Harry Potter TV Series Reboot: Matthew Lewis to play Neville Longbottom again?

Matthew Lewis, widely recognized for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, has expressed openness to appearing in the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series reboot by Max. Despite not actively seeking a return to the wizarding world, Lewis shared that he would certainly consider it if approached.

Interest Sparked Amidst Past Reluctance

During an interview with PEOPLE at the Harry Potter New York store, Lewis revealed his mixed feelings about revisiting the franchise. "I'm not in any rush to go back to the world," he admitted. However, he added, "I’d certainly consider it." The actor, known for his dynamic range of roles post-Harry Potter, emphasized his inclination for new and varied experiences, citing his short attention span as a factor that drove him to acting in the first place, as mentioned in a report by Decider.

A New Era for Harry Potter on TV

The upcoming Harry Potter TV series is set to span a decade, adapting the seven books by J.K. Rowling into a long-running show. Scheduled for a 2026 debut, the series has generated considerable anticipation.

Lewis expressed curiosity about the new direction and potential fresh interpretations the showrunners might bring. "I’d be very interested to see if it was Neville as an adult — a whole different vibe. That could be interesting," he pondered, indicating a potential interest in exploring his character from a matured perspective, as mentioned in a report by Decider.

The Appeal of Ever-Changing Roles

Reflecting on his acting career, Lewis highlighted his passion for diverse roles as a key reason for his involvement in the industry. "I’ve been a nurse, I’ve been a police officer, I’ve been a soldier, I’ve been a wizard, I’ve been all these different things," he noted. This variety keeps his interest piqued, as he thrives on the unpredictability and novelty each new role brings.

Contrasting Views with Daniel Radcliffe

While Lewis is open to considering a return, his former co-star Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, has shown a different stance. Radcliffe made it clear in July 2023 that he has no intentions of participating in the new series.

He described the reboot as a "fresh start" designed for a new cast, and although he supports the project, he believes it does not require his involvement. "I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way," Radcliffe stated, emphasizing the need for a new generation to take up the mantle.

FAQs:

Are they making a Harry Potter TV series?
At its Max streaming event in April 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery announced an exciting new era for Harry Potter fans: a TV series based on all seven books by J.K. Rowling.

Who's playing Hermione in the new Harry Potter series?
Olivier Award-winning actor Noma Dumezweni, who has made two appearances in "Doctor Who," takes on the role of Hermione Granger.