Imagine stepping into the shoes of the most iconic trio in literary history—Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. It’s a dream come true, but also a challenge that could make anyone’s knees wobble. Yet, for young British actors Frankie Treadaway (14), Max Lester (13), and Arabella Stanton (11), this is exactly what they’ve done, lending their voices to the first three Audible audiobooks of the beloved Harry Potter series. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these aren’t just any kids—they’re already seasoned performers with impressive credits, and their journey into the Wizarding World is nothing short of magical.
When Variety sat down with the trio, their excitement was palpable. Frankie Treadaway, who voices Harry, described his reaction to landing the role as ‘pure amazement.’ ‘To be associated with such a famous character is mind-blowing,’ he said. Arabella Stanton, Hermione’s voice, called it a ‘pinch-me moment,’ while Max Lester, Ron’s voice, admitted he still can’t believe it’s real. And this is the part most people miss—despite their young age, these actors bring a depth of experience and passion that promises to breathe new life into these cherished characters.
But are they as close off-screen as Harry, Ron, and Hermione are in the books? ‘Of course!’ Frankie insists. ‘We’ve definitely formed a bond while working on this.’ And that camaraderie shines through in their performances, recorded over just a week or so for all three books. While they often recorded lines separately, they did come together for group scenes, capturing the dynamic that makes the trio so unforgettable.
To prepare, they immersed themselves in the world J.K. Rowling created. Arabella re-read the books to understand Hermione’s mindset, noting, ‘She’s a well-to-do girl, very smart, and eager to learn.’ Max tackled Ron’s rural English accent, stretching his vowels and perfecting his ‘L’s and ‘R’s. ‘It was weird at first, but now it sometimes slips into my everyday speech,’ he laughed. Frankie, meanwhile, balanced staying true to Daniel Radcliffe’s portrayal of Harry while adding his own unique spin.
One of the most surprising aspects of their experience? The attention to detail from the producers. During recording sessions, actors were given real food for eating scenes—a treat Max particularly enjoyed. ‘It was so real, and even better with more takes,’ he recalled. They were also provided with props like wands and Hogwarts robes, helping them embody their characters fully. ‘Those little things really helped bring Hermione to life,’ Arabella shared.
Yet, voice acting presented its own challenges. Arabella explained, ‘You have to focus more on your voice and convey emotion without over-enunciating. It’s about finding that balance.’ And while their families knew about their roles for months, keeping the secret from friends was tough. ‘When I finally told them, they were properly impressed,’ Max said.
But here’s where it gets controversial: With a new generation of actors taking on these roles, how will their interpretations compare to the original film portrayals? Will fans embrace these fresh voices, or will they long for the familiar? And what does this mean for the future of the Harry Potter franchise? These questions spark debate, and we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
As for meeting J.K. Rowling, the trio hasn’t had the chance yet, but they’re hopeful. ‘I love her writing,’ Arabella said. ‘Hopefully, we’ll meet her someday.’ With their talent and dedication, it’s clear these young actors are just getting started, and their journey is one worth following.
The first audiobook, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, drops on Audible on November 4, with the remaining six books releasing monthly. And with a star-studded cast including Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore and Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort, this is one magical adventure you won’t want to miss. So, what do you think—are you ready to hear Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a whole new way? Let the discussion begin!
