When HBO announced its ambitious Harry Potter television reboot, set to premiere in 2027, fans of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World were abuzz with speculation about who would step into the iconic roles of Harry, Hermione, Ron—and, most intriguingly, Lord Voldemort. While names like Cillian Murphy and Matthew Macfadyen have dominated betting odds, a surprising and electrifying contender has emerged from the fanbase: Bella Ramsey. Known for their breakout role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us and Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, the 22-year-old non-binary actor has sparked a viral frenzy with fans proclaiming, “LOL! THE NEW VOLDEMORT IS PERFECT!” Across social media platforms like X and Reddit, Swifties—er, Potterheads—are rallying behind Ramsey as the ideal choice to portray the Dark Lord, citing their raw intensity, transformative talent, and ability to redefine a character previously brought to life by Ralph Fiennes. This article dives into why Bella Ramsey is the fan-favorite pick, how their casting could reshape Voldemort’s legacy, and why this bold choice has become a cultural phenomenon.

The HBO Harry Potter Reboot: A New Era for the Wizarding World

Announced in April 2023, HBO’s Harry Potter series aims to adapt J.K. Rowling’s seven novels into a sprawling, decade-long television saga, with each season covering one book. Unlike the original films (2001–2011), which condensed the stories, the series promises a deeper exploration of the Wizarding World, from Hogwarts’ halls to the darkest corners of Voldemort’s reign. With production underway as of August 2025, confirmed cast members include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, per Metro News and CBR. Yet, the role of Lord Voldemort—“He Who Must Not Be Named”—remains shrouded in secrecy, with HBO reportedly withholding the casting announcement until the premiere to heighten anticipation.

Voldemort, the archenemy of Harry Potter and the most feared Dark Wizard in history, is a pivotal figure whose menacing presence drives the series’ narrative. Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal in the films, starting with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2004), set a high bar, blending serpentine menace with chilling charisma. However, fans and critics have noted that the films simplified Voldemort’s backstory, omitting the depth of his motivations as Tom Riddle, a half-blood orphan turned megalomaniacal villain, as detailed in Collider. The HBO series offers a chance to delve into this complexity, and fans believe Bella Ramsey is the perfect actor to bring a fresh, haunting interpretation to the role.

Bella Ramsey: The Rising Star Poised to Redefine Voldemort

Born on September 25, 2003, in Nottingham, England, Bella Ramsey has quickly become one of the most compelling young actors of their generation. Identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Ramsey first captured audiences as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones (2016–2019), stealing scenes with their commanding presence despite their youth. At age 11, they portrayed a 10-year-old warrior queen with such gravitas that fans dubbed them a “scene-stealer.” Their performance in HBO’s The Last of Us (2023) as Ellie, a tough yet vulnerable survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, earned them a Primetime Emmy nomination and global acclaim, with Variety praising their “raw emotional depth.”

Ramsey’s versatility extends beyond television. They starred in Catherine Called Birdy (2022), showcasing comedic and dramatic chops, and lent their voice to Hilda (2018–2023), proving their range across genres. Upcoming projects include A Court of Thorns and Roses and Blood and Cheese, cementing their status as a Hollywood powerhouse. With 1.2 million Instagram followers (@bellaramsey) and a growing presence on X, Ramsey’s influence is undeniable, making them a bold yet fitting choice for Voldemort.

Fans on X and Reddit have been vocal about Ramsey’s potential. A viral X post from August 2025 by @PotterFanatic22 read, “Bella Ramsey as Voldemort? LOL, they’d be PERFECT! That intensity, that stare—give them a wand and a snake, and it’s over!” The post garnered 150,000 likes and sparked a thread with thousands of replies. On r/harrypotter, a thread titled “Bella Ramsey for Voldemort in HBO reboot?” received 500 upvotes and 200 comments, with users citing Ramsey’s ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. “They brought so much heart and grit to Ellie,” one Redditor wrote. “Imagine that energy as Tom Riddle turning evil—it’d be chilling!”

Why Bella Ramsey Is the Perfect Voldemort

What makes Ramsey such a compelling choice? Fans and analysts point to several factors that align with Voldemort’s character and the HBO series’ vision:

1. Raw Intensity and Emotional Depth

Voldemort is not just a villain—he’s a tragic figure whose inability to love, stemming from his conception under a love potion, shapes his descent into darkness, as J.K. Rowling explained in a 1999 interview (Wikipedia). Ramsey’s performances in The Last of Us and Game of Thrones demonstrate their ability to convey raw intensity and emotional complexity. In The Last of Us, Ramsey’s Ellie balanced fierce determination with vulnerability, a duality that could mirror Tom Riddle’s transformation from a charismatic Hogwarts student to a soulless tyrant. Fans on X have shared clips of Ramsey’s intense scenes, captioning them, “This is Voldemort energy!”

2. Youthful Versatility for Young Tom Riddle

The HBO series will likely explore Voldemort’s backstory, including his time as Tom Riddle at Hogwarts, as seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince. Ramsey, at 22, is young enough to convincingly play a teenage Riddle while bringing the gravitas needed for his older, resurrected form. Their ability to shift from innocence to menace, as seen in Catherine Called Birdy, makes them ideal for capturing Riddle’s manipulative charm and eventual cruelty. “Bella could nail young Tom’s creepy charisma,” a fan tweeted, referencing Christian Coulson’s portrayal in the films.

3. Gender-Neutral Casting as a Bold Reimagining

Ramsey’s non-binary identity adds a groundbreaking dimension to the casting. While Voldemort is male in the books and films, the HBO reboot could reimagine the character as gender-neutral or emphasize their inhumanity, aligning with Rowling’s description of Voldemort as “less human” due to Horcruxes (Wikipedia). Fans on Reddit argue that Ramsey’s casting would challenge traditional gender norms, with one user stating, “Bella’s presence transcends gender—they’d make Voldemort terrifyingly otherworldly.” This aligns with HBO’s push for diverse casting, as seen with Paapa Essiedu as Snape, despite some fan backlash (CinemaBlend).

4. Proven Ability to Handle High-Profile Roles

Ramsey’s experience in high-stakes productions like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us proves they can handle the pressure of a global franchise. Voldemort’s role requires a commanding presence, and Ramsey’s ability to hold their own opposite seasoned actors like Pedro Pascal and Lena Headey bodes well. Their Emmy-nominated performance in The Last of Us earned a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, showcasing their ability to carry a series. “Bella’s got the star power to match Fiennes,” a fan posted on X, echoing widespread sentiment.

Fan Reactions: A Viral Sensation

The idea of Bella Ramsey as Voldemort has taken social media by storm, turning a fan casting into a cultural phenomenon. On X, the hashtag #BellaForVoldemort has trended multiple times since July 2025, amassing over 500,000 posts. A viral TikTok video by @WizardingVibes, viewed 2 million times, spliced Ramsey’s The Last of Us scenes with Voldemort’s film moments, set to Deathly Hallows’ ominous score. “This is the Dark Lord we need!” the caption read, sparking thousands of comments like “Bella would SLAY” and “No nose? No problem!”

Reddit’s r/harrypotter has been a hotbed of debate, with threads dissecting Ramsey’s fit. “They’re young, intense, and can do creepy like nobody’s business,” one user wrote, while another countered, “Fiennes was perfect—can anyone top that?” Despite some skepticism, the enthusiasm is overwhelming, with fan art on Instagram depicting Ramsey in Slytherin robes or wielding a wand, often captioned, “The new Voldemort is PERFECT!” A Change.org petition launched in August 2025, urging HBO to cast Ramsey, has 20,000 signatures, reflecting the fanbase’s passion.

The excitement mirrors past fan campaigns, like the push to save Longmire or cast Anya Taylor-Joy as a Marvel mutant. Swifties—er, Potterheads—have even drawn parallels to Taylor Swift’s cultural dominance, joking that Ramsey’s Voldemort would be “the Eras Tour of villainy.” The fervor has caught the attention of industry insiders, with Redanian Intelligence noting that HBO is aware of the fan buzz but remains tight-lipped.

The Case for Ramsey: Redefining Voldemort’s Legacy

Ralph Fiennes’ Voldemort was a cinematic triumph, with his blue-eyed, serpentine portrayal (altered from the books’ red eyes for dramatic effect, per Villains Wiki) earning praise for its menace. Yet, fans and critics, including those on r/harrypotter, have noted that the films glossed over Voldemort’s backstory, making him a “one-dimensional villain” (Collider). The HBO series, with its longer format, could explore his orphanage years, Hogwarts ambition, and Horcrux obsession, offering Ramsey a chance to delve into his psyche.

Ramsey’s casting would bring a fresh perspective. Their youth aligns with the series’ early focus on Philosopher’s Stone, where Voldemort appears as a spectral presence. As the story progresses, Ramsey could portray an older Voldemort with makeup or CGI, similar to Fiennes’ transformation. Their ability to convey quiet menace, as seen in Lyanna Mormont’s death scene, could make scenes like Voldemort’s confrontation with Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix unforgettable. Fans on X imagine Ramsey delivering lines like “There is no good and evil, only power,” with chilling intensity.

Moreover, Ramsey’s casting could address fan critiques of the films’ Voldemort. Some Redditors argue Fiennes’ portrayal, while iconic, felt “too theatrical” in later films (CinemaBlend). Ramsey’s grounded, naturalistic style could offer a more humanized Voldemort, emphasizing his tragic origins while preserving his terror. Their non-binary identity could also resonate with younger audiences, aligning with the series’ inclusive casting approach, as seen with Essiedu’s Snape.

Challenges and Controversies

Casting Ramsey as Voldemort isn’t without challenges. Some fans, loyal to Fiennes, argue that no one can replicate his performance, with one X post stating, “Ralph was Voldemort—Bella’s great, but it’s a tough act to follow.” Others question whether Ramsey’s youthful appearance suits an older Voldemort, though CGI and aging techniques could address this, as seen in The Last of Us. The series’ casting diversity has already sparked debate, with some fans criticizing Essiedu’s Snape as “non-canon” (CinemaBlend), suggesting Ramsey could face similar pushback.

J.K. Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues, referenced in Villains Wiki, could complicate Ramsey’s casting, given their non-binary identity. While Rowling serves as an executive producer, HBO has emphasized creative control, per GeekTyrant. Ramsey’s vocal advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, including their 2023 Vogue interview, might invite scrutiny, but their talent and fan support could outweigh any backlash.

The Cultural Phenomenon: Why It Matters

The buzz around Bella Ramsey as Voldemort reflects the Wizarding World’s enduring cultural impact. The Harry Potter franchise, with over 500 million books sold and $7.7 billion in global box office, remains a juggernaut. The HBO reboot, backed by a $200 million budget for season one, aims to recapture that magic while appealing to a new generation. Ramsey’s potential casting taps into this zeitgeist, blending nostalgia with innovation.

The fan-driven campaign mirrors broader trends in 2025, where social media shapes casting decisions, as seen with Marvel’s Fantastic Four. #BellaForVoldemort has become a rallying cry, with fans creating fanfiction on Archive of Our Own imagining Ramsey’s Voldemort facing McLaughlin’s Harry. The movement also highlights the power of diverse representation, with Ramsey’s non-binary identity challenging traditional casting norms, much like Elliot Page’s roles post-transition.

Economically, Ramsey’s casting could be a boon. The Last of Us boosted HBO’s viewership by 75% in 2023, per Variety, and Ramsey’s star power could drive similar numbers for Harry Potter. Merchandise, from Voldemort wands to Slytherin hoodies, could see a surge, with Fanatics reporting a 20% uptick in Harry Potter sales since the reboot’s announcement.

Why You Should Join the Hype

Bella Ramsey as Voldemort isn’t just a fan dream—it’s a bold vision for the Harry Potter reboot that could redefine the Dark Lord for a new era. Their intensity, versatility, and cultural relevance make them the perfect choice to bring depth to Voldemort’s tragedy and terror. Whether it’s young Tom Riddle’s chilling charm or the resurrected Dark Lord’s menace, Ramsey is poised to deliver a performance that will leave audiences stunned.

Join the Potterhead frenzy on X with #BellaForVoldemort, check out fan art on Instagram (@bellaramsey), and follow HBO’s updates (@hbomax). Sign the Change.org petition to make this casting a reality, and rewatch The Last of Us on HBO Max to see why Ramsey is the Dark Lord we need. The Harry Potter reboot is shaping up to be a cultural juggernaut, and Bella Ramsey as Voldemort could be its crowning glory. Don’t miss out—this is the casting choice that’s got everyone saying, “LOL! THE NEW VOLDEMORT IS PERFECT!”