Cynthia Erivo Voldemort rumors spark intense debate amid Harry Potter reboot casting buzz

Rumors claiming Cynthia Erivo is being considered to portray a female version of Lord Voldemort in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot have no confirmed basis. The speculation largely stems from social media posts and a viral fan-made poster rather than any official statement from HBO, Warner Bros., or Erivo herself.

The conversation gained momentum after an X user posted an unverified claim alongside artwork imagining Erivo as Voldemort, a post that quickly surpassed a million views and generated substantial backlash. This online chatter surfaced around the same time older reports from September 2025 resurfaced, which suggested gender-neutral Voldemort auditions may have been discussed. However, no credible evidence connects Erivo to the role.

Fans online are sharply divided over the rumor. Thousands of replies to the viral thread show reactions ranging from frustration over perceived departures from J.K. Rowling’s original descriptions to support for more inclusive casting in modern adaptations. Some commenters mocked Hollywood’s approach to diversity swaps, while others used hypothetical comparisons and informal polls to highlight how polarizing the idea had become, despite the rumor lacking verification.

While Erivo’s involvement remains speculative,Matthew Macfadyen has officially been cast as Lord Voldemort in Audible’s full-cast Harry Potter audio productions. His performance style, known for measured intensity, has led some fans to view him as a plausible choice for HBO’s live-action version as well—especially since Arabella Stanton, who voices Hermione in the audio series, is also playing her in the reboot. HBO has not announced any casting for Voldemort, leaving room for continued speculation.

The Harry Potter reboot is slated to arrive in 2026, and discussion surrounding Voldemort’s portrayal continues to grow as audiences await further details from HBO.