I break betting odds news as it happens, so you’re never left behind when the market moves or a top offer lands.
- Alexander Skarsgård leads the betting at 6/4 to play Voldemort in HBO’s Harry Potter series.
- Cillian Murphy ruled himself out of the role last week.
- Rob James-Collier enters the market at 3/1 following casting rumours.
Casting Speculation Builds Around HBO’s Harry Potter Series
Speculation continues to grow around the casting of Lord Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series, with betting experts now offering betting markets on who will take on the iconic villain.
Interest in the market increased significantly after longtime favourite Cillian Murphy publicly ruled himself out of the role last week.
Speaking to The Times, Murphy addressed the rumours directly, saying:
“I'm categorically not. Can you make that the headline?”
Following Murphy’s comments, the experts have reshuffled their odds on who might portray Voldemort in the highly anticipated HBO adaptation.
Latest Voldemort Casting Odds
The latest betting market suggests several high-profile actors are still in contention for the role.
| Who will play Lord Voldemort? | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Skarsgård | 6/4 | 40.0% |
| Tom Hiddleston | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Matthew Macfadyen | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Rob James-Collier | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Benedict Cumberbatch | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Matt Smith | 6/1 | 14.3% |
*As betting sites currently aren't taking bets on this event, odds have been compiled as theoretical probability from an entertainment perspective only and come from an industry expert
Alexander Skarsgård currently tops the betting at 6/4, with the experts suggesting the Swedish actor could be a strong fit for the Dark Lord.
Meanwhile Tom Hiddleston sits second favourite at 2/1, with Matthew Macfadyen and Rob James-Collier both priced at 3/1.
Rob James-Collier Emerges as New Contender
One of the biggest developments in the market is the arrival of Rob James-Collier as a new contender.
The actor, best known for roles in Downton Abbey and Fate: The Winx Saga, has reportedly been linked with the role, prompting experts to add him to the betting at 3/1.
Benedict Cumberbatch is priced at 5/1, while former Doctor Who star Matt Smith sits at 6/1.
Tom Hiddleston’s 2/1 odds suggest heis one of the strongest candidates if producers opt for an established actor with experience playing complex villains.
The role of Voldemort remains one of the most recognisable in modern cinema, previously portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in the original Harry Potter films.
What the expert says...
Voldemort Casting Remains One of the Biggest Questions
With HBO’s Harry Potter series expected to retell the original books across multiple seasons, casting for key roles has become one of the most closely watched aspects of the production.
The role of Voldemort will likely play a major part in later seasons, meaning the actor chosen will need to deliver a performance capable of matching the character’s iconic legacy.
For now, experts believe Alexander Skarsgård is the most likely candidate but with casting decisions still unconfirmed, the betting market could change quickly.
For more markets covering TV, film and awards, readers can also explore the best entertainment betting sites.
