Here’s What Evanna Lynch Thinks About “Harry Potter” And Social Justice
“That’s what the Harry Potter books definitely instilled in me: to question everything.”
Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed
Before Sunday, March 20, Evanna Lynch had never run in a half-marathon. But after the Harry Potter actor ran a few 5Ks with her friends — with the knowledge that a full-fledged marathon would "kill" her — she decided to run in the New York City Half Marathon in the name of animal rights.
Evanna Lynch works with the World Animal Protection organization, an international nonprofit that aims to create "a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended" through different charity endeavors. Her interest in fighting for equality and desire to make people think differently about important causes isn't exactly a far stretch from similar personality traits of one of the most beloved, eccentric characters in the wizarding world: Luna Lovegood.
Luna Lovegood is a lovable character for many reasons — not only does she have a generally cheerful attitude, kind soul, and curious spirit, but Luna also cares deeply about what's going on in the world around her and, despite her gentle approach, she isn't afraid to go against the grain and stand up for what she believes in.
Lynch admires this about the character she played in the last four installments of the Harry Potter films, and sees how they're both similar in that way. The actor spoke to BuzzFeed in a phone interview about her passion for animal rights and equality, Harry Potter, and how the seven-book series relates to larger ideas and themes about social justice. Here's what she had to say:
Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed
Why are animal rights and the World Animal Protection organization important to you?
Evanna Lynch: It's something that I was always interested in and it always felt like a natural impulse for me. When I see an animal in pain it really upsets me because they're innocent and they're the outsiders. I think that's why I resonated so much with the character of Luna in the Harry Potter movies; I feel for the oppressed and I want to stand up for them. In a way, animals are so different and we as humans think we're better than them, but I really think we just don't know them very well. I had lots of pets growing up and there were sheep in the fields behind our house. We were just surrounded by them, and I just felt that I wanted to protect them. I just think they have a lot to teach us. I feel like they already teach us so much about trust and always having compassion for people. Animals are just waiting for us to catch on.