Cillian Murphy Shuts Down Voldemort HARRY POTTER Rumors: “I’m Categorically Not. Can You Make That the Headline?”

For months now, fans of Harry Potterhave been tossing around casting theories for HBO’s upcoming series like Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. One name that kept coming up was Cillian Murphyas Lord Voldemort. But if you were hoping to see Murphy take on the Dark Lord, he’s got a very clear message for you.

He’s not doing it.

Murphy addressed the rumors head-on in a recent interview, putting the speculation to rest with zero wiggle room. “I’m categorically not,” Murphy told The Times (or "scoffed", as the publication reports). “Can you make that the headline?”

Well… there it is.

The idea of Murphy stepping into the role gained serious traction online, especially since HBO’s new adaptation of Harry Potter has yet to reveal the actor who is taking on the role.

Voldemort remains one of the biggest question marks in the cast, and fans have been vocal about wanting someone with Murphy’s intensity and screen presence to take over the part made famous by Ralph Fiennes in the original film series.

Even filmmaker Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies, got in on the fantasy casting last year, saying, “Cillian is one of my favorite actors, so that would be amazing.” That endorsement only fueled the fire. But, Murphy clearly isn’t interested.

HBO’s new Harry Potter series is being spearheaded by Francesca Gardiner, best known for her work on Succession. The adult ensemble already includes John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost, Whoever does land the role of Voldemort will have some serious expectations to meet.

While Murphy won’t be haunting the halls of Hogwarts, he is heading back to much grittier territory. He’s officially reprising Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the feature film follow-up to the hit crime drama. The story picks up a few years after the 2022 season six finale and drops Tommy back into Birmingham during the chaos of World War II.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man hits theaters on March 6 before landing on Netflix on March 20, so Murphy fans won’t have to wait long to see him back in action.

As for Voldemort, the speculation game continues. But if you needed it spelled out clearly, Murphy already gave you the headline.