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 is the clear favourite in the betting to play Voldemort in HBO's Harry Potter series
- Paul Bettany sits as the nearest challenger, with Tilda Swinton and Cillian Murphy tied for third favourite
- Voldemort is the last major character still to be cast, though he doesn't appear as a significant presence until Goblet of Fire, meaning an announcement may not be imminent
The Last Major Role Still Uncast
With HBO's Harry Potter series confirmed to debut on Christmas Day this year, casting news has been coming thick and fast, and the betting experts have been busy pricing up every major role along the way.
One position still very much up for grabs, though, is Lord Voldemort, arguably the most anticipated casting decision of the entire project.
It's a role that carries huge weight with fans, and with speculation building, the betting markets already have a clear picture of who they expect to land it.
Alexander Skarsgård's position at the top of the market is a striking one, with an implied probability of 60% suggesting the betting markets view him as considerably more likely than not to land the role.
Paul Bettany is the clearest alternative, while Tilda Swinton and Cillian Murphy trade level as the next tier of contenders.
Why This Casting Decision Matters So Much
Few roles in the Harry Potter universe carry the same level of scrutiny as Voldemort.
The character's presence looms over the entire series, and whoever eventually takes on the part will be following in the footsteps of a performance that's become iconic in its own right.
That weight of expectation is likely a big part of why this casting has taken longer than most, with the production seemingly determined to get the decision right rather than rush an announcement just to satisfy fan curiosity.
Harry Potter HBO Series Odds: Casting, Cameos & Emmy Specials ahead of Harry Potter Day
Next Voldemort Actor Odds: How The Market Shapes Up
Despite the uncertainty over timing, the betting markets already have a strong view on who's most likely to land the role.
| Next Voldemort Actor | Odds* | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Skarsgård | 4/6 | 60.0% |
| Paul Bettany | 6/4 | 40.0% |
| Tilda Swinton | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Cillian Murphy | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Richard E. Grant | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Willem Dafoe | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Kristin Scott Thomas | 5/1 | 16.7% |
*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
Why We Might Be Waiting A While Longer
It's worth remembering that Voldemort doesn't actually feature as a significant on-screen presence until Goblet of Fire, meaning there's no pressing production need to have the role filled this early in the process.
With Voldemort now the last major character left to cast, it wouldn't be a surprise if the announcement is held back for some time yet, particularly if the production wants to build anticipation around the reveal or simply hasn't finalised its decision internally.
If the markets prove accurate and Alexander Skarsgård does land the role, it would mark one of the more high-profile casting decisions of the entire series so far.
Known for his commanding screen presence, he'd bring a very different physicality to the role compared to previous portrayals, and it's easy to see why he's emerged as the clear favourite among fans and bettors alike.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet On The Next Voldemort Actor
With casting news continuing to break sporadically, this is a market well worth revisiting over the coming months.
Our guide to the best entertainment betting sites is a good starting point for comparing your options, while the full list of betting sites covers the wider picture.
