When you hear the name Neville Longbottom, what do you immediately think of? Harry Potter, obviously, but you also probably think of actor Matthew Lewis. He will forever be known for bringing the beloved character to life in the movie franchise — in addition to that time he posed nearly nude for Attitude magazine in 2015. Upon seeing Lewis with a ripped body (the opposite of Neville in the films), many fans thought, "Wow. Neville Longbottom is hot!" There's no denying the 26-year-old actor is super attractive, but he doesn't always see it that way. Did you know that Matthew Lewis is self-conscious?
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Lewis talked about his popular photo shoot for Attitude. Actually, when he was approached to do the magazine, he was confused why a publication would want him featured, because he doesn't resemble David Beckham or Chris Hemsworth. He said,
I was like "Why the hell do you want me?" Naturally you think of cover models to be David Beckham or someone insanely handsome, not me. But I’ve worked with the photographer, Joseph Sinclair, before and he is incredibly talented. He suggested some more risqué shots because I was in the best shape of my life and I trust him. Of course I was self-conscious. Even if one day I end up looking like f*cking Chris Hemsworth I’m never going to not be self-conscious.
Lewis even called the photos "half decent," which I have a feeling many would disagree with. However, that's not the point. The point is that Lewis, like so many people, isn't 100 percent comfortable with his body and being objectified doesn't really help the situation. When you're constantly in the spotlight, and have to turn your phone off for three days after appearing half-naked in a magazine like Lewis, well, it can affect you.
Obviously, Lewis agreed to the photoshoot and posing shirtless, but if I were constantly making headlines for my so-called hot body and being repeatedly objectified, that would sure make me uneasy, as well.
With Lewis admitting to his self-consciousness, he also brings up an important point about body scrutiny. You might not think giving someone praise for being hot or having a ripped body would be offensive, but it can make someone extremely uncomfortable. And like Lewis mentions, both men and women are so much more than their outward appearances.
"There is massive pressure on women, and increasingly men, to look good," he said. "If you step out on a red carpet not looking a certain way you’ll be rinsed mercilessly — and that’s disgusting."
Thankfully, celebrities continue to support body positivity and influencing the entertainment industry for the better. One day, thanks to celebs like Lewis, there will be no such thing as the "perfect" body and everyone will be embraced as is, rather than being scrutinized left and right.
As Lewis has illustrated, it's important to recognize that just because someone might be "hot" or you think someone has an "amazing" body, they might not feel the exact same way.
