In a new set report from Movies.com, Matthew has discussed the Potter films and the audition process.
Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom, undergoes a gritty makeover for his character’s evolution. “The first week, it was really enjoyable. I thought, ‘This is fun! This is great.’ About 12 months later, it’s pretty boring. The novelty has definitely worn off. When I get the full thing on – a headpiece as well – it took two hours for the first few weeks. We’ve knocked it down to about an hour and a quarter now.” Other changes in his prosthetic makeup included getting rid of the fat suit, which he had to wear in past films to portray a pudgier Neville. “Neville’s slimmed down. We’re trying to suggest he’s living underground at Hogwarts, and he’s been this resistance leader. So he’s not had time to eat, and he’s been stressing out.”
Like Radcliffe, Lewis has played his role since the beginning, and said he’ll miss the security of having Harry Potter. “Auditions are the worst thing in the world. I go to pieces. I just can’t do it. Everything I do from now [on] is going to be a little bit harder, but at the same time, it’s time to move on and do something else. I can’t wait for that either – some ambivalence on it, really. I’m happy, sad, a little bit of both.”
Matthew-Lewis.com will be at the London premiere of Deathly Hallows so stay tuned for fun stuff from it (photos/videos depending on what we can get).