Tom Hiddleston Tipped to Play Voldemort in HBO’s...

As HBO’s Harry Potter reboot moves forward with a 2026 release, speculation is heating up over who will take on one of the most iconic villain roles in literary and cinematic history: Lord Voldemort. While the series’ trio of young leads has already been confirmed, a new wave of casting buzz surrounds British actor Tom Hiddleston, who has emerged as the odds-on favorite to play the Dark Lord.

Hiddleston Leads the Race for Voldemort

According to entertainment betting analysts, Hiddleston currently sits at 1/1 odds (or a 50% implied probability) to land the coveted role of Voldemort. Known for his chilling performance as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hiddleston brings both star power and a flair for villainy — two elements that fans and bookmakers believe make him a top contender.

Following close behind is Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy at 6/4 odds (40%), whose intense performances and chameleonic acting style could also make him a formidable Voldemort. Other names floated include Paul Bettany (3/1), Benedict Cumberbatch (6/1), and even original Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes (5/1), though the latter seems unlikely to return in a reboot aiming to carve a new path.

Entertainment betting expert Jake Ashton noted, “The race to play Voldemort has really narrowed. Hiddleston’s stage gravitas and familiarity with dark, complex characters put him in pole position. But don’t sleep on Murphy — his past interest in fantasy roles could bring a surprise twist.”

Who’s Already Cast?

While the Voldemort mystery lingers, HBO has confirmed several major castings for key roles in the wizarding world. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively — all relatively fresh faces chosen to anchor the series across its seven planned seasons.

In supporting roles, HBO has brought in some notable talent:

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

These casting choices suggest a desire to blend respected dramatic actors with a few familiar comedic faces — and give the reboot a darker, more mature tone that more closely mirrors J.K. Rowling’s original books.

What Makes This Reboot Different?

Unlike the original film series, which occasionally compressed or skipped over book content, HBO is planning one full season per novel. This ambitious format gives room to explore subplots, side characters, and deeper emotional arcs that fans felt were shortchanged in the movies. Showrunners have confirmed that this series will dive more deeply into the politics, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics of the wizarding world.

The longer format and streaming platform also allow for a darker, grittier tone — a shift that may lend itself to a more menacing Voldemort portrayal than previously seen.

Could the Show Break Records?

HBO clearly has high hopes. Theoretically, betting experts peg the show at even odds (1/1) to break viewership records on HBO Max with its premiere. There’s also growing interest in whether original cast members might make cameo appearances. Though Daniel Radcliffe has previously said he’s not interested in returning, fans are already speculating about surprise walk-ons by alumni like Rupert Grint or Emma Watson.

Here’s a breakdown of entertainment betting market predictions:

Most-watched HBO Max premiere: 1/1 (50%)
Original cast member cameo: 6/4 (40%)
Season 1 to win Best Drama at Emmys: 2/1 (33.3%)
Show cancellation odds: 5/1 (16.7%)
Daniel Radcliffe appearance: 10/1 (9.1%)

While these odds are speculative and not officially listed on major sportsbooks, betting markets on entertainment often heat up closer to release dates — especially for franchises with passionate fanbases like Harry Potter.

Release Timeline

HBO’s Harry Potter series is slated for a 2026 debut. Production is expected to begin later this year, with each subsequent season focusing on a single book in Rowling’s original seven-part saga. With casting nearly complete and pre-production underway, the reboot is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious TV adaptations in recent memory.

Whether Tom Hiddleston ultimately steps into the robes of the Dark Lord or another surprise candidate emerges, one thing is certain: expectations for the new Harry Potter are sky-high — and the magic is already building.