Which actress plays Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films?

Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films.

Lynch first appeared as Luna in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film, released in 2007. Luna is a Ravenclaw student known for her unusual observations, independence and belief in creatures and ideas that other students dismiss. Lynch continued in the role through the remaining films.

The casting became a notable part of the production story because Lynch was a lifelong Harry Potter fan and had corresponded with author J. K. Rowling. She auditioned for the role and was selected from a large group of candidates.

Luna is sometimes confused with Ginny Weasley because both become important allies of Harry and both appear in the later films. Ginny was played by Bonnie Wright, while Luna was played by Lynch. The characters belong to different Hogwarts houses.