Matthew Lewis, 21, spent the last ten years of his life as the interpreter of Neville Longbottom, the toothy, shy and clumsy fellow Harry Potter saga in his film. Although not part of the ‘power trio’ cast, composed of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron), Lewis became rich and famous simply for being part of the series, which, in terms of box office, eclipsed giants like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, grossing over 5 billion dollars and marking a generation.
Despite having a smaller share in the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which debuted on Friday (19), fans who saw the premiere were excited with the arrival of at least one of the actors cast Brazil to promote the film. Aline Rodrigues, 20, who maintains the Occlumency site, dedicated to the series, the actor followed the steps from the hotel until his return to the airport and said he was happy with the opportunity to meet him. Always calm, he said he was surprised by the success of Harry Potter in Brazil. Fanatical supporter of Leeds United team in the English third division, and appreciative of Brazilian football, he lost no opportunity to visit the Football Museum at the Pacaembu stadium next to the captain Cafu penta. The player was promoting the work of his foundation assistance to underprivileged youth. When you see the installation that recreates the traumatic defeat in Brazil to Uruguay in 1950, joked: “Oh, I Know That Feeling” (“I know that feeling.”) During the tour, he spoke with ÉPOCA.
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, you had a small share. How will your participation in the second part of the movie?
Surely, more will appear in the second movie, because that part of Neville enters decisive moments in the plot against the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort. The second part of my role is also important for Harry to come to the final battle.
Lewis –Thanks. As a fan of Harry Potter, I see as a unique opportunity to have participated in something historic as that. I grew up like any kid from Leeds, a normal life, except that part of the cast of a billion dollar franchise. This work allowed me to meet people who have always admired. How I love football, I had the opportunity to meet people like Gordon Banks, the greatest goalie of all time, winner with England in the 1960s – was a blast. And now being here, next to another world champion like Cafu … I could never imagine.
Surely McCartnney meeting Sir Paul was remarkable to me.
In a way. We ate, studied and did everything together. In ten years, we became a family like any other, with our inside jokes, our possible discussions. Despite all harassment and safety, I was very happy there. I do not feel I lost my childhood, only that it had a different kind.
I tried to be an actor just because the series is already a fan of hers. I read the books when he was 8, 9 years old and for me it was very special to be part of something I have always admired the history and values that are in the book.
I’m an actor since the age of 5, ie, I have been doing this for 16 years. I will continue. For now, there’s no movie planned because I’ll be very busy with a play in which I will participate next year.