The wizarding world is abuzz with excitement as fans of the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series rally behind Bella Ramsey, the non-binary star of The Last of Us, as their dream pick for Lord Voldemort. Social media platforms, particularly X, have erupted with posts proclaiming, “LOL the new Voldemort is perfect!” as fans envision Ramsey stepping into the iconic role previously immortalized by Ralph Fiennes. While HBO has kept the casting for the Dark Lord under wraps, the fervor surrounding Ramsey’s potential involvement highlights their rising star power and the fanbase’s desire for a fresh, bold take on the franchise’s ultimate villain.

The HBO Harry Potter reboot, set to premiere in 2027, promises a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels, with each of the seven seasons tackling one book. Filming for the first two seasons, covering Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, began in July 2025, with a confirmed cast including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. Other notable names include John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. Yet, the role of Voldemort remains a mystery, with reports from Rednian Intelligence suggesting HBO intends to keep the casting secret until the series airs, heightening anticipation.

Bella Ramsey, aged 21, has captured fans’ imaginations with their versatile performances, from the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones to the resilient Ellie in The Last of Us. A recent YouTube video by a small channel, PH, titled “Bella Ramsey plays the role of Voldemort in the Harry Potter series,” sparked widespread discussion, despite lacking official confirmation. On X, fans have shared edited images and fan art depicting Ramsey as a chilling, snake-like Voldemort, with comments like, “Bella’s intensity would make He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named truly terrifying!” Others praise Ramsey’s ability to convey complex emotions, citing their Emmy-nominated role in The Last of Us as evidence of their capacity to embody a villain as layered as Voldemort.

The fan campaign for Ramsey is not without precedent. Speculation about other actors, such as Cillian Murphy, has also surfaced, but Ramsey’s name has gained traction due to their unique screen presence and vocal support from the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the excitement is tempered by concerns about potential backlash, given Ramsey’s past experiences with online hate. After their casting as Ellie, Ramsey faced criticism for not matching the video game character’s appearance, prompting them to delete their social media accounts temporarily. Fans on X, like @WizardingVibes, have urged others to support Ramsey, writing, “Bella as Voldemort would be a game-changer, but let’s keep the hate away. They’re human, not just a casting choice.”

The discussion around Ramsey’s potential casting also ties into fans’ desire for a “book-accurate” Voldemort. Unlike Fiennes’ portrayal, which some felt lacked the menacing, alien-like quality described in Rowling’s novels, fans hope Ramsey could deliver a more daunting Dark Lord with red eyes and a skeletal frame. One user on r/HarryPotteronHBO suggested, “Bella’s ability to balance vulnerability and menace could make Voldemort feel like the tragic figure he is in the books, not just a cartoonish villain.” Others argue that Ramsey’s youthful energy could shine in scenes depicting a younger Tom Riddle, potentially appearing in flashbacks.

Despite the enthusiasm, HBO’s secrecy suggests a strategic approach to unveiling Voldemort, possibly to preserve the mystique of the character. Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the original films, recently offered humorous advice to his successor, saying, “Don’t try to outdo the nose—or the lack of it!” Meanwhile, Ramsey has remained silent on the rumors, focusing on their current projects, including The Last of Us Season 2, set to air in May 2025. Their advocacy for Palestinian causes and neurodivergent representation, combined with their openness about their non-binary identity, has endeared them to a diverse fanbase, further fueling the Voldemort campaign.

As the Harry Potter reboot approaches, the prospect of Bella Ramsey as Voldemort represents a bold reimagining of a cultural icon. Whether or not HBO casts them, the fan fervor underscores Ramsey’s impact as an actor capable of sparking imagination across franchises. For now, the wizarding world waits, wand in hand, for the Dark Lord’s next reveal.