Most people know Andrew Lincoln for his lead role in AMC's immensely popular The Walking Dead -- though a few of you might still remember him fondly from Love, Actually. With the dramatic zombie series nearing towards its 10 year anniversary, the British actor is ready to branch out a little bit. Lincoln is trading his sheriff hat for a sorting hat, as he joins the wizarding world, lending his pipes for the new audiobook Quidditch Throughout the Ages. In a recent interview, Lincoln explained why he finally felt compelled to enter the mythical, magical world of Hogwarts for the very first time.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Andrew Lincoln talked about what drew him to the project, and how he jumped at the chance to be a part of it.
Most of my actor friends, at some point over the last decade, have been wizards, Mudbloods, and house-elves of one sort or another, and frankly, I was beginning to take it personally. So when this invitation came along, I jumped at the chance. I love the world that J.K. Rowling has created and I was especially excited about Quidditch Through the Ages because of its added association with the charities Comic Relief and Lumos.
Lumos is J.K. Rowling's international charity found in 2005, one that provides relief and resources to children and young people in need all around the world. Comic Relief is a popular British charity founded in 1985, which aims to rid the world of poverty. In addition to all the good deeds the work would bring to people across the planet, Andrew Lincoln was eager to jump onboard the project because he has been a Harry Potter fan for awhile. Particularly of the audiobooks.
[My family and I] have seen the movies, many of them more than once. Read the books until our children became old enough to read themselves, and have all of the audiobooks narrated by Stephen Fry... I would call our level of commitment serious... I am totally immersed in the world of Harry Potter and have been since the first book appeared. They've been an essential part of our bedtime routine, and Stephen Fry has rescued many a car journey from nuclear meltdown in the past.
While Andrew Lincoln has some big shoes to fill in the world of Hogwarts, he certainly is up for the challenge. Lincoln also wasn't afraid to show his knowledge of the material. Let it be known: this isn't a paycheck gig for Lincoln. He's deeply committed to the wizarding world. And he'll prove it too.
I wouldn't dare to compare myself to the great Mr. Fry --- he's a national treasure and, in my opinion, is the voice of Harry Potter. I prefer to think of this book as it was intended, to augment the story that he so brilliantly realised... When I'm finally invited on Mastermind, my specialist subject will be the noble sport of Quidditch! I know my Wigtowns from my Wimbornes.
Considering how (appropriately) rabid The Walking Dead fanbase can be, Andrew Lincoln knows it's a bit crazy to step into another hugely popular universe. But the actor's ready and eager to jump into J.K. Rowling's literary creation. And Lincoln knows that he must give credit to where it is due.
Any story that is able to achieve such passion is down to a huge feat of imagination on the part of the writer and of course, in this case, the brilliant J.K. Rowling.
Quidditch Through the Ages was published by Pottermore and the audiobook is now available through Audible. It charts the history of the world's most celebrated game, and it delves into the early origins and its most legendary players. Give it a listen to see how Andrew Lincoln fits into Hogwarts.
