Convention - Comic Con France 2025: Harry Potter Universe : Magic Reignited with Anna Shaffer and Jessie Cave on the Main Stage

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 12 april 2025

The world of wizardry felt palpably alive once again at Comic Con France 2025, as the iconic Harry Potter saga took center stage in one of the weekend’s most enchanting panels. The Main Stage at Parc des Expositions in Villepinte welcomed fans old and new to a heartfelt reunion with two key figures from the beloved film franchise: Anna Shaffer and Jessie Cave. In a convention already pulsing with blockbuster buzz and immersive pop culture delights, this Harry Potter panel stood out not only for the nostalgia it conjured, but also for the refreshingly candid presence of these two actresses who brought to life some of the saga’s most memorable supporting characters.

Anna Shaffer, who many now know as the formidable Triss Merigold from The Witcher, returned to her magical roots with warmth and grace. Though her role as Romilda Vane was brief in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, her portrayal left an indelible impression—especially with her now-iconic attempt to bewitch Harry with a love potion. Jessie Cave, whose role as the lovably obsessive Lavender Brown provided both humor and heartbreak, joined her on stage with the kind of down-to-earth energy that instantly connected with the audience. For fans who had grown up watching these characters evolve through the lens of the Warner Bros. adaptations, seeing Shaffer and Cave share real stories behind the scenes was nothing short of magical.

The conversation naturally flowed through recollections of casting days, makeup trailers, and on-set antics. Jessie Cave, known for her work in indie projects and her unfiltered comedy on YouTube and podcasts, shared how landing the role of Lavender Brown catapulted her into a chaotic but exhilarating Hollywood whirlwind. Fans were intrigued to hear about the physical and emotional intensity behind her character’s final moments—her dramatic death during the Battle of Hogwarts remains one of the series’ darkest scenes, especially considering its implications about Fenrir Greyback’s violence. Meanwhile, Shaffer reflected on her early days on the franchise, a time when she was still a teenager navigating an enormous production machine that spanned years and continents. Her ability to transition from that fantasy universe to mature and complex roles like Triss in The Witcher is a testament to how the Harry Potter series quietly launched numerous careers beyond the main trio.

One of the most charming aspects of the panel was its organic celebration of the saga’s enduring impact, not through the lens of statistics or awards, but through memories that resonated deeply with both guests and fans alike. From rehearsals in Leavesden Studios to being surrounded by the immense sets designed by Stuart Craig, their stories added layers to the already massive mythology of the films. They spoke about what it was like filming under the direction of David Yates—who helmed the last four films—and how the atmosphere shifted as the tone of the story grew darker and more mature. The audience seemed especially fascinated by anecdotes involving costume fittings and prop mishaps, small yet vivid glimpses into a decade-long production that shaped the cinematic childhood of a generation.

In many ways, this panel reminded attendees why Harry Potter’s legacy remains so potent. It isn’t just about spells or house rivalries—it’s about the very human experiences behind the curtain. The actresses’ casual rapport and mutual respect made the experience feel like a reunion of friends rather than a scripted PR moment. Fans left with a renewed sense of appreciation for the supporting characters who often carried emotional beats, comedic relief, or symbolic weight, even in brief appearances. In a convention filled with superhero bravado and futuristic reveals, this panel grounded everyone in the simple joy of storytelling and the extraordinary effect of being part of something greater than oneself.

Comic Con France 2025 succeeded not only in reuniting fans with faces they cherished but in spotlighting the often overlooked brilliance of the extended Harry Potter cast. Jessie Cave and Anna Shaffer may not have fought Voldemort face-to-face, but their presence reminded everyone that Hogwarts was built just as much on its side stories as on its central hero’s journey. Their shared memories—and the enthusiastic audience reception—proved that even 14 years after the final film’s release, the magic of Harry Potter continues to live on, wand or no wand.

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville