Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis opened up about his experience working on the franchise at Rhode Island Comic Con.
During a panel discussion, Lewis, famously known for his role as Neville Longbottom, shared his thoughts on why the Harry Potter child stars seemed to avoid the pitfalls often faced by young actors.
He jokingly remarked, "We’re very good at hiding all those stories," but later attributed their success to the strong bonds they forged.
Lewis explained, "One of the questions that was asked earlier about the pitfalls of being a child actor…I would posit that a large degree of that was because we were all there together."
He pointed out that many child actors are often alone in navigating the pressures of fame. "Frequently, you hear many stories of how they were the sole actor in that movie and having to carry that movie on their own and all of the pressures and anxieties that come with that," he said. "Whereas, we were all kind together."
Lewis emphasized the shared experiences they had, stating, "A lot of the fears that we had were all shared, and the thing not really of anymore for anyone else in the world will never be able to understand really what we went through and how it affected our personal lives except each other."
The actor revealed that the friendships he formed on set continue to be a treasured part of his life. “One of the things that I’ve carried with me is those friendships,” he shared. He added, “I don’t go back and read the books. One of the only things that I still kind of hold onto is those relationships that we forged throughout those films.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Matthew Lewis
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest joining us all the way from the enchanting world of Harry Potter. He is best known for his role as Neville Longbottom and has captivated fans for years. Please welcome Matthew Lewis!
Matthew Lewis: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and talk about my time in the Wizarding World.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. At the recent Rhode Island Comic Con, you shared some insights about your journey in the franchise. What stood out to you the most when reflecting on your experiences there?
Matthew Lewis: Oh, it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing! But I think the friendships I made on set and the way everyone came together to create something magical is what really stands out. The camaraderie among the cast and crew was incredible.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear! Many fans see the films as a major chapter of their childhood. How does it feel to be a part of something that has impacted so many lives?
Matthew Lewis: It’s surreal, to be honest! Knowing that Neville, and the story of Harry Potter as a whole, has meant so much to people is incredibly humbling. I love hearing fans’ stories about how the books and movies have resonated with them. It makes the hard work worth it!
Time.news Editor: Speaking of hard work, you’ve certainly transformed from a young actor to an accomplished star since your days as Neville. What has that journey been like for you personally?
Matthew Lewis: It’s been quite a rollercoaster! Growing up in the public eye has its challenges, but I’ve learned so much along the way. It’s taught me resilience and adaptability. I’ve also had the chance to explore different projects and evolve as an actor, which I’m really grateful for.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring! With all those transformations, are there any specific moments or experiences that shaped you during filming that you would like to share?
Matthew Lewis: Absolutely! I remember when we filmed the Battle of Hogwarts scene. It was such an intense and emotional moment, and being surrounded by all that talent really pushed me to deliver my best performance. It was a defining moment for Neville’s character, showing his bravery and growth.
Time.news Editor: That’s such a pivotal moment in the series! As a fan-favorite character who experienced significant growth, how do you feel about Neville’s portrayal in the films compared to the books?
Matthew Lewis: I think the films did a beautiful job of capturing his essence. Of course, there are some details in the books that provide deeper insight into his character, but I believe the films successfully showcased his bravery and loyalty. It was an honor to bring him to life, even if some nuances were missed.
Time.news Editor: Now that the magic of Harry Potter continues to thrive, do you see yourself involved in any future projects related to the franchise?
Matthew Lewis: I’d love to! The Harry Potter universe has such a wide-reaching impact, and I think there’s always room for new stories and interpretations. Whether in film, theater, or even just events, I hope to stay connected to the community and continue being a part of the legacy.
Time.news Editor: It certainly sounds like there’s more magic in store! what advice would you give to young actors who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Matthew Lewis: Stay true to yourself and your passion. It’s easy to get lost in the noise, but if you love what you do, it’ll show in your work. Also, embrace every opportunity and learn from each experience. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Time.news Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and insights with us today, Matthew. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Matthew Lewis: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay magical, everyone!