Step into the magical world of voice acting as we introduce you to the talented young actors bringing the iconic 'Harry Potter' characters to life in a whole new way! But this time, it's not on the big screen, it's through the power of audio.
Variety had the pleasure of chatting with Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton, the brilliant British trio who voice Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in Audible's first three 'Harry Potter' audiobooks. These young actors, aged 14, 13, and 11, are no strangers to the spotlight, with impressive acting credits already under their belts.
When asked about their reactions to landing these iconic roles, the responses were heartwarming. Treadaway expressed sheer amazement at being associated with such a famous character. Stanton described it as a surreal 'pinch-me' moment, and Lester admitted he still couldn't quite believe he was part of this magical adventure.
But are they friends in real life, just like their characters? Treadaway enthusiastically confirmed that they had formed a strong bond during the recording process. And this is where it gets interesting—the actors recorded their lines separately most of the time but came together for those pivotal group scenes, creating a unique dynamic.
Preparing for these roles was an adventure in itself. The trio immersed themselves in the world of Harry Potter, rewatching the Warner Bros. films and diving into the books. Stanton, in particular, focused on understanding Hermione's mindset, highlighting the character's complexity. And Lester had the fun challenge of mastering Ron's rural English accent, which he now finds himself slipping into in everyday conversations!
The recording process was filled with delightful surprises. Lester fondly recalls the scenes where Ron was eating, as the producers provided real food, making the experience incredibly authentic. And the attention to detail didn't stop there—the actors were given props like magic wands and Hogwarts robes, allowing them to fully embody their characters.
Treadaway, aware of the legacy of Harry Potter, made sure to honor the character's previous portrayals while adding his unique spin. Stanton also reflected on the nuances of voice acting, emphasizing the importance of clear diction and emotional delivery. These young actors are truly masters of their craft!
Their families have been in on the secret for months, but the actors had to keep quiet until the announcement in August. Lester shared the excitement of finally being able to share the news with his friends. And what a story to tell!
With impressive stage and screen credits, including 'Mary Poppins,' 'Les Misérables,' and 'Matilda the Musical,' these actors have already made their mark. And while they haven't met J.K. Rowling yet, they hold her writing close to their hearts and hope to meet her one day.
And this is the part most people miss—the magic of voice acting lies in its ability to transport listeners to fantastical worlds, all through the power of imagination and vocal performance. So, are you ready to embark on this audio adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione? The first audiobook is just around the corner, and the rest will follow monthly, exclusively on Audible. Prepare to be spellbound!
