Say hello to James and Oliver Phelps, the real-life twins who played the troublesome Fred and George Weasley respectively. Find out how much the pair have in common, as we quiz them on all things wizarding. Do they have the same Hogwarts house? What’s their favourite moment on set? What would their Boggarts be?
Let’s see!
First thing’s first: what is your Hogwarts house?
James: Hufflepuff... which is cool, but even cooler as I actually have a badger living under my shed!
Oliver: I was put into Gryffindor, which I was very happy with. It helps when you already have the uniform!
Which Wizarding World character do you most relate to? It doesn’t have to be your character!
James: I’ve got to say Fred. Even before getting the role I had a great connection with him, being a twin was a start!
Oliver: I’m not just saying it to be lazy but honestly, I think that George is the most relatable for me. He’s an identical twin, he likes to have a joke and he doesn’t shy away from standing up for what he sees as right.
What’s your first Wizarding World memory?
Oliver: Our first memory would be being on holiday with some family friends in 1998. The boys who were away with us were really excited because their auntie picked up a new book at the airport. We remember thinking, ‘How can a book get people this excited?’ I’d never seen a reaction like this before. I read the first book, then this new book they had. It was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
What’s your favourite Wizarding World memory?
James: The Wizarding World has given me such great memories, but the final premiere in London for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was like nothing I will ever see again. London was literally at a standstill.
Oliver: Talking to my Grandad about the Marauder’s Map scene. He always said it would be an important scene for us to be part of. Unfortunately, he passed away before the film was finished but calling him the day we filmed it and telling him about it will always stay with me.
If you could have one spell, or one type of magic, that you were able to use in your day-to-day life, what would you pick?
James: ‘Lumos’ – if you ever wake up in the middle of the night and can’t find the light switch, this would come in handy!
Oliver: Right now, it would be a kind of Portkey. Using an object to take me anywhere would be very useful right now.
What would be your Wizarding World pet?
James: Pygmy Puff. It would go everywhere with me!
Oliver: Although they may be a handful, I’d love to have a Niffler in the house.
Pick a Deathly Hallow: The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or the Elder Wand? And say why.
James: Invisibility Cloak. You can get anywhere with it.
Oliver: Invisibility Cloak. You could get away with never having to wait in line or get tickets to an event again! You could even watch your favourite band from the stage and nobody would ever know.
What’s your favourite Harry Potter book and film?
James: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for film, but Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was the book I was reading when I learned I had got the part in the films. Even now when I smell that book smell (you know the one) it reminds me of it.
Oliver: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – for both.
Apart from Harry Potter, what other books/films do you like?
James: For books, the Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris; for films, anything from the Rocky series.
Oliver: As film series go, Rocky as well. I’ve watched those in a marathon session before. As for books, Lee Childs’ Jack Reacher series is so captivating.
Which two people would you ask to help you defeat Lord Voldemort?
James: Harry Potter (he’s got a good history against him) and David Beckham (I imagine even Voldemort would be a little starstruck by him!)
Oliver: Tyson Fury and Queen Elizabeth II.
What would your Boggart be?
James: Getting a puncture on my road bike - 100km from home, in the rain, without a puncture kit.
Oliver: A giant rat.
Which Wizarding World moment made you cry/emotional?
Oliver: The premiere we attended in Oslo for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It was all outdoors and a very special setting. Thinking about it now still gives me goosebumps.
James: Once, Oliver’s eyebrows were burnt off accidentally when they were meant to be dyed ginger. I cried with laughter for about a week.
You can follow both James and Oliver Phelps on Twitter or find them on Instagram.