Ralph Fiennes has said he would love to reprise his role as Harry Potter’s arch enemy Voldemort but he feels the “ship has sailed”.

The British actor played the villainous role in the original movie franchise from 2005 to 2011.

An HBO TV adaptation of the hit book series is currently in production, and while the majority of the new cast has been announced, the role of Voldemort has not yet been confirmed.

Appearing on BBC’s The Claudia Winkleman Show, Fiennes said: “I remember being asked the question ‘would I reprise the part?’

“This was some years ago. And I said: ‘Yes, I’d love to.'”

However, he said “nothing’s happened” since and thinks “that ship has sailed”.

Last month, HBO boss Casey Bloys told US outlet Variety that they had not yet cast an actor for the role of Voldemort.

A number of actors have been speculated for the role, including Doctor Strange star Tilda Swinton and Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy.

Asked whether Swinton could be cast, Bloys said people should not believe any rumours and claimed: “I don’t even know who we’re casting.”

Cillian Murphy also shot down rumblings earlier this year when he was asked if he was swapping his flat cap for a wand.

“I’m categorically not. Can you make that the headline?,” Murphy told The Times.

Discussing Swinton taking on the role, Fiennes told The Claudia Winkleman Show that he thinks she would be “fantastic”.

The famous trio has been cast – with Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin set to star as the titular wizard.

He will be alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint previously portrayed the lead characters in the film franchise.

While the TV series is welcoming many new faces, it will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick.

The first instalment will be called Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, based off of JK Rowling’s first book in the popular series.

Some cast members have spoken about facing criticism for taking part in the series from those who are opposed to Rowling’s views on trans rights.

Paapa Essiedu also previously told the BBC he’s received death threats from people who think a black actor shouldn’t play Severus Snape.

“I’d be lying if I said I was a completely impenetrable robot,” he said.

However, he added that since the trailer was released last month “there’s been a flood of positivity” and “people are being incredibly supportive of the show and my involvement in it and that makes me excited for what is to come”.

The first series is set to launch Christmas 2026 on HBO Max.

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