Anna Kendrick Reveals the Three Fantasy Worlds That Help Her Escape Reality
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Anna Kendrick may have built her Hollywood career on sharp comedic timing in Pitch Perfect and dramatic weight in Up in the Air, but off-screen, the Oscar-nominated actress is an unapologetic fantasy enthusiast. Over the years, she has openly shared her passion for three iconic franchises—The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter—each of which, she admits, has transported her so fully into their fictional realms that the real world seemed to fade away.
The Lord of the Rings: Kendrick’s Gateway Into Fantasy
Kendrick’s love affair with J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth began in high school and has endured well into adulthood. During a 2016 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she described the trilogy as her “gateway into fantasy,” confessing to an annual ritual of rewatching Peter Jackson’s extended editions.
Far from a casual fan, Kendrick admitted to knowing the films inside and out and even bonding with friends over marathon viewing sessions. She has joked about relating less to Frodo or Sam’s heroism and more to the “lazy, hungry” hobbits Merry and Pippin. At one point, she even imagined herself playing a role in Jackson’s Hobbit films, proof of just how deeply she envisioned herself inhabiting the world.
Game of Thrones: An Obsession With Intrigue
If The Lord of the Rings introduced Kendrick to fantasy, HBO’s Game of Thrones cemented her as a serious fan. In interviews and on social media, she didn’t just watch the show—she dissected it.
In a 2017 interview with HelloGiggles, Kendrick shared detailed thoughts on Tyrion Lannister’s loyalty and how shifting allegiances might reshape Westeros’ fragile power structure. She also joked publicly about the show’s lack of male nudity, underscoring her immersion in both the spectacle and the social commentary surrounding the series.
Her brother, a dedicated reader of George R.R. Martin’s books, frequently debated theories with her, giving Kendrick yet another way to engage with the sprawling saga. What drew her most, though, were the complexities: moral ambiguity, shocking twists, and characters whose fates always hung by a thread.
Harry Potter: A Lighthearted Love
While her passion for Middle-earth and Westeros borders on obsessive, Kendrick’s affection for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is lighter but no less genuine. She has spoken warmly about the Wizarding World, once brandishing The Tales of Beedle the Bard during a segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Her playful online persona has often been linked to Harry Potter fandom, with some fans comparing her witty tweets to the quirks of characters from the series. Though less all-consuming than her Tolkien and Martin fixations, Kendrick’s love for Hogwarts and its magic adds a whimsical balance to her fantasy interests.
Why It Matters
What makes Kendrick’s fandoms resonate is the way she embraces them with the same intensity as any die-hard fan. Whether she’s reflecting on the symbolism of Samwise Gamgee’s loyalty, theorizing about the Stark family’s fate, or indulging in lighthearted Harry Potter nostalgia, Kendrick shows a genuine ability to lose herself in story.
For an actress who has made a career of grounding fantastical scenarios with relatable humanity, it’s fitting that she, too, finds comfort and escape in worlds where loyalty, courage, and magic reign.
Would you like me to expand this into a feature-style piece (with quotes from fellow cast members and fan reactions) as if it were published in Entertainment Weekly, or keep it as a tighter lifestyle article?
