2022 started with the much-anticipated ‘Harry Potter Reunion‘ which gave a glimpse into how the entire world for the actors changed. The films impacted the worldview of children and adults alike who were captivated by the presence of the wizarding world. Although the franchise proved to be revolutionary, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint wanted to quit ‘Harry Potter’ midway.
Hogwarts became a home for both the actors and the audience who wanted to belong somewhere. As Emma Watson said, “Everyone felt more like they belonged by witnessing the characters that didn’t belong.” The idea of belongingness is what brought ‘Harry Potter’ fans all around the world to appreciate the feeling of not being lonely. But if such is the case then, why would anyone want to leave a franchise that helped them belong?
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Why Did Emma Watson Want To Quit ‘Harry Potter’?
Just as the filming of ‘The Order of the Phoenix’ was about to start, David Yates, the director received the news that Emma Watson, who played the role of Hermoine Granger wanted to quit the film. As Watson felt, “the fame thing had finally hit home”, and it was absolutely true. They entered the world of Hollywood way too early. Although Daniel Radcliffe had acted in movies such as ‘David Copperfield‘, this film changed the entire dynamics for him.
Daniel and Rupert were 11 when the shooting for ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ started. However, Emma was just 10, so the realization of having such a big influence on children all around the world had not hit them earlier.
They still had 3 more movies to go through which meant almost 4 more years with this franchise. It’s a long time to dedicate to something and that’s why it became such a big part of their life. The life-changing fame had set them apart from the other children who lived normal life. Wherever they went, the press followed them and it somewhere made them realize that they will never be able to have a normal childhood.
Tom Felton also revealed that things had gotten tough for Watson because she was by herself. Dan and Rupert had each other but Emma was younger and at times even lonely. Tom could understand her feelings because she could always be vulnerable in front of him. But while doing the Harry Potter films, she weighed in everything and decided to move with further films. As we know, we see her till the very last scene of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2′.
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Rupert Grint Craved A Normal Life
Meanwhile, Rupert Grint who played the role of Ron Weasely also was going through a similar conundrum. It’s interesting to note that although both shared the same feeling, they never talked about it until ‘Harry Potter Reunion’.
Moreover, they both felt scared and contemplated what life would be like if they simply left the film. But well, you cannot really blame them because they were like normal kids. And no child turns towards their friends and asks if everything’s alright with them.
Well, these films not only helped the audience who were going through a difficult phase rather they helped the actors too. It’s clearly visible throughout the reunion that the project helped them gain insights into the films. The lessons they have learned have helped shape them as actors.
So even if Emma Watson and Rupert Grint wanted to quit the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, it’s the sheer love of fans that helped them stay.
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