Johnny Flynn says private schools should be ‘burnt to the ground’ after ‘traumatic’ experience

Harry Potter star Johnny Flynn opens up about his “traumatic” boarding school experience, saying therapy helped him understand “boarding school syndrome”. (Photo: Getty Images)

British actor Johnny Flynn, 43, has opened up about his childhood and the bullying he experienced while studying at Winchester’s Pilgrims’ School. Flynn attended the boarding school from the age of seven after securing a choral scholarship.Recalling the experience in a new interview with Radio Times, the actor said it had a lasting impact on him. “It was quite traumatic for me,” he said. “I think they should all be burnt to the ground, I don’t think private schools should exist.”Flynn also revealed that being separated from his family at such a young age affected him psychologically. He developed “little nervous tics” and said it took him years to fully understand the mental toll the experience had taken on him.

Johnny Flynn says therapy helped him understand ‘boarding school syndrome’

Flynn said therapy eventually helped him make sense of the pain associated with his childhood. Describing the therapy as “brilliant”, he recalled reaching a point where he realised there was something deeper behind his experiences.“I suddenly thought, ‘God, there’s something quite painful about this.’ I learnt there was something called boarding school syndrome. And I’m good, I’m OK now,” Flynn said.

Johnny Flynn to play Lucius Malfoy in HBO’s Harry Potter series

Flynn will next be seen as Lucius Malfoy, the father of Harry Potter’s nemesis Draco Malfoy, in HBO’s highly anticipated television adaptation of the Harry Potter books.

The character was previously played by Jason Isaacs in the film franchise.He is among several prominent British actors joining the new series. John Lithgow will play Professor Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will portray Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Severus Snape, Nick Frost will play Hagrid and Luke Thallon will portray Professor Quirrell.The three central young characters will be played by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Flynn addresses controversy surrounding JK Rowling

The upcoming series has faced controversy even before its release, particularly over author JK Rowling’s involvement. Rowling has faced criticism from the LGBTQ+ community over comments about transgender people and gender identity, with some members of the community calling for a boycott of the new adaptation.Asked about the issue, Flynn acknowledged that he has his own feelings about the controversy but chose to focus on his gratitude for the opportunity.“Of course I have feelings about that, but I want to talk about the gratitude I feel at being able to do what I do,” he said.Flynn also revealed that one of his motivations for accepting the role was his three children, whom he shares with his wife, Beatrice Minns. He said he wanted to take on the part in part to please them.

Gary Oldman says Harry Potter series could be ‘more satisfying’ than films

Meanwhile, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the original Harry Potter films, recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming television adaptation.Oldman said he believes the series could be “more satisfying” for viewers because the longer format will allow the story to stay closer to the books.“We had to cut a lot, and still we could only get the films down to, like, three hours,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I believe [the TV series is] gonna do it pretty much word-for-word, which I think, as a viewer, would be more satisfying.”