With the highly anticipated HBO Harry Potter series just six months away, all eyes are on the Wizarding World again. But before Dominic McLaughlin takes up the wand as the new Chosen One, let's not forget the actors who made the original films iconic. Among them, Ralph Fiennes delivered one of cinema's most chilling villain performances as Lord Voldemort. Now, Fiennes is bringing a different kind of intensity to Netflix with his 2025 war drama The Choral.
What Is 'The Choral' About?
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, The Choral stars Fiennes as Dr. Guthrie, a man navigating the horrors of World War I. The film also features a stellar supporting cast including Roger Allam, Mark Addy, and Simon Russell Beale. This marks Fiennes' second consecutive role as a doctor—though his turn as Dr. Kelson in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple takes a far more terrifying path. If you missed this poignant war gem in theaters, you'll get your chance when it streams on Netflix starting July 2, 2026.
Why You Should Watch
While Fiennes is best known for playing dark characters, The Choral showcases his range as a deeply human lead. The film has been praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas. It's also a perfect companion piece to other recent Netflix additions like Rosamund Pike's 'Gone Girl', which lands on the platform the same month.
What's Next for Ralph Fiennes?
Fiennes shows no signs of slowing down. After The Choral, he'll step into the role of President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest prequel to the blockbuster franchise. Set for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026, the film boasts an incredible ensemble including Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and many more. It's a role that promises to bring Fiennes back into the spotlight of major franchises.
For those who prefer smaller, character-driven stories, The Choral is a reminder of why Fiennes remains one of the most respected actors of his generation. Don't miss it when it arrives on Netflix. And if you're looking for more underrated gems, check out our list of 7 Underrated Fantasy Series You'll Want to Rewatch Again and Again.
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