Amidst the Harry Potter hype, as HBO’s reboot series takes shape, original Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes has offered some unexpected and hilarious wardrobe advice to the next actor undertaking the dark wizard. Harry Potter has become one of the most recognizable IPs on the planet since its first book debuted in 1997, and despite some fans’ resistance to seeing another adaptation when the movies are timeless, the original actors seem supportive of the new talent becoming these cherished characters.

In addition to his illustrious roles in Red Dragon, The Constant Gardner, and recent hits The Menu, Conclave, and the record-breaking 28 Years Later, Fiennes debuted as the Harry Potter franchise’s big bad in 2005’s Goblet of Fire. Following He Who Shall Not Be Named’s small role played by Ian Hart and Richard Bremmer in Philosopher’s Stone, Fiennes’ performance in four of the series’ eight films has remained iconic 14 years after Deathly Hallows: Part 2 premiered, and fans know the next Voldemort actor has big shoes to fill.

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By Rachael Fiddis

Harry Potter’s Ralph Fiennes Offers Funny Wardrobe Advice to Reboot’s Voldemort

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on TikTok, Fiennes was asked if he had any advice for the next Voldemort actor stepping into the franchise. “My advice is make sure you can handle the long, flowing robes and don’t trip over them,” Fiennes said with a straight face, and continued with, “Practice your long, flowing robe walk.” The actor then reflected on his time as Voldemort wearing tights within a one-piece suit, as well as an “uncomfortable” gusset that kept lowering as the shooting day went on. Fiennes previously showed interest in picking up the role again, as well as Hero Fiennes-Tiffin’s recent eagerness to return to Voldemort in the reboot, but since HBO has locked in an entirely new cast so far, a fresh-faced actor is pretty much guaranteed.

Serving as the main antagonist in the franchise, Voldemort, being an anagram for the wizard’s real name Tom Marvolo Riddle, was the culprit behind Harry’s murdered parents and the trademark lightning bolt scar on his forehead. Voldemort originally had a terrifying real form that never made it into the live-action films, but the noseless villain managed to cement himself as an ultimate antagonist in pop culture history with Fiennes at the helm, regardless.

HBO’s reboot series has already cast its leading trio, with screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin playing Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout fulfilling Ron Weasley. Janet McTeer will be tackling the fierce Professor McGonagall alongside Paapa Essiedu playing the fan-favourite Severus Snape, roles that were previously played to perfection by late actors Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman. Even though the role of Dumbledore has already been bagged by John Lithgow, Harry Potter veteran Gary Oldman explained why now would have been the right time to play the Hogwarts headmaster himself.

HBO’s Harry Potter reboot series is expected to be released in late 2026 or early 2027.