With HBO’s ‘Harry Potter‘ reboot moving full steam ahead, iconic Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes has chimed in, not with any wisdom about embracing evil or perfecting a chilling stare, but with a far more unexpected tip.
Fiennes believes the new actor needs to “master the art of walking in long-flowing robes” before anything. Additionally, this hilarious advice might’ve been what was needed amidst the controversies.
Ralph Fiennes Reveals His Original Voldemort Robe Struggle
The legendary actor, who defined Lord Voldemort for a generation, didn’t miss the chance to joke about the ‘pressure’ of playing the villain. “Make sure you can handle the long-flowing robes and don’t trip over them,” Fiennes told ET. He then also shared a now-viral anecdote about wardrobe malfunctions during filming. Apparently, the original tights he wore, “one piece with a gusset”, slowly slid down as the day wore on.
Related: ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Casts Golden Trio: Meet New Harry, Ron And Hermione
This prompted him to request separate tights “like a garter belt.” He even teased the stunt team by flashing his improvised garter getup beneath Voldemort’s ominous robes. On the surface, it’s hilarious. However, this is good advice. A seasoned actor offering a playful welcome to his successor, reminding them that behind even the darkest characters, there’s a bit of awkwardness.
Fiennes’ joke about tights and garter belts might sound trivial next to all this, but maybe it’s exactly what the moment needed. And perhaps that’s what the new Voldemort, and the entire reboot cast, needs to hear most. Yes, they’re inheriting a cultural monolith. Yes, they’ll face harsh criticism, no matter what they say or do. However, at the heart of it all, this is still a story about magic.
Controversies Surrounding The ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Explained
While Ralph Fiennes’ remarks may feel lighthearted, they arrive in the midst of a cultural firestorm surrounding the reboot. The series, still in the early stages of production, has already drawn intense criticism from fans and social commentators alike. Not necessarily for its casting (which includes respected actors like John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry), but for the complicated politics now surrounding Harry Potter itself.
In case you missed it: Top 10 Plot Twists In ‘Harry Potter’
It’s no secret that J.K. Rowling, the author of the original book series and a producer on this reboot, remains a controversial figure due to her outspoken views on gender identity. The backlash has already begun. When John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore was announced, a friend reportedly sent him a link to an article titled “An open letter to John Lithgow: Please walk away from Harry Potter.”
Nick Frost, newly cast as Hagrid, had to disable comments on social media after internet outrage. Even Paapa Essiedu, who proactively signed a petition supporting trans rights, wasn’t spared from criticism. Katherine Parkinson, cast as Molly Weasley, is now under fire due to her previous connection with creator Graham Linehan, another polarizing figure in the gender debate.
It’s especially complicated l for actors who, for many, are simply trying to do their jobs. This is the paradox of the Harry Potter reboot in 2025: accepting a major role means potentially walking into a decade-long identity crisis in the public eye. The series is expected to stretch across ten years, with one season per book, meaning cast members will be tied to this narrative for the long haul.
