Bella Ramsey as VOLDEMORT? Fans are losing it!

The internet is buzzing with excitement as fans crown Bella Ramsey the perfect choice to play the Dark Lord in HBO’s Harry Potter series! Could this non-binary star bring a chilling new twist to Voldemort? Click to dive into the magical frenzy that’s got everyone talking!

👉 Read more here

The Harry Potter franchise, a global phenomenon with over 500 million books sold and $9 billion in film revenue, is undergoing a bold reinvention with HBO’s upcoming live-action series, set to premiere in 2027. On August 25, 2025, a viral fan campaign erupted on social media, proclaiming Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary actor known for Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, as the “perfect” choice to portray Lord Voldemort, the iconic Dark Lord. Fueled by Ramsey’s recent comments about wanting to take on bold roles, this fan-driven movement has sparked intense debate about casting, representation, and the future of the Wizarding World. This article explores the origins of the campaign, Ramsey’s suitability for Voldemort, the challenges of such a casting choice, and its broader implications for the Harry Potter series.

The Fan Campaign: Bella Ramsey as Voldemort

The idea of Bella Ramsey as Voldemort began with a viral X post on August 24, 2025, from @PotterFanatic, who shared a fan-made edit of Ramsey in Voldemort’s signature robes, captioned, “Bella Ramsey as Voldemort would be PERFECT. That intensity, that edge—yes!” The post, liked over 300,000 times, ignited a wave of support, with fans citing Ramsey’s commanding performances as Lyanna Mormont and Ellie Williams. A TikTok video imagining Ramsey delivering Voldemort’s chilling lines from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire amassed 2 million views, with comments like, “Bella’s stare could petrify the entire Wizarding World!”

Ramsey’s own words fueled the fire. In a July 2025 interview with Variety, they expressed interest in “dark, complex roles,” saying, “I want to play characters who scare people, who leave a mark.” Fans interpreted this as a nod to villainous roles like Voldemort, especially after Ramsey’s playful comment about wanting to be Spider-Man, showing their openness to iconic characters (). The campaign gained traction with hashtags like #BellaForVoldemort, trending globally by August 26, 2025.

Why Bella Ramsey for Voldemort?

Ramsey’s potential as Voldemort is rooted in their proven acting prowess and unique qualities:

Intensity and Range: Ramsey’s performances in The Last of Us and Catherine Called Birdy showcase a raw, magnetic intensity, ideal for Voldemort’s menacing charisma. Their ability to portray both vulnerability and ferocity aligns with Voldemort’s complex psyche, shaped by his tragic upbringing and thirst for power ().

Non-Binary Identity: As a non-binary actor using they/them pronouns, Ramsey could bring a fresh perspective to Voldemort, whose androgynous, almost inhuman appearance in the books—described as “snakelike” and “gaunt”—lends itself to a genderless interpretation (). Fans on X argue this could modernize the character, with @WizardVibes posting, “Bella’s non-binary edge would make Voldemort terrifyingly unique.”

Youthful Energy: At 21, Ramsey could portray a younger Tom Riddle in flashbacks, exploring his Hogwarts years, as seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Their age aligns with the series’ long-term vision, potentially spanning a decade.

The Context: HBO’s Harry Potter Series

HBO’s Harry Potter series, a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven books, is in production, with casting announcements including John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Hagrid (). The role of Voldemort remains uncast, with HBO reportedly keeping it secret until the 2027 premiere to build suspense (). Previous fan favorites like Cillian Murphy and Tom Hiddleston have been mentioned, but Ramsey’s name has surged due to their rising star power and fan support (,).

The series faces challenges due to Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues, which have led to boycotts and high-profile exits, like Paapa Essiedu’s withdrawal from the role of Snape on August 27, 2025 (). Ramsey’s non-binary identity could complicate their involvement, given Rowling’s history of clashing with trans and non-binary advocates, as seen in her recent comments about a non-binary parent (). However, Rowling’s unexpected support for Essiedu’s exit suggests she might back Ramsey if their casting aligns with artistic merit.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the fan campaign is fervent, casting Ramsey as Voldemort faces hurdles:

Fan Expectations: Voldemort, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in the original films, is a towering figure of evil, with a distinct physicality and voice. Some fans, like @PureBloodPotter on X, argue, “Bella Ramsey is great, but Voldemort needs gravitas they can’t match.” The backlash mirrors reactions to Ramsey’s casting as Ellie in The Last of Us, where they faced online hate but ultimately won praise ().

Rowling’s Influence: As an executive producer, Rowling’s views could create tension with Ramsey, who has supported trans rights alongside stars like Emma D’Arcy (). A potential clash, similar to Rowling’s disputes with Daniel Radcliffe, could derail the casting.

Gender and Representation: While Ramsey’s non-binary identity could refresh Voldemort’s portrayal, some fans worry it risks “woke” casting backlash, as seen with Halle Bailey’s Ariel. A 2025 YouGov poll shows 50% of Harry Potter fans prefer traditional casting for iconic roles, though 40% of Gen Z support diversity ().

Physical Transformation: Voldemort’s snake-like appearance requires extensive makeup or CGI, which could challenge Ramsey’s ability to embody the character’s menace, especially compared to Fiennes’ iconic performance ().

Broader Implications

The #BellaForVoldemort campaign reflects broader trends in Hollywood:

Diverse Casting: Ramsey’s potential casting aligns with Marvel’s inclusivity push, as seen with Simu Liu and Iman Vellani, and could counter Rowling-related boycotts by appealing to younger audiences ().

Fan Influence: Social media campaigns, like those on X and TikTok, increasingly shape casting decisions, as seen with Henry Cavill’s rumored role as Godric Gryffindor (). The viral nature of Ramsey’s fan support, with over 1 million X posts, underscores this power.

Franchise Risks: The Harry Potter series, with a $200 million budget per season, faces pressure to balance legacy and innovation. Ramsey’s casting could reinvigorate the franchise but risks alienating traditionalists, as seen in Essiedu’s exit.

Cultural Impact

The Ramsey-Voldemort buzz has taken over social media, with fan art and mock trailers flooding TikTok and X. A viral video of Ramsey reciting Voldemort’s “There is no good and evil” speech has 3 million views, with comments like, “Bella would SLAY as the Dark Lord!” The campaign mirrors the excitement for Cavill and Tom Hiddleston in the founders series, showing the Wizarding World’s enduring appeal ().

The debate also reflects 2025’s cultural tensions over representation, echoing controversies like Tom Holland’s response to Ramsey’s Spider-Man ambition (). HBO’s silence on Voldemort’s casting, per Redanian Intelligence, adds intrigue, with fans speculating Ramsey could be a surprise reveal ().

Conclusion

Bella Ramsey’s emergence as a fan-favored Voldemort for HBO’s Harry Potter series has sparked a magical storm, with supporters touting their intensity and unique identity as perfect for the Dark Lord. The campaign, fueled by viral X posts and Ramsey’s own ambition for bold roles, highlights the power of fan influence in 2025’s Hollywood. Yet, challenges like Rowling’s controversies, fan expectations, and the physical demands of Voldemort loom large. As HBO navigates this high-stakes reboot, Ramsey’s potential casting could redefine the Wizarding World, proving that even the darkest roles can shine with new light. Whether they don the Dark Lord’s robes or not, the buzz around Bella Ramsey ensures the Harry Potter saga remains as enchanting—and divisive—as ever.