“It’s sad that it’s coming to an end. I enjoyed it so much. I felt very welcomed as soon as I came on set by the crew and the cast alike — particularly by Daniel Radcliffe. You feel he’s the ambassador to the embassy that you’re joining. He really welcomes you on and introduces you to everybody and is a real gentleman. I made really good friends on set. I sort of knew Helena Bonham Carter before, but I’ve come away with a best friend in her. In a way, it won’t end, because we’ll all still keep in touch. But I’m sad it’s coming to an end, especially for people who started right at the beginning. Quite frankly, it was their lives, not just a film. It’s a shame that I joined it so late and Narcissa’s part is so fleeting. But however big or small, it’s been lovely to be a part of.”
Praise for the Potter ambassador, Daniel Radcliffe.
“He’s got an incredible knowledge about music. When I would buy my husband a Christmas present, I’d often get Dan and talk to him about music and seek his recommendations. He’s a really nice man and very friendly and intelligent and approachable, and is in no way conceited or arrogant or any of those characteristics that you often find in young performers because they’re too young to handle the pressure and the attention.”
She has no doubt that her onscreen son, Tom Felton, will also have continued success.
“He’s an adult now. He’ll do very well on his own. I can see that.”
On the worldwide fame the young stars experienced.
“I think it’s a great compliment to the people that were actually in charge of producing the films that they worked very hard to keep their schooling going, to keep their childhood going, and to keep them very grounded. In England, it’s very frowned upon to get above yourself, so they come from that sort of culture and they were nurtured in that way. But really it’s up to them. They’ve become extraordinary icons now whether they wanted to or not.”
McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix but had to drop out right before filming.“
That’s correct. But then I got pregnant with my first child, and insurance wouldn’t cover pregnant witches! It was lovely that they invited me back and wanted me to be a part of it somehow.”
Would she want to come back for more Potter magic?
“Oh my gosh, yes, of course. It’s a very magical story. It’s a rare occasion to be part of something that, as a mother, I feel very proud to be a part of. It’s wonderful to be part of a children’s world that’s very positive and fights for good. To do that in modern society is a very complex and difficult thing that does need a lot of intelligence and bravery and should be encouraged in our young, because they’re all we’ve got.”
What she loves about Narcissa.
“Her protectiveness toward her son and the fact that her son’s behavior changes her. We filmed many different endings for Narcissa, and I actually don’t know which one [director] David Yates has chosen, so it will be a surprise for me when I see it.”
Which ending is she hoping for?
“The one that she becomes heroic in, of course! I get to do a bit of action.”