It’s an exciting time to be a Potterhead.
The final instalment of the film series is just three months away, and the second-to-last movie drops on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download Friday.
We caught up with cast members at the recently-opened Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York.
On growing up in the Potter films
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley): “It’s been a massive and amazing experience. I don’t think we could have asked for any better environment to be in to be learning from others.”
On who had a penchant for the set’s souvenirs
Producer David Heyman: “Alan Rickman stole more props than anybody …(but) he does give them to charity.”
On getting the part
Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid): “My children (told me) if I didn’t play Hagrid I would not be allowed home again.”
David Thewlis (Remus Lupin): “I actually auditioned for Professor Quirrel and didn’t get it. And I’m very glad because he died in the first film.”
On their very first days on set
Michael Gambon (Dumbledore): “I was just petrified … But you just fight your way through it.”
Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley): “I nearly wet myself. You can tell (I was) the new guy on set because (I had) a wand in the corner going, ‘Poof!’”
Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood): “I wasn’t an actor; I was just a huge fan. I remember (Daniel Radcliffe) knew that I was a nervous wreck … I had to ask him, ‘Can I just touch you?’”
Producer David Baron: “(Dan) was always really aware of the newcomers and went to great lengths to make them feel comfortable.”
On the action in the eighth movie
Baron: “When you have a wand it’s actually quite difficult to stage action in a way that feels suitably strong and aggressive.”
Natalia Tena (Tonks): “Shouting swear words while you’re using the wand helps.”
