MOVIE NEWS – Casting the perfect Lord Voldemort for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series is no easy feat, especially considering Ralph Fiennes’ unforgettable portrayal of the Dark Lord in the original films. However, in a recent interview, the actor—who has also starred in the James Bond franchise and will soon appear in 28 Years Later—revealed that he almost turned down the role due to what he now calls “completely misplaced snobbery.”

The idea of another actor stepping into Voldemort’s shoes is still difficult for fans to accept, as Fiennes’ performance has become a core part of Harry Potter’s legacy. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor explained that he only accepted the role because of his sister, Martha, who convinced him he was making a mistake by passing on the opportunity:

“I hadn’t seen the films in order to dislike them, I just hadn’t seen them and I hadn’t read the books. I was aware of their big success. I think I was probably guilty of a sort of totally misplaced snobbery of witches and goblins and things. I was resistant, until I told my sister Martha that I’ve been asked to play this Voldemort person. She said, ‘Voldemort? You’ve been asked to play Voldemort? You have to do it! Ralph, you don’t realize, you don’t realize.’”

Ralph Fiennes Would Return as Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series

Like many former Harry Potter actors, Fiennes has often been asked if he would reprise his role as Voldemort. While the character met his definitive end in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Fiennes has made it clear that he would gladly return to play the villain if given the chance.

However, given that the new Harry Potter TV series is planned as a decade-long project, it’s unlikely that Fiennes will be considered for the role. Warner Bros. may opt for a younger actor, especially since Voldemort wouldn’t even make his first appearance until Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Still, Fiennes has already shared his thoughts on a worthy successor:

“Cillian [Murphy] is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”

The Oppenheimer star has been a top fan pick for Voldemort, and his performance in Peaky Blinders has proven that he can command both the small screen and the biggest Hollywood blockbusters. For now, though, it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle of the Dark Lord—but hopefully, they won’t make the same mistake Fiennes almost did when considering the role.

Source: MovieWeb