While fans might love the Harry Potter films and find them nostalgic, they don’t evoke the same feelings for the stellar cast of the franchise, especially not for Emma Watson. Having played the iconic role of Hermione Granger through eight movies, although Watson undoubtedly cherishes her time, she has also revealed her challenges while filming the final two installments.
Despite her iconic role earning her a lucrative $30M combined contract for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2, Emma Watson shared some less-than-magical experiences from the set of the films. Admitting how she felt trapped by the movies and even hated outdoor shoots, Watson spoke candidly about her desire to quit.
Finding the Harry Potter Franchise Physically Taxing Emma Watson Wanted to Quit
Although Emma Watson brought the role of the brilliant witch Hermione Granger to life, in the adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, the actress admitted to having a tough time on set. Despite cherishing her role and being grateful for the opportunity that catapulted her to overnight fame, Watson took the bold step to speak out about the physically grueling process.
As per Hollywood Life, Emma Watson had reflected upon her feelings over the intense shooting and promotion schedule. Reminiscing her time on the set of the initial films, the actress claimed to feel like an entrapped slave, who was always on call. Revealing how her film schedule controlled when she could eat, have a bathroom break, or even have free time, Watson claimed to consider quitting.
I have such a structure when I’m working on Potter. I get told what time I get picked up, I get told what time I can eat when I have time to go to the bathroom. Every single second of my day is not in my power.
Halfway through the Harry Potter franchise, when the main trio’s contracts came up for renewal, Emma Watson revealed her screaming desire to quit the films. Especially after she had a tough time at school due to her fame, and even faced the traumatic experience of being stalked by a stranger, Watson recalled harboring the deep-seated desire. However, the actress pushed through the challenges and played her role with utmost dedication.
Emma Watson Hated Working in the Deathly Hallows Films Despite Her $30M Contract
However, despite pushing her limits and giving her all into the billion-dollar franchise, Emma Watson recalled her particular hatred for the last two installments. Although her renewal of contract allowed her to reportedly earn $30M combined for the two Deathly Hallows films (via Parade), Watson appeared to be especially critical of the prolonged, outdoors shoots.
According to Emma Watson’s interview with EW (via DailyMail), the last two films involved arduous outdoor scenes, which left her, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint cold and wet for months on end. Therefore, quite obviously, Watson complained about the outdoor shoots and hated the process despite making a combined estimation of $30M for the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2.
I hate to sound whiny but it’s horrible… This has definitely been the most intense, grueling period of film-making I’ve ever done.
Meanwhile, although Emma Watson had a bizarre experience filming the last two movies, the actress had previously shared her experience from the set of the first film. Recalling how she had a habit of mouthing her co-stars’ lines, Watson said the process was “traumatic” for her, where she ruined takes by repeating Radcliffe and Grint’s lines on-camera.
Harry Potter films are currently available to watch on Max.
