Harry Potter Audiobooks Cast May Solve TV Show’s Voldemort Problem

The wizarding world has found its new Dark Lord. Emmy-winning Succession star Matthew MacFadyen will bring bone-chilling menace to the role of Lord Voldemort in Audible’s upcoming full-cast Harry Potter audiobook series, as reported by Variety in August 2025. This inspired casting sparks immediate speculation: Could MacFadyen also embody He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in HBO’s highly anticipated live-action Harry Potter TV series?

Audible’s ambitious reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s saga features an all-star cast. Hugh Laurie takes the mantle of Albus Dumbledore, while Riz Ahmed portrays the complex Severus Snape. Michelle Gomez becomes Professor McGonagall, and Cush Jumbo serves as the series narrator. The iconic trio will be voiced by Frankie Treadaway (Harry Potter), Max Lester (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) for the first three books, with Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis assuming the roles for the later, darker installments. Laurie expressed profound respect for predecessors like Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, stating: “I’m honored to have been trusted with the keys to Albus Dumbledore… deeply conscious of previous drivers.”

Who is Playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter Audiobooks? {.wp-block-heading}

Matthew MacFadyen, renowned for his Emmy-winning portrayal of the scheming Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s Succession, brings a unique blend of aristocratic menace and chilling calculation perfectly suited for Voldemort. His casting signals Audible’s commitment to high-caliber performances that capture the character’s terrifying presence and complex origins as Tom Riddle. MacFadyen’s proven ability to embody morally ambiguous, power-hungry characters makes him a compelling choice to voice the Dark Lord’s rise and reign of terror across all seven audiobooks.

His filmography demonstrates remarkable range, from the romantic hero Mr. Darcy in 2005’s Pride & Prejudice to the enigmatic Mr. Paradox in Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Industry experts suggest this versatility allows him to convey Voldemort’s evolution – from the charming, manipulative student to the snake-like embodiment of pure evil. The audio format demands vocal nuance to convey terror without visual cues, a challenge MacFadyen’s stage and screen experience prepares him for masterfully.

Full Cast Revealed for Harry Potter Audiobook Series {.wp-block-heading}

Audible’s production represents the first complete, multi-voice dramatization of all seven Harry Potter books. The ensemble includes heavyweight talent ensuring each beloved character receives a fresh interpretation:

• Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore
• Riz Ahmed as Severus Snape
• Michelle Gomez as Minerva McGonagall
• Matthew MacFadyen as Lord Voldemort
• Cush Jumbo as the Narrator
• Frankie Treadaway as Harry Potter (Books 1-3)
• Max Lester as Ron Weasley (Books 1-3)
• Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger (Books 1-3)
• Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter (Books 4-7)
• Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley (Books 4-7)
• Nina Barker-Francis as Hermione Granger (Books 4-7)

The decision to transition the trio’s voice actors after Prisoner of Azkaban reflects the characters’ aging and the series’ progressively darker tone. Stanton’s dual role as Hermione in both this audio series and HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation highlights the interconnected nature of these high-profile projects.

Could MacFadyen Play Voldemort in the Harry Potter TV Series? {.wp-block-heading}

Intriguingly, HBO’s concurrent Harry Potter TV series, currently in principal photography, has yet to announce its actor for Lord Voldemort. MacFadyen’s audiobook casting immediately positions him as a frontrunner for the live-action role. There’s significant precedent: Arabella Stanton is playing Hermione in both productions. This dual casting demonstrates Warner Bros. Discovery’s willingness to align portrayals across platforms.

MacFadyen possesses the physicality and dramatic intensity required for the screen version of the Dark Lord. His Succession role showcased his ability to project intimidating authority and ruthless ambition – key Voldemort traits. While HBO remains silent on the casting, fans and industry analysts widely speculate that MacFadyen auditioning for, or being approached about, the TV role was likely a factor in securing him for the audiobook. His involvement ensures continuity and builds anticipation across both major Potter initiatives.

When Will the Harry Potter Audiobooks Release? {.wp-block-heading}

Audible has confirmed a staggered monthly release schedule starting late 2025, allowing fans to experience each book anew:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: November 4, 2025
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: December 16, 2025
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: January 13, 2026
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: February 10, 2026
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: March 10, 2026
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: April 14, 2026
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: May 12, 2026

All titles are available for pre-order on Audible. This release strategy builds sustained excitement and allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in each installment before the next arrives.

Matthew MacFadyen’s chilling portrayal of Voldemort promises to redefine the Dark Lord for a new generation across Audible’s blockbuster audiobooks, with HBO’s TV series potentially offering a thrilling encore. Pre-order the audiobooks now and stay tuned for official confirmation on the screen fate of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Must Know {.wp-block-heading}

Q: Who is voicing Voldemort in the new Harry Potter audiobooks?
A: Emmy-winning actor Matthew MacFadyen, famous for Succession, is voicing Lord Voldemort in Audible’s full-cast dramatization of all seven Harry Potter books, bringing his signature intensity to the Dark Lord.

Q: Is Matthew MacFadyen also playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter TV show?
A: As of now, HBO has not announced its Voldemort actor for the upcoming TV series. However, MacFadyen’s audiobook casting and the precedent of Arabella Stanton playing Hermione in both projects make him a strong contender for the live-action role.

Q: When does the first Harry Potter Audible book release?
A: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in Audible’s new full-cast series, releases on November 4, 2025. Subsequent books follow monthly through May 2026.

Q: Who plays Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the audiobooks?
A: Frankie Treadaway (Harry), Max Lester (Ron), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione) voice the trio for the first three books. Jaxon Knopf (Harry), Rhys Mulligan (Ron), and Nina Barker-Francis (Hermione) take over for the final four books.

Q: Who is the narrator for the Harry Potter audiobooks?
A: Acclaimed actress Cush Jumbo serves as the overall narrator for the entire Audible Harry Potter series, guiding listeners through the magical narrative alongside the full character cast.

Q: Who else is in the Harry Potter audiobook cast?
A: The star-studded cast includes Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Snape, and Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, ensuring high-quality performances for every iconic character.