Iwan Rheon and Blake Harrison Bring New Life to Iconic Characters in Audible's Harry Potter Audiobooks

Iwan Rheon, known for his role in "Game of Thrones," and Blake Harrison from "The Inbetweeners," have taken on the roles of Professor Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, respectively, in Audible's latest release of the "Harry Potter" audiobooks. Their performances debut in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," which was released on Tuesday. Rheon and Harrison reinterpret these iconic characters, previously portrayed by David Thewlis and Timothy Spall in the film adaptations. The characters are central to the plot, with Lupin serving as a mentor to Harry Potter and Pettigrew revealing a significant twist as Ron Weasley's pet rat, Scabbers.

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Rheon expressed his excitement about portraying Lupin, highlighting the character's complexity and his relationship with Harry. He noted that Lupin's backstory as a werewolf adds depth to his character, which he explored during the recording process. Harrison, who initially auditioned for a different role, found joy in playing Pettigrew, describing him as a character with a "weaselly" nature. Both actors approached their roles with unique methods; Harrison prepared by considering the physicality of Pettigrew's transformation into a rat, while Rheon engaged in vocal exercises to capture Lupin's werewolf persona.

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Both actors acknowledged the pressure of stepping into roles made famous by previous actors. Harrison noted the challenge of voicing Pettigrew, especially in the climactic Shrieking Shack scene, which features a cast of renowned actors. Rheon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing their own interpretations to the characters while respecting the legacy of the original performances. He mentioned the influence of Stephen Fry's previous readings, which added to the pressure of delivering a fresh take.

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Rheon and Harrison faced specific challenges during the recording process. Rheon struggled with the pronunciation of certain spells, particularly "Voldemort," while Harrison dealt with the complexities of reading lengthy speeches, especially given his dyslexia. Despite these hurdles, both actors found the experience rewarding and were motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the beloved series.

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Rheon shared his initial disbelief at being offered the role of Lupin, stating, "I thought it was a joke." Harrison expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that he became a fan of the series through his daughter, who introduced him to the books. Both actors conveyed their respect for the original characters and their commitment to delivering performances that resonate with fans.

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• “So when the opportunity came for this, I thought it was a joke.” — Iwan Rheon, Actor

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• “God, this day was so good. It can only go downhill from here, surely.” — Blake Harrison, Actor

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• “Rheon: I was struggling with Voldemort because I’m so used to saying it with a T, and it isn’t, apparently.” — Iwan Rheon, Actor

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The reinterpretation of Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew by Iwan Rheon and Blake Harrison in Audible's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" marks a significant addition to the audiobook series. Their performances reflect a blend of respect for the original portrayals and a fresh perspective that aims to engage both new listeners and longtime fans of the franchise.

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