More Than Just Hermione
For an entire generation, Emma Watson was Hermione. From 2001 to 2011, she grew up on screen alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, becoming a role model for countless young viewers. But once the final credits rolled on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, many wondered: what next?
Turns out, plenty. Watson proved she wasn’t just a one-role wonder. Her first post-Potter success came in 2012 with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a deeply moving coming-of-age film that tackled mental health and family trauma with subtlety and grace. The film, directed by the book’s author Stephen Chbosky, gave audiences a raw, emotional performance that reminded everyone she had real acting range.
Over the next few years, she added more variety to her filmography. From the edgy The Bling Ring by Sofia Coppola to Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic Noah, she wasn’t afraid to take creative risks. Later, in 2019, she returned to period drama in Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig, holding her own alongside stars like Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Meryl Streep.
A Sudden Drop After a Soaring High
Despite her solid film choices, Watson’s career hit a strange bump in 2017. It all started with Beauty and the Beast, the highly anticipated live-action Disney remake. Though not every critic was sold on the film, audiences certainly were. With over $1.2 billion in global box office earnings, it became her biggest success since Harry Potter. Watson, playing Belle, charmed millions once again — and seemed to be riding high.
But just two months later, she starred in The Circle, a film that failed to cast the same spell.
The Circle: A Promising Idea That Fell Flat
Based on the novel by Dave Eggers, The Circle had all the makings of a hit: a relevant story about surveillance, technology, and ethics, and a star-studded cast including the legendary Tom Hanks. Watson played Mae Holland, a young woman swept into a powerful tech company that promotes radical transparency. The premise? A dystopian look at a society where privacy no longer exists — a theme that felt especially timely.
But something didn’t click. Critics and viewers alike felt the movie lacked the nuance needed for such weighty topics. Despite the initial buzz, it only grossed $40.7 million worldwide, making it one of the most disappointing performances in Watson’s career.
A Graceful Pivot Toward New Horizons
The failure of The Circle wasn’t the end — far from it. Watson bounced back in Little Women, reaffirming her ability to choose projects with emotional depth and cultural resonance. More recently, she’s stepped back from acting to focus on her passions outside the spotlight, including business ventures and activism. She’s been vocal about gender equality, environmental sustainability, and ethical fashion — all causes she champions with her trademark thoughtfulness.
And for those curious about The Circle, the film is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the coming days — perfect for those wanting to see this lesser-known chapter of her career.
Emma Watson’s post-Hogwarts journey proves that even the most iconic stars can stumble — and still shine. Her ability to evolve, both on and off screen, is what truly makes her a standout. And who knows? Maybe her most magical role is still to come.
