Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch has revealed that there are moments when she forgets she was part of the beloved franchise. Starting with 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Lynch brought to life Luna Lovegood, the endearing and eccentric Ravenclaw who becomes a close friend to Harry and aids him in battling Voldemort’s Death Eaters. Although the core Harry Potter series concluded in 2011, the franchise has remained vibrant through a series of spinoffs, numerous theme park attractions, a stage play, and an anticipated HBO series.
Lynch remains actively involved in the franchise, recently lending her voice to the audiobook From the Wizarding Archive. In an interview with CNET, she reflected on her time in the Harry Potter universe and emphasized how significant it is to her life. The Wizarding World holds such a special place in her heart that, at one point, she momentarily forgot her role in it. Lynch shared:
“I don’t tend to watch the films because it’s quite emotional for me, but recently, when Prisoner of Azkaban was playing on TV, my partner and I started watching it casually. I had this intense feeling of wanting to be in that world, and then I remembered, ‘Oh, I already am!’ The fans have really kept that world alive for me. I’ve been trying to find the same sense of belonging in other communities, but none have quite matched up. So yes, I’ll always be grateful to be a recognizable face in the Harry Potter universe.”
The Enduring Popularity of Harry Potter
Even in the Face of Controversy
Since the Harry Potter saga wrapped up with The Deathly Hallows – Part Two, its perception has shifted due to the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling, who has faced backlash for views that some label as transphobic. This has led to calls for boycotts against the franchise. Nevertheless, Harry Potter continues to hold a prominent place in pop culture, especially with HBO working on a show that will adapt all seven books.
The anticipated Harry Potter show is not expected to debut until 2026, and no casting decisions have been made public yet.
Warner Bros.’ commitment to developing the Wizarding World has been instrumental in its continued success, evident in their attempts at launching another film series with the Fantastic Beasts movies. However, Lynch’s insights highlight a larger reason behind Harry Potter‘s lasting legacy: it has become a unifying space for fans, despite Rowling’s divisive presence.
The tale of an underdog finding his place in a fantastical realm has always resonated with audiences, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil feels increasingly relevant today. The Harry Potter franchise is rich with imagination, so much so that even one of its stars yearned to belong to it. While Rowling may have polarized opinions, the legacy of the Boy Who Lived is undeniably enduring, and Lynch is likely to remain a part of that narrative, even if she occasionally forgets her place within it.
Source: CNET
