Matthew Lewis Chat on MuggleNet

Jamie: Hello, everyone! And welcome to the online chat with Matthew Lewis, otherwise known as Neville Longbottom. If you’re ready to begin, Matt, we’ll start.

Matthew: Yeah, I’m ready.

Jamie: First question coming…

Question from Lainei: How has your life changed since you were cast as Neville in the HP films?

Matthew: It hasn’t really changed all that much. I mean, obviously, I don’t spend much time at home now because I’m down in London filming, but I don’t get recognized very often, so that’s not [a] problem. My schoolwork has probably improved because of the tutors on set. I guess the only difference is that I get to do cool stuff like this.

Question from hp_rocks: What’s your favorite subject in school?

Matthew: My favorite subject is probably IT (Information Technology) or PE (Physical Education).

Question from Cydni: Was Neville your first choice for a part in Harry Potter?

Matthew: Well, I originally went for everything, and Harry wouldn’t have been bad at all, but I guess I’m lucky I got anything, so I’m really happy with Neville.

Question from Jessica: What was your reaction when you got the part?

Matthew: My reaction? Well, I went mental. I ran around the house jumping on the sofa and generally being mad!

Question from Melissa: Do you believe you have anything in common with your character?

Matthew: Not a lot, but I am very clumsy, and I rush things, which I then have to redo.

Question from Devon: What’s the most exciting part [of] working on the Harry Potter films

Matthew: Probably being able to say that I have worked with people like Alan Rickman, [Sir] Kenneth Brannagh [sic], Dame Maggie Smith, etc.

Question from Katie: Were there any boring stages of being on set?

Matthew: Yeah, loads. The majority of the time, we are either waiting around or in tutoring (obviously very boring). When we’re on set we wait around a lot too, awaiting resets, camera reloading, etc.

Question from Leandra: What would you say to someone who wanted to become an actor?

Matthew: Persever[a]nce and determination. Acting is about talent, but there are thousands of actors out there [who] have what it takes but can’t get a break. Don’t give up. If you keep at it you’ll eventually get there!

Question from Anamaria: What was your most embarrassing moment on the set of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?

Matthew: Probably when I had to step over a small broken wall, and I tripped on one of the rocks. I only stumbled, but Alfie [Enoch] was giggling right next to me!

Question from Leah: What kind of music do you like, and what are your favorite bands?

Matthew: Rock and Punk. Feeder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Sex Pistols.

Question from Brittany: After you’ve finished with Harry Potter, do you plan to continue acting?

Matthew: I’m not sure. I mean, it’s great and a good career, but honestly, I don’t know. If I get lucky and get into other things, I’ll probably continue.

Question from Kaitlyn: If you could play any other character in the Harry Potter movies, who[m] would it be?

Matthew: Hmm… I think probably a bad guy, but I can’t think of anyone except Malfoy, so maybe Ron, but I think Rupert does that job perfectly. I couldn’t match him!

Question from Hannah: Any pranks played on you or by you on the set? Any funny stories to share?

Matthew: Not really played by or on me, but there was the one time where somebody put a fart machine in a bag in the Great Hall, and during a line from Michael Gambon, it went off. Very funny!

Question from PepperPrincess: What’s the weirdest gift you’ve ever received?

Matthew: Obviously, it has to be the pepper that you gave me, [P]epper[P]rincess!

Question from Carolyn: Do you get recognized a lot on the street?

Matthew: Not really. I mean, some people do but not often.

Question from April: Have you read all the Harry Potter books?

Matthew: Yes, I have read them all. I finished Order of the Phoenix about two months ago. Very riveting stuff.

Question from Richard: What do you think will happen to Neville in future books?

Matthew: I think that it would be really cool if Neville realized he can never become the hero that Harry is, but because he’s weak, he is manipulated by Voldemort and becomes evil! Yes, that would be very cool.

Question from Ellen: What countries have you seen or visited because of HP promotions?

Matthew: None. I am going to New Zealand and maybe taking a tour of the US for conventions, though.

Question from Sydney: Do you have any role models in the acting world or away from it?

Matthew: Hmm. Johnny Depp, Brad Pit[t], and Tom Cruise!

Question from Tim: Is it hard to come back and have to pick up the character after the break from each film?

Matthew: Not really. You see, when you’re on a break from filming, you see the film that many times. You’re never really away from it. The read-through before the film helps too [since] you can think about how you’re going to say each line.

Question from Elizabeth: If you could have any magical power, what would it be?

Matthew: The magical ability of charm so that you could just smile and people would let you do anything.

Question from Heather: Do you like the LOTR movies? If yes, which character would you like to play?

Matthew: Yeah, they’re awesome. I saw Return of the King not long ago. What a film! I’d probably like to be Legolas because he’s an elf and because he uses a bow and arrow!

Question from Matt: What was it like filming the [b]oggart scene in Prisoner of Azkaban? Was it funny seeing Alan Rickman dressed in those clothes?

Matthew: You can’t imagine how funny it was. Alan Rickman is a really, really nice guy, but he’s still really, really scary, so to see him dressed like that was hilarious.

Question from GinnyRedHead: How does it feel going on the Internet and finding websites devoted to you?

Matthew: Mental. Really crazy! But it’s good to know people appreciate your work! Fans are what make you who you are in the film industry.

Question from Sammy: Who are your best friends on the set?

Matthew: Everyone is really great fun to work with, but my best friends are probably Dan, Rupert, and Alfie! But like I said, I get on well with everyone!

Question from Marvin: Have you ever met J.K. Rowling?

Matthew: Yeah, I’ve met her a few times. She came and had lunch with us one time at the studios. She’s really friendly and great to talk to.

Question from Nigel: Do you have any pets? What are their names?

Matthew: No, I used to have a rabbit called Buttons (ran away) and a canary called Charlie (died). I really want a dog, though! I’d probably call it Angelus after David Boreanaz’s character in Buffy and Angel.

Question from Tyler: What do you like doing in your spare time?

Matthew: Playing [soccer] and badminton, going to the cinema, and playing computer games.

Question from Rachel: What do you think of Alfonso Cuarón, the new director? Is his work very different from that of Chris Columbus?

Matthew: Alfonso is great, and so was Chris. They both have different visions of the Harry Potter universe, but they are both excellent directors.

Jamie: And that’s all we’ve got time for tonight! Thanks very much to Matt for agreeing to [take] part in this online Q&A session. We hope you’ve all had fun. Incidentally, this chat network is open 24/7, so if you’d like to come […] chat, please feel free.