort in the series.”
This initial report sparked a wave of fan casting, with names like Tilda Swinton and Winona Ryder frequently mentioned online. French media outlet Peaches noted the proliferation of these theories, alongside the already confirmed casting of the main trio, Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, and Severus Snape. The outlet highlighted that the identity of Voldemort remains a closely guarded secret, with potential scenarios ranging from a late-season reveal in Season 4 (corresponding to Harry Potter and the goblet of Fire) to a first appearance at the end of Season 1 during the encounter with Professor quirrell.
Interestingly, actor Matthew Macfadyen has already voiced Lord Voldemort in the full audio productions of the Harry Potter series for Audible.His performance has been praised as “measured and intense,” leading some fans to suggest a potential crossover to the live-action series, particularly given that arabella Stanton, who voices Hermione in the audiobooks, also plays the character in the HBO reboot.
Despite this parallel, HBO has yet to announce any casting for Voldemort in the television series. This silence continues to fuel speculation,including the persistent rumors surrounding Cynthia Erivo.As The Express Tribune points out, the debate mirrors the reactions to the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, demonstrating the sensitivity surrounding casting choices and the strong opinions within the Harry Potter fandom. The ongoing mystery surrounding the Dark Lord’s portrayal underscores the studio’s deliberate strategy of maintaining secrecy, leaving fans to grapple with possibilities – and, currently, unsubstantiated claims – regarding the future face of Voldemort.
