Matthew Lewis, best known to fans as Neville Longbottom, spoke with us before Tuesday’s Toronto premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. He touched on the film and a few other topics, offering a glimpse into the final chapter of the saga. Minor spoilers are included, so readers should proceed with that in mind.
On learning from the cast of Harry Potter: By simply being around the ensemble, Lewis absorbed a level of professionalism that left a lasting impression. He tried to soak up as much as possible, noting that the stars are all brilliant and carry themselves without ego. Their easy camaraderie and openness kept everyone grounded, a reminder that they are people who happen to be exceptionally talented. The sense of normalcy behind the magic is part of what made the filming experience so special.
How Alan Rickman inspired him: On his last day of filming, Lewis visited Rickman’s trailer to share his admiration for a personal hero. Rickman invited him in, asked about the next steps in his career, and urged him toward theatre. Lewis recalls that when Rickman offers guidance, it carries real weight and deserves to be followed.
On Robbie Coltrane: Lewis describes Coltrane as a remarkable person. They spent time in Orlando for the premiere of the theme park, and Coltrane’s passion for space and mechanics came into play. He renovated an old car and even sent Lewis a space shuttle book from years past. Those gestures illustrate that even the biggest stars remain kind, generous, and down to earth.
On what he’ll miss about Harry Potter: The most comforting part was the familiarity of the world, the chance to experiment with the character, and the freedom to fail without fear. There were no egos on set, and the strong friendships among the cast are what make the experience unforgettable. Lewis feels a genuine sense of loss for that unique environment.
How he felt when filming ended: Lewis admits he did not experience the wave of emotion others describe immediately. It was sad, but not overwhelming. The moment finally hit during the London premiere when he looked out over a sea of fans and realized this would be the last time the film would be shown to them. He believes the fans are among the best in the world and that memory will stay with him.
On this final movie being in 3D: He admits he was worried about the 3D approach at first. Yet he trusted David Yates, David Heyman, and David Barron to preserve the story and enhance the film rather than detract from it. After the first scene, the glasses faded from his mind, and the most striking moment was tears escaping during Rickman’s performance. The visuals left a strong impression, and he was impressed by the overall result.
The training involved in preparing for his role in Deathly Hallows Part 2: In recent years, the cast trained with a stunt team to stay in shape and build confidence for stunts. This approach helped reassure the producers and even eased insurance concerns. Nights on set stretched late, with runs across a bridge and careful coordination that ultimately paid off in the on-screen result.
On playing opposite Voldemort in Deathly Hallows Part 2: Lewis shares that Ralph Fiennes is terrifying in the scene and that the director favors quick, natural takes over lengthy rehearsal. In a pivotal moment, Neville steps forward to face Voldemort while in ordinary clothes. Fiennes locked eyes with Lewis, creating a moment that felt almost like a direct look into his soul. That shared intensity pushed Lewis to raise his game, even though he says his performance is up to the viewers to judge. In real life, Fiennes is said to be far more relaxed than the on-screen presence would suggest.
How they celebrated the end of filming: The cast and crew put together a book as a keepsake, a project that honored everyone who worked on the film. They call some crew members lifers for their tireless, hidden efforts, and the book, titled The Crew Book, was created to recognize both cast and crew for their hard work and camaraderie.
Thank you, Matthew Lewis!
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