Online speculation has surged that Cynthia Erivo, the star of the musical Wicked, may portray the primary antagonist in the new Harry Potter series. Fans have even taken to calling the character “Lady Voldemort.” Neither Warner Bros. nor Erivo herself have confirmed these claims.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, audiences are already debating Erivo’s potential involvement, and several fan-made posters have appeared.
As with the reaction to Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Snape, many have criticized the idea of changing the antagonist’s gender and background. Social media users have urged J.K. Rowling not to alter the established literary canon.
For now, however, Erivo’s casting still appears unlikely to be factual.
