Matthew Lewis: "Neville" in 'Harry Potter's Transformation

The 'Harry Potter' generation cherishes Matthew Lewis as the lovable and courageous "Neville Longbottom". After his breakout role in 2001's 'The Sorcerer's Stone,' Lewis evolved from Gryffindor's underdog to a heroic snake-slayer. Yet, his transformation extends far beyond his character in the series

Lewis admitted that he wore fake teeth while portraying the nerdy Gryffindor student, resulting in a noticeable change in his appearance. "I had to wear a fat suit and false teeth and stuff to stick my ears out, which was pretty tough for a few years, but it meant I got to keep my job so I can think of worse things," the star revealed. While the actor initially didn't enjoy the alterations to his appearance, he has since changed his perspective. "Now, ten or fifteen years later, I don’t resent it at all," he said in an interview with 'Metro'.

Matthew has reflected on his iconic appearance in the 'Harry Potter' films, noting the transformation that began during his ten-year tenure in the popular fantasy series. "Definitely at one point between films two and three, I shot up in height and lost a lot of puppy fat. I wondered if they were going to recast me – we were only contracted two films at a time," Matthew confessed. "It didn’t keep me awake at night, but I considered it a possibility. I’ve since been told there was never any question, but I reckon in some dark room somewhere in California it might have come up."

By 2007, the young boy had grown into a young man. At 18, he attended the UK premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,' showcasing a faint beard and spiky hair.

In 2014, Matthew had a beard and wore a rolled-up sleeve shirt like those worn by boy bands in the 2010s to the grand opening of The Wizarding World of 'Harry Potter' Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando

In 2016, the actor came back to Orlando for the third Annual Celebration of 'Harry Potter', sporting noticeable sideburns and a moustache that dramatically changed his appearance.

Matthew, alongside fellow 'Harry Potter' stars Evanna Lynch and Tom Felton, appeared on the opening red carpet for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo

Lewis also starred in the film 'Me Before You' as "Patrick", Emilia Clarke's character's athletic boyfriend. He gained attention for posing in a revealing 'Attitude' magazine cover, showcasing his dramatic physical transformation. Dubbed "From Hogwarts to Hottie," this sparked widespread media coverage and coined the term "Longbottoming," symbolizing his evolution from awkward teen to heartthrob. Despite the acclaim, Lewis remains modest about his new status as a sex symbol, appreciating the compliments but feeling somewhat surprised by the attention.

In 2020, Matthew Lewis returned to the big screen in the New Zealand dramedy 'Baby Done.' Co-starring with Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo, known for 'Funny Girls' and 'The Breaker Upperers,' Lewis plays a soon-to-be father whose partner creates a pre-parenthood bucket list upon discovering their pregnancy. Produced by comedy icon Taika Waititi, the film charmed critics who highlighted the duo's natural onscreen chemistry, as reported by 'The Guardian'.

Matthew Lewis recently mentioned in an interview with 'People' magazine that he's not actively pursuing a role in the Max series reboot of the franchise. However, he finds the idea of exploring Neville's adult life intriguing and would consider it if the opportunity arose. Lewis emphasized his openness to new acting challenges and opportunities.