Dhaka, Sept. 25 -- Fresh speculation has gripped the Harry Potter fandom as rumours suggest HBO's upcoming adaptation of The Philosopher's Stone could feature a female incarnation of Lord Voldemort.

The new series, billed as a fresh take on J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, is expected to introduce Voldemort earlier than in the original films - possibly through flashbacks and his possession of Professor Quirrell.

Entertainment scooper Daniel Richtman reported on X that HBO is auditioning both men and women for the role of Voldemort. "So it's possible we could see a female Voldemort in the series," Richtman wrote.

The report has triggered heated debate online, with some fans coining names such as "Lady Voldemort" or "She-Who-Must-Not-Be-N...