UPDATED: Pottermore Interviews Andrew Lincoln on the Wizarding World and “Quidditch Through the Ages”
As most will know by now, the Quidditch Through the Ages audiobook narrated by Andrew Lincoln from The Walking Dead was released March 15 by Pottermore. Quidditch Through the Ages is the go-to guide to the high-flying sport for all wizards and witches.
Back in January of this year, at A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, a video was played of Lincoln in which he announced that he and Pottermore had been working together to produce the Quidditch Through the Ages audiobook.
Now that the audiobook is available, an interview with Lincoln was released where he talks about reading Harry Potter to his children as they grew up. Following that, he talked about what he learned from Quidditch Through the Ages, his favorite characters, and the history of the sport.
Quidditch Through the Ages, of course, features an analysis of the tactics used by players, the history of the sport, and a diagram of the field, among other things.
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UPDATED (March 22):
Lincoln has also spoken to Entertainment Weekly about why he decided to dive into the world of Potter, his favorite character, and swapping his experience with fandom.
in the interview, Lincoln revealed that he “jumped at the chance” to narrate Quidditch Through the Ages not only due to the charitable causes of the book but also because most of his acting peers have been involved in Potter and that he was “beginning to take it personally,” he joked. He also spoke about his familiarity with the world of Harry Potter, in particular British audiobook narrator Stephen Fry:
Stephen Fry has rescued many a car journey from nuclear meltdown in the past. I wouldn’t dare to compare myself to the great Mr. Fry — he’s a national treasure and in my opinion, […] the voice of Harry Potter.
The title for best audiobook narration often divides Harry Potter fans, but Lincoln is no stranger to fandoms and their loyalty thanks to his role as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead.
I am well aware of the fandom and extreme feelings of devotion people across the world have for Harry Potter. I go to Comic-Con in San Diego every year, and there are armies of wizards in attendance and even the odd Golden Snitch… So yes, I took the job very seriously.
We’re glad to hear it! Lincoln wrapped up his interview by revealing not only his favorite character (Albus Dumbledore) but also a surprising way in which he spent his downtime when recording Quidditch Through the Ages:
In between recording sessions, I was pitching in my head an origin series for Albus’s early years… from his late-30s to mid-90s. Think Indiana Jones with spells set in Dickens’ time… You know it makes sense.
What do you think? Would you like to hear Lincoln narrate a Dumbledore origins series? Have you listened to his narration of Quidditch Through the Ages?
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Most of the proceeds from the book are going to Comic Relief and Lumos. To purchase the audiobook, check out the following links: Audible | Pottermore
