LONDON — The enchanting sounds of chocolate frogs soaring through the air can be heard aboard the Hogwarts Express as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger embark on their journey home after a bustling first year at Hogwarts. This auditory magic isn’t from the classic films featuring Daniel Radcliffe, nor is it from the acclaimed “Cursed Child” play or the anticipated HBO series. Instead, listeners are treated to a fresh rendition in a new Audible recording of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series.
Despite the controversies surrounding Rowling’s views on gender and trans rights, interest in the wizarding world remains strong, with new projects still in the works. The Associated Press recently visited a London recording studio where young talents Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton were busy creating background sounds for the audiobook adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” These young stars voice the main trio of characters, while a more mature cast takes over in subsequent volumes.
This innovative audio production, which is set to release the first book on November 4, features a star-studded cast, including Cush Jumbo as the narrator, Hugh Laurie playing Albus Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, and Michelle Gomez lending her voice to Professor McGonagall. Matthew Macfadyen takes on the role of Voldemort, while Keira Knightley will voice Dolores Umbridge in later installments.
Stanton is notably representing not only Hermione Granger in this audio series but is also currently filming for the HBO adaptation. “I can’t say much because they’ve cast a Mimblewimble tongue-tying spell on me,” Stanton teased, expressing her enthusiasm for the project.
During a conversation with the young cast, Treadaway shared that the auditions gave them a feel for the recording environment, while Lester mentioned his previous audio experience was not nearly as professional. Stanton noted the differences in recording compared to stage acting but highlighted the importance of giving life to the character’s words.
The trio reflected nostalgically on their first encounters with the Harry Potter series. Treadaway joined in as his sister watched the movies, while Lester was drawn in after discovering the books at a bookstore. Stanton started reading the series at the age of eight after her friends raved about them.
Their friends and families are aware of their involvement, although they keep details somewhat private. Both Treadaway and Stanton emphasized the efforts made by the creative teams to elevate the audio adaptation, making it an extraordinary experience.
Excitement bubbled as they discussed their favorite scenes from the books, with Treadaway eager to hear the battle sound effects, Stanton looking forward to Hermione’s spellcasting moments, and Lester excited by all the character interactions and dialogue.
When asked about their personal connections to their roles, Treadaway expressed his relate-ability to Harry, feeling a sense of pride being associated with such iconic characters. Stanton resonated with Hermione’s love for books and writing, while Lester found common ground with Ron’s humor and love for food.
Acknowledging the immense global appreciation for Harry Potter, Treadaway remarked on the pride of connecting with such a beloved franchise. Stanton revealed that playing Hermione was a childhood dream, and all three expressed their desire to continue acting, emphasizing how much they enjoyed the process.
With their camaraderie evident, they embrace their roles as an enduring “trio,” poised to bring the beloved stories to life for a new generation of fans. The new audio series promises to blend nostalgia with fresh interpretations, ensuring the magic of Harry Potter continues to captivate audiences around the world.