Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Cast Interviews Roundup

Jun 19, 2010

Posted by: John Admin

Actor Interviews

Since the Celebrity Preview and Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, interviews with the cast of the Harry Potter films have been pouring in thick and fast. As many of the interviews cover the same topics and ask the same questions of the cast, a detailed roundup of the main points to have arisen from the press’ interviews with the Harry Potter actors follows.

MSNBC‘s “TODAY Show” spoke extensively with the stars of the Potter films, starting off with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) – Radcliffe interview. You can watch a video of the interview on the MSNBC website via this link. “I’ve always felt very, very lucky to have fallen into ” almost by accident ” a job that I absolutely love,” said Radcliffe. Asked about whether he had any souvenirs from the set, he said, “I’m going back (to the ˜Potter’ set) for two ” literally two ” days, and I’m going to get the glasses. Gotta get the glasses.”

Radcliffe additionally spoke to MSNBC about the opportunities the role has given him:

Every opportunity I get from now until the rest of my life is derived from the fact that when I was 10 years old, I got cast as Harry Potter. And I will be forever grateful and very proud to be associated with it.

Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) talked about his shock at seeing the scenes he filmed as Dumbledore two years ago that now appear in the Forbidden Journey ride, “It looked like me, and so real!” More clips from the “TODAY Show” include presenter Al Roker getting a wand from Ollivander’s and sampling Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. You can see the videos on the MSNBC website at this link.

CNN talked to Daniel Radcliffe and have a video on their website of their live stream interview with the actor. Radcliffe cited rollercoaster Dragon Challenge as his favourite part of the park, commenting, “It’s been a while since I’ve been on a
roller coaster that terrifying, but I’ve done it five times in the last
two days, and I plan to go a couple more times today.” You can watch the interview at this link.

The Guardian took readers around the park in an article in yesterday’s Travel supplement. You can find the article and accompanying photos of the park here on The Guardian‘s website. The British newspaper also has a quote from Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) about the footage for the Forbidden Journey, shot “about two years ago … and it’s a ride like no other.” The actor continues, “It combines amazing new technology with 3D imagery, with lifesize stuff coming out at you.”

The BBC has a number of new videos in its Entertainment and Arts section, taking a tour of the park, talking to the art director about recreating Harry’s world, another report from Hogsmeade and a one on one interview with Daniel Radcliffe.

MTV has a short article about the Grand Opening detailing an attempt by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley, respectively) to set off a Wet-Start No-Heat Firework that they said they bought from Zonko’s. The actors were “backed up” by a number of fireworks set off in a Universal backlot when the Wet-Start No-Heat Firework only produced smoke. You can find the full article via this link.

People Magazine has an article listing the actors’ favourite parts of the attraction. Declaring Ollivander’s his children’s favourite part of the park, Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick, Griphook) said:

It’s an
immaculate reality. To see my kids in Ollivander’s [wand shop] getting
their wands was just tremendous. My children have got an unhealthy
amount of wands. It looks like Ollivander’s in our hotel room. They’re
loving it.

Find the article here on the People website.

10 Connects, a local news station from Tampa Bay, Florida, has a video recap of Wednesday’s celebration, which you can find on their website at this link. The news station also spoke to Radcliffe, who once again remarked on how “complete” the Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels in comparison with the film sets. “There is not one moment when the illusion is broken,” said Radcliffe. Gambon talked about how he found Daniel Radcliffe’s favourite ride, Dragon Challenge, “terrifying” and David Heyman, producer for the Harry Potter films, described the park as “as perfect a rendition of the film in three dimensions as you could possibly ask for.”

Lastly, Scotland’s Daily Record has a report on the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Rupert Grint, who has said in a number of interviews so far that both the pub and the view of Hogwarts’ castle are his favourite parts of the attraction, once again stated, “Just seeing the castle was the big thing for me, it gave me a chill. We should have one at home.” Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) spoke for Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) who couldn’t make it to the Celebrity Preview or the Grand Opening but who visited the park with Coltrane. “We both got quite emotional seeing all this brought to life,” said the Hagrid actor. Find the full article from the Daily Record at this link.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.