Some casting rumors are fun simply because of how unexpected they sound on paper, and this one might be the biggest example yet in the ongoing HBO Harry Potter reboot saga. After years of speculation about whether any original film cast members would return in any capacity, word is now circulating that the actor who spent a decade playing the boy who lived could be headed back into the wizarding world in a role nobody saw coming. Combined with a wave of fresh casting news and a newly released trailer that’s already generating plenty of online debate, there’s a lot happening with HBO’s Harry Potter series right now.Credit: HBOIn this article:The rumor putting Daniel Radcliffe in talks to play Lord VoldemortWho’s already locked in to play the character’s younger self, Tom RiddleNew casting for Dobby and a recast Ginny WeasleyWhat’s in the freshly released trailer, and why fans are split on itThe Boy Who Lived Might Become He Who Must Not Be NamedCredit: Video Screenshot, ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’, Warner Bros.According to Culture Crave on X, Daniel Radcliffe is reportedly close to verbally agreeing to a deal with HBO to play Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. If finalized, the casting would mark a genuinely striking full circle moment for Radcliffe, transforming him from the actor who defined Harry Potter on screen for a decade into the actor portraying the character’s most dangerous enemy instead.Daniel Radcliffe is reportedly CLOSE to verbally agreeing a deal with HBO to play Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series.If the deal is finalized, the former Harry Potter actor would go from the boy who lived to he who must not be named. pic.twitter.com/KGnaewAr2N— Culture Cave (@CultureCave_) September 6, 2026It’s worth being clear about the scope of this rumor, though. This would specifically be the adult version of Voldemort rather than the character’s earlier incarnation as Tom Riddle, which has already been cast separately. Since the deal is still described as close but not finalized, nothing is confirmed just yet, but the mere possibility has already generated significant buzz among fans following the show’s development closely.Tom Riddle Already Has a Face, Just Not the One Everyone’s Waiting OnCredit: Warner Bros.While speculation swirls around who might play the older, more widely recognized version of Voldemort, HBO has already filled the role of Tom Riddle, the character’s younger self, along with several other key roles. Billy Barratt, known for his work in Bring Her Back and Invasion, has been cast as young Lord Voldemort. Barratt has an impressive track record already, having become the youngest winner of the International Emmy Award for Best Actor at just 13 years old for his performance in the TV movie Responsible Child. He’s the first actor officially cast as any version of Voldemort in this new adaptation, though the identity of whoever eventually plays the character’s older, more iconic form remains unrevealed, with fans anticipating that face may appear briefly at the end of the first season.Two More Names Join the Growing Hogwarts RosterAlongside the Tom Riddle casting, HBO also confirmed British actor and presenter Lenny Rush, known for A Woman of Substance, will play Dobby the house elf, a role expected to be rendered using CG effects similar to how the character appeared in the original films.Separately, young actress Bonnie Hill, known for The Six Triple Eight and Girl Troop versus Aliens, has been cast as Ginny Weasley for the show’s second season. This casting change comes after original actress Gracie Cochrane stepped away from the role following the completion of season one filming. The production addressed her departure directly in a statement, saying, “Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie Cochrane has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one. Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience. Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”The Trailer Landed, and the Internet Immediately Took SidesAll of this casting news arrives right alongside HBO’s release of a new, full length trailer for the series, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for its first season. HBO also released an updated logline alongside the trailer, describing the story as follows: “There is nothing special about Harry Potter, or so his Aunt Petunia tells him. But when a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, it opens the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship and adventure. Yet behind Hogwarts’ enchanted walls lie dark secrets. Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.”The series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and a large supporting cast filling out the rest of Hogwarts.Reaction to the trailer has been genuinely mixed since its release. The footage shows familiar, iconic moments fans expect, including the dining hall welcome ceremony, the sorting hat, the Mirror of Erised, the mandrake potting class, and the troll in the dungeon, with character designs that closely mirror the original 2001 film. That similarity is exactly what’s fueling criticism from some corners online, with detractors questioning why the show needs to exist at all if it’s simply retelling the same story with a new cast, especially given ongoing controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s public statements. Other critics on X have argued the series should have leaned more heavily into material that wasn’t covered in the original films, while some have simply argued the new casting doesn’t measure up. There’s also been notable pushback over the trailer’s visual tone, which appears considerably darker and more muted compared to the warmer, brighter aesthetic of the original movie.Despite the criticism, plenty of fans remain genuinely excited, and it’s hard to deny the appeal of Dominic McLaughlin’s performance as Harry based on the trailer alone. HBO has positioned the series as an opportunity to tell a deeper, more expansive version of the story than a two hour film ever could, hitting the same beloved beats while adding additional depth along the way.Counting Down to a Christmas Premiere Fans Can’t Stop Arguing AboutBetween the Radcliffe rumor, the newly confirmed casting, and a trailer that’s already sparking heated debate, HBO’s Harry Potter series is generating exactly the kind of sustained attention a project this size needs heading toward its Christmas 2026 premiere. Whether the show ultimately wins over skeptics or simply confirms their doubts likely won’t be clear until the first season actually arrives, but the sheer volume of casting news and fan reaction suggests interest in this adaptation isn’t fading anytime soon.Are you excited about the possibility of Daniel Radcliffe playing Voldemort, or do you think the new trailer confirms this series didn’t need to happen? Let us know in the comments what you’re hoping to see once Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone actually premieres.The post REPORT: Daniel Radcliffe Returning as Lord Voldemort in HBO ‘Harry Potter’ Series appeared first on Inside the Magic.