On the eve of Universal’s A Celebration of Harry Potter event, Matthew Lewis looks back on his time as Neville Longbottom.
In a week, Universal Studios Orlando will kick off its A Celebration of Harry Potter event, a three-day party revolving around everything Harry Potter-related in the park, including the Leaky Cauldro, the Three Broomstick, Ollivanders and more. Universal is also inviting actors from the Harry Potter movies to mark the occasion, including Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom.
Before the event kicks off on January 27, Universal sat down with Lewis to discuss some of his favorite Harry Potter memories. Check out a sample:
"Question: “What’s your favorite quote from the books or line from the movie scripts?”Answer: “I think my favorite line is from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) exclaims ‘I did my waiting, twelve years of it – in Azkaban!'”"
A fine choice.
"Question: “What qualities of Neville drew you to that character?”Answer: “I found Neville’s underdog status a huge draw. Naturally, being British, the plucky underdog is always a character that I want to champion. Neville, however, is also inherently good. He always attempts to do his best and fight the good fight against overwhelming odds. He’s scared and out of his depth but he steps up and fights anyway – that’s courage.”"
Is there a group of people on the planet who don’t love an underdog? In any case, I think Neville’s innate courage and goodness are what draw a lot of fans to him.
"Question: “What was one special moment you had during creating the Harry Potter films that you will remember forever?”Answer: “The one memory that I always place above all others is the final premiere in London. I’d never seen anything like it and I doubt I will ever experience anything on that level again. It was unique and overwhelming. That’s all thanks to the fans that turned out that night. Unforgettable.”"
No party like the final party.
"Question: “If you could play another character in the movies, who would it be?”Answer: “I’m often asked this question and I think I change my answer frequently but the most common is that I’d like to be on the other side. Playing bad guys is so much fun because it’s out of your comfort zone and you get to do and say things you’d never do in real life. So I think I’d be one of the Malfoys. Probably Lucius!”"
Incidentally, the guy who played Lucius Malfoy, Jason Isaacs, will also be among the guests at A Celebration of Harry Potter. Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick/Griphook) will be there as well. You can get tickets here.
Next: Pottermore's Guide to all things 1920s
h/t SnitchSeeker