Netflix’s latest romantic dramedy, My Oxford Year, transports viewers to the picturesque halls of Oxford University, where American graduate student Anna (Sofia Carson) navigates love, friendships, and academia. Central to her experience is roommate Charlie Butler, portrayed by rising comedic actor Harry Trevaldwyn, known for roles in How to Train Your Dragon and Ten Percent. Caitlynn McDaniel sat down with Trevaldwyn to discuss Charlie’s iconic style, personal growth, and why meaningful queer representation is important to him.
Q: Charlie is the roommate, comedic relief and style icon. How was it taking all of that on?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “I felt that responsibility on my shoulders every time I had to wear a gorgeous scarf. It was tricky. I loved it. I wore more waistcoats than I’ve ever worn in my life. Sometimes I looked like the ghost from an Oscar Wilde film in the lectures. But the costume department got it brilliantly. Charlie read those books and wanted a cravat and a scarf and watched ‘Withnail and I’ and just really leaned into that.”
Q: Did you lean into that fashion at school, or was this fulfilling a dream?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “It was fulfilling. I was very much like, ‘What is everyone else wearing? I’ll wear exactly the same.’ Sadly, I wore skinny jeans quite a lot at university—actually after they had gone out of style. Now I’d like it known I only wear wide-leg trousers.”
Q: Do you actually think Anna’s shoes were hideous?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “No, I don’t think they were that hideous. Charlie was being catty and enjoying it. I think the shoes that come later are better. Charlie basically wore the same shoes the whole way through, so I don’t know what he’s complaining about.”
Q: Many side characters in this film get their own stories. How fulfilling was that?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “So often, especially with queer characters, it’s expositional—delivering a sassy line and walking away. In My Oxford Year, side characters are involved in the dynamics, have their own things going on. The relationships felt real because we bonded during rehearsals. Especially as a queer person watching, you zero in on queer characters. The more depth and humanness in a character, the more you invest in yourself.”
Q: What’s holding Charlie back from accepting love in his life?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “Charlie wears armor of cattiness. He’s quick, feels one step ahead, keeps his distance so he can’t be hurt. Watching Anna and Jamie’s love story, feeling this love for his friends, slowly cracks him open. He’s ready to dive deeper.”
Q: Who was the first character you really related to on screen?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “I kept getting it wrong—I was a pretty happy child but loved moody characters like Peyton from One Tree Hill or Effy from Skins. But maybe Willow from Buffy—happy to be there, helpful and a powerful witch.”
Q: What’s Charlie’s go-to karaoke song?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “Maybe ‘Pink Pony Club’ by Chappell Roan or ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ by Shania Twain.”
Q: Do you think Charlie and Tuffnut from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ would get along?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “Absolutely not. Charlie would make fun of Tuffnut’s shoes. Tough Nut would just push him. They’d both agree the other was beautiful, but they wouldn’t get along.”
Q: Do you have a favorite Charlie moment you hope becomes a meme?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “Ian, our director, let me improv a monologue in a lecture about dying in a bar. It was just to make my co-stars laugh. I didn’t think it’d make the film, but it did, in full.”
Q: This is a book-to-screen adaptation. Is there another book character you’d love to play?
Harry Trevaldwyn: “I’m adapting my own YA book, The Romantic Trials of a Drama King, which has been fun. But I recently read Throne of Glass—I think Manon Blackbeak would have the sickest wig. I’d love to play someone with superpowers.”
My Oxford Year is now streaming on Netflix, showcasing Harry Trevaldwyn’s undeniable charm and comedic brilliance, perfectly encapsulated in Charlie Butler’s unforgettable scarves, sharp wit and heartfelt queer journey. Alongside Trevaldwyn, the film stars Sofia Carson as Anna, Corey Mylchreest as Jamie, Catherine McCormack, and Esmé Kingdom.
