As speculation swirls about the casting for HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" reboot, Ralph Fiennes, who famously portrayed Voldemort in the original films, is lending his full support to Cillian Murphy stepping into the role of the dark wizard. During an appearance on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live", Fiennes praised Murphy, calling him a "fantastic actor" and saying he would be "all in favor" of the idea.

The internet has been abuzz with rumors suggesting that Murphy, fresh off his Oscar buzz for "Oppenheimer", is being considered to take over as the iconic villain in the new series. Fiennes, who first embodied Voldemort in Harry Potter and the "Goblet of Fire" (2005) and reprised the role in three more films, seemed enthusiastic about the possibility.

"Cillian is a fantastic actor," Fiennes said. "That's a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah."

HBO's decision to reboot the beloved "Harry Potter" series as a television show has generated massive interest, and while Fiennes hasn't confirmed his own involvement, he has previously expressed interest in returning to the role. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Fiennes said he'd gladly reprise his portrayal of the Dark Lord, stating there was "no question" about his willingness.

Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance is reportedly being considered for the role of Dumbledore. Warner Bros. Television has yet to formally engage the actor, but sources indicate the studio has reached out to gauge his interest and availability. Casting announcements for the rest of the series have yet to be made, but with big names like Murphy and Rylance in the mix, expectations are high.

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling and her statements on biological sex, Fiennes remains supportive of her involvement in the series. Speaking to The New York Times in October 2022, Fiennes defended Rowling against what he described as "disgusting" abuse.

"J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings," Fiennes said. "The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it's appalling."

Fiennes, while acknowledging differing viewpoints on Rowling's stance, argued, "I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it's not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It's just a woman saying, 'I'm a woman and I feel I'm a woman and I want to be able to say that I'm a woman.' And I understand where she's coming from. Even though I'm not a woman."

With HBO rebooting "Harry Potter" for a new generation, it remains to be seen who will step into the shoes of Voldemort, Dumbledore, and the other iconic characters. But if Ralph Fiennes has anything to say about it, Cillian Murphy may just be the next Dark Lord to grace the screen.

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