Yep, Harry Melling From “The Queen’s Gambit” Also Played Dudley Dursley

Did you make the connection?

If you spent your weekend binge-watching Netflix's latest drama The Queen's Gambit, you're not the only one (this writer is guilty). 

As of writing this article, the electrifying limited series has an average Tomatometer rating of 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 96 per cent. 

Basically, you need to cancel everything you're doing this week and make watching the show your highest priority (unless you're still sitting your ATAR exams of course). 

The Queen's Gambit is a fictional story that follows the life of an orphan chess prodigy, Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), during her quest to become the world's greatest chess player while struggling with emotional issues and drug and alcohol dependency. The story begins in the mid-1950s and proceeds into the 1960s. 

For those of you who just read the words "chess prodigy" and groaned, please don't be put off. The series may revolve around chess, but it finds a way to make it entirely enthralling. In fact, the show has sparked a huge surge in chess set sales.

But we're not here to talk about the show's captivating portrayal of chess. We're actually here to talk about Dudley Dursley—or more specifically—the actor who plays him. 

In Episode 2, Beth enters her first chess tournament and plays the highest-ranked player in the final match. His name is Harry Beltik, and he's portrayed by Harry Melling. 

During the scene, you may have found yourself squinting at the television screen, desperately attempting to figure out where you'd seen the actor before. 

Well, it's likely you recognise Melling from playing none other than the demanding and spoilt Dudley Dursley in Harry Potter. 

Yeah, let that sink in for a moment. 

Many viewers have taken to social media to express how shocked they were when they realised Melling had also starred as Dudley. 

i can’t believe the dude from queen’s gambit is dudley

— tecate (@yngnuthugger) November 15, 2020

However, what really surprised some people was the, uh, attraction they felt towards the guy that once played Dudley. 

why am i attracted to harry melling in the queen's gambit??? wtf dudley

— han ✨ (@blameitonhannah) November 16, 2020

Although, this isn't the first time that Melling has returned to our screens since Harry Potter. He also made an appearance in Netflix's The Devil All the Time, alongside Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson.

Now there's simply nothing left to do but demand a series starring both Melling and Matthew Lewis, who played young wizard Neville Longbottom. 

We want it and we want it now. 

Header Image: Netflix