Unveiling the Actors Portraying Harry, Ron, and Hermione
The young British actors who voice Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in the upcoming Audible audiobooks have expressed their excitement about portraying these iconic characters. Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton have been cast as the voices of the three main characters from the beloved Wizarding World.
Actors Behind Harry, Ron, and Hermione
Frankie Treadaway (14 years old) plays Harry Potter, Max Lester (13) voices Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton (11) portrays Hermione Granger. All three are already notable actors, making their roles even more impressive. Treadaway described his casting as a “pure amazement,” while Stanton viewed it as a “pinch-me moment.” Lester revealed his disbelief over being part of such a famous franchise.
Recording the Audiobooks
The first audiobook, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” will be released on November 4, exclusively on Audible. The remaining six books will follow monthly. Treadaway, Stanton, and Lester recorded their roles in a week. During this time, they often worked separately, joining together for group scenes. A second group of actors will voice the characters in the latter books.
Preparation and Challenges
To prepare for their roles, each actor revisited the original books and films. Stanton read the books to understand Hermione’s character. Lester practiced adopting Ron’s rural English accent, which he described as a learning challenge. Additionally, recording sessions were made more engaging with props like magic wands and real food, enhancing their performances.
Skills Needed for Voice Acting
The actors learned that voice acting differs significantly from traditional acting on stage or screen. Stanton noted the importance of diction and emotional delivery in voice work. Treadaway mentioned considering Daniel Radcliffe’s performances while adding his interpretations to Harry Potter’s character.
Backup Cast and Collaborations
- The full cast includes over 200 actors.
- Hugh Laurie voices Dumbledore.
- Matthew Macfadyen plays Voldemort.
Future Aspirations
The trio has not yet met J.K. Rowling, the series’ author, but they are open to the opportunity. They expressed admiration for her writing and hope for a future meeting. Their families have been aware of their casting for months, but the young actors kept it a secret until the official announcement in August.
Notable Achievements
- Frankie Treadaway has credits in “Mary Poppins,” “Elf,” and “Matilda the Musical.”
- Max Lester has appeared in “Les Misérables” and “Beetlejuice.”
- Arabella Stanton starred in “Matilda the Musical” at age 9.
This talented trio is set to bring a new dimension to the beloved characters of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the Audible series, captivating both new and old fans of the Wizarding World.
