People are only just realising who played Dobby the Elf in Harry Potter movies

On November 3, 2002, British audiences would have their lives changed forever when introduced to the beloved Harry Potter character Dobby the Elf.

Ok, maybe it's not quite that dramatic, but more than 20 years on, people across the world are still in love with the book and film series, and the elf remains one of the most loved mythical creatures in the films.

Despite being on TV screens across the world for more than two decades now, keen-eyed viewers are always finding out more small details, such as what exactly Aunt Petunia was up to in the kitchen when young Harry Potter received his first Hogwarts letter.

It isn't until the second film that we met Dobby for the first time, as he memorably bangs his head against Harry's wardrobe before dropping some cake on one of the Dursley's guests, in an attempt to keep the young wizard away from the magic school that year.

It is unclear in what capacity the friendly elf, who belongs to the Malfoy family, will feature in the upcoming HBO series - but we do already know that Rupert Grint would be more than happy to return.

While Dobby, who endeared himself to fans in an emotional sacrifice in The Deathly Hallows Part One, is a well-known character, it seems clear that many didn't actually realise the incredible actor behind his voice.

Recently, on The Graham Norton Show on February 28 (incidentally hosted by Claudia Winkleman that day), Toby Jones discussed his role as Dobby in the Harry Potter films.

Toby Jones on stage with the Drama Performance award during the NTAs 2024 (John Phillips/Getty Images)

The 58-year-old, who is well known for his performances in Captain America, Doctor Who, The Detectorists, and more recently, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, seemingly shocked Potterheads when it was revealed he voiced the heartwarming house elf.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: "Why has Claudia Winkleman just informed me that Dobby was Toby Jones. Literally the bloke who tried to murder Sherlock saying 'I like to watch it happen' was Dobby. Help me."

Another user said: "Toby Jones is Dobby in the Harry Potter movies! DR ZOLA is Dobby! This is the greatest what the s***-moment."

Another said: 'Why did I not know Arnim Zola was also Dobby? How amazing is Toby Jones?"

Jones has clearly forged a reputation for playing the villain, thanks to his roles in Marvel, Sherlock, and Doctor Who, but fans may well now remember him most fondly for playing Harry Potter's close friend and ally, Dobby the free elf.