Harry Melling, the actor best known for portraying the spoiled Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series, has opened up about his complex relationship with the iconic franchise, admitting he never wanted his career to be defined by it.
Breaking Free from the Wizarding World
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Melling reflected on his time in the globally successful film series, which began releasing in 2001. He appeared as Harry's bullying cousin in five of the eight movies. Despite the role's prominence, Melling revealed he was determined not to let it limit his ambitions.
"Harry Potter is this huge, huge franchise, and I never wanted to be in any way shackled to it," the actor stated. "I always wanted to have a really big career and try lots of different things." He likened the experience to a journalist being forever judged by an article they wrote at age ten, emphasising his desire to be recognised for his subsequent work.
A Lifelong Passion for the Stage
Melling's artistic aspirations were rooted in theatre long before he stepped onto the set of Hogwarts. He confessed that even during his Potter years, his primary obsession was the stage. "Theatre was my main love in a strange way," he shared. "Even as a 10-year-old, I knew that I wanted to learn how to speak Shakespeare properly and to be a stage actor."
He was inspired by the esteemed theatre actors within the Potter cast and aimed to emulate their careers. His subsequent training at drama school further shaped and refined his professional goals, steering him towards the diverse path he walks today.
Embracing Bold New Roles
Melling has successfully diversified his portfolio, gaining recent acclaim for his role in the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. He has now taken a dramatically different turn in the new film Pillion, a BDSM love story where he stars opposite Alexander Skarsgård.
Written and directed by Harry Lighton in his feature debut, the film explores a relationship between a mysterious biker, Ray (Skarsgård), and a shy parking attendant, Colin (Melling). The project has been praised for its audacious approach. Metro's Tori Brazier described it as "delightfully smutty and obscene," noting its graphic and explicit nature, which includes naked wrestling, genital piercings, and bodily fluids.
Skarsgård also shared that his father, veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård, enjoyed the film. "It meant a lot to me because it’s very dear to me, this film," Alexander said, adding that he received "no notes from daddy" on his performance or his on-theme attire for the press tour.
Melling's journey from the cupboard under the stairs to challenging, adult-oriented roles marks a deliberate and successful effort to build a career far beyond the walls of Privet Drive.
