‘Harry Potter’ Twins James and Oliver Phelps on ‘Wizards of Baking,’ New HBO Series: ‘People Will Always See Us as Fred and George’

As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for the magical world of Harry Potter, I must say that revisiting Leavesden Studios and seeing the twins, James and Oliver Phelps, back on set as hosts of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” was an absolute delight. Their infectious energy and passion for baking made me feel like a kid again, eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.

Despite not sporting the iconic red Weasley hair anymore, James and Oliver Phelps remain easily identifiable to “Harry Potter” fans as they portrayed the lively brothers Fred and George for nearly a fourth of their lives. A decade later, they’ve returned to Leavesden Studios near London, where the films were filmed, for a fresh competition series called “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” This exciting show debuts today on The Food Network, HBO, and Max, and will be accessible from December on Prime Video in the U.K.

In this show, the Phelps twins are the hosts, bringing back past cast members like Warwick Davis and Bonnie Wright for a reunion. These alumni join food enthusiasts Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef as judges, evaluating bakers to determine who advances to the next round, while those who don’t make the cut are sent home, effectively disappearing from the competition.

Earlier this year, during filming, James and Oliver Phelps had a chat with EbMaster for a discussion on the enduring impact of “Harry Potter”, their reasons for taking on hosting duties for the new show, and their thoughts on HBO’s fresh take on the books.

What made you say “yes” to hosting “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking”?

Oliver: We’re really into the television genre about baking. It’s one of the few shows that my 7-year-old daughter got excited about, saying, “Wow, what are you doing? That’s amazing!” So it was fantastic. Plus, getting to work in this field again – we’re familiar with it, but not in this specific context – made it even more rewarding to be a part of it.

James: For a long time, I’ve had this desire, and I believe Oliver feels the same. We both enjoy watching baking competitions, and it’s become our tradition during vacations. So, being so near to witness the world’s finest bakers showcase their skills is truly awe-inspiring.

What’s the atmosphere like in the kitchens?

James: It’s important to avoid causing confusion! We aim to provide precise and accurate guidance since unexpected challenges might pop up occasionally.

Oliver: This set seems more bustling than any I’ve encountered before. The number of crew members working behind the scenes is substantial – it’s not just a small-scale production. It’s evident that they take their work seriously, given our past experiences with this franchise. When they mentioned we’d be filming in a kitchen, I assumed it would be a modest set. Instead, it appears to be as grand as Hogwarts’ kitchens, but updated with contemporary technology. There are no magical cauldrons here!

Have you managed to have a taste of some of the creations?

James: Oh yeah!

Oliver: When the camera’s not rolling.

James: During the filming of Episode 1, we were informed that we could leave before the big reveal. However, we opted to stay. It wasn’t only about sampling some of the delicious cakes, but also because we found ourselves truly engrossed in these individuals. Many of whom, if not all, serve as a source of inspiration. They entered the baking world without any prior experience, yet here they are now, competing. For some, this competition is a dream come true, even if they don’t win. Regardless, they’re earning recognition for their talents, not just nationally, but internationally.

There are so many details from the original books and films that can be turned into cake – is that something you’ve enjoyed watching?

Oliver: I believe you’re underestimating the depth and complexity of J.K. Rowling’s writing, storytelling, and the sheer brilliance that lies within it. When we were filming, moments like these made us pause and say, “Ah, here is where the gnomings reside.” or “That’s a portkey.” It’s mind-boggling to consider all the layers upon layers of detail that are woven into this masterpiece.

James: Just like a cake! However, we’ll always be eternally grateful for her, as she let us embody our characters. Anything related to “Potter” is never half-hearted. If you visit the kitchen set today, you’ll notice the fireplace – someone has made it seem as if real fire has been burning there, so there are char marks on the flue.

Oliver: Additionally, there are references to other items nearby, such as shadows resembling shapes found on the chocolate frog containers.

Have you ever gotten used to how much people love “Harry Potter”?

Oliver: No, perhaps it’s just that we’re more conscious of it now. There seems to be a fresh wave of enthusiasts, kids who have grown up watching it – my daughter’s friends are quite fond of Harry Potter, and that strikes me as peculiar.

James: It’s weird when you go to a “Potter”[-themed] birthday party.

Has being back at Leavesden stirred up memories for you?

James: We’ve shot various projects at this location. Among them were “Last Night in Soho” and the Wizard Wheezes set from the sixth film, both of which were filmed on the same stage. It was quite a moment. Now, looking back at it as a studio, it’s nothing like how it was when we filmed here, but it’s still fascinating to know that this is the place where the “Potter” universe originated.

Oliver: In some ways, it’s like no time has passed at all.

With the new HBO adaptation of “Harry Potter” on the horizon, how do you feel about new actors stepping into the role of the Weasley Twins?

Oliver: It seems we’ll forever be linked to those characters. Regardless of how the TV series develops (and let me tell you, we’re just as clueless about it as everyone else), I believe people will continue to view us as Fred and George in some capacity. Naturally, the actors who step into our roles when the story is adapted will make their mark, and we genuinely hope they succeed. However, we secretly hope they don’t outshine us!

2024-11-14 19:17