It’s “categorically not” happening.

Cork Oscar winner Cillian Murphy has firmly put an end to speculation that he could be stepping into the role of Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation.

The rumour, which gathered surprising momentum online, can be traced back to comments made by Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed the Dark Lord in the original film series. When asked previously who he would like to see take over the role, Fiennes replied: “I’ve already said, I think Cillian Murphy is very good.”

That endorsement was enough to send fans into a frenzy, with many backing the Cork native as a suitably intense successor.

However, speaking this week in an interview with The Times, Murphy addressed the speculation directly — and decisively shut it down. The actor made it clear he has no plans to trade in his recent roles for a wand and a snake.

“I’m categorically not. Can you make that the headline?” he said.

The clarification will likely disappoint some fans who had already begun imagining what Murphy’s famously piercing gaze might bring to the iconic villain. But for now at least, it seems the Dark Lord will have to find another heir.

While you won’t be seeing Mr Murphy popping up at Hogwarts, he has been mighty busy promoting his many other projects this week. The Academy Award winner returns as the iconic Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which premieres March 6th in select cinemas and March 20th, 2026 on Netflix.

Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Netflix

Firected by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, the cast also includes Rebecca Ferguson (Dune, A House of Dynamite), Academy Award® nominee Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight), Sophie Rundle (After the Flood, Gentleman Jack) with Academy Award® nominee Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin) and Primetime Emmy Award® winner Stephen Graham (Adolescence, A Thousand Blows).

In other exciting news for the star, Kerry County Council has approved a major redevelopment of the old Phoenix cinema in Dingle, purchased by Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness.

The pair’s plans for the cinema include screening rooms, a bar and restaurant, a cafe, exhibition areas, and residential spaces for artists.