They grew up as witches and wizards and turned into mega movie stars. Twenty-three years ago, the first Harry Potter movie, based on the book by JK Rowling, was released and the lives of the children in the film and the seven sequels that followed would never be the same.
In later years the franchise forged ahead with Fantastic Beasts, but the actors who embodied the likes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione had moved on. Where are they now? Let’s cast a Lumos spell and shed some light on the matter.
Daniel Radcliffe
Imagine being 12 years old and seeing your face plastered everywhere – shops, cinemas, buses. This was the reality of the boy who starred as the boy who lived. Many child stars would have been shaken, turning down dangerous avenues or abandoning the profession altogether. But Radcliffe soldiered on, honing his acting skills on stage, finishing the Harry Potter movies, and eventually making the transition to full-on grown-up movie star taking on everything from horror movies (The Woman in Black) to heist films (Now You See Me 2) to assorted dramas (Kill Your Darlings, Swiss Army Man). Having become so renowned – and having kept his star in place – it wasn't surprising to find Radcliffe playing (and parodying) himself several times, appearing as himself in The Simpsons, BoJack Horseman, and Extras.
What’s next? He’s currently voicing a character in the animated adult sitcom Mulligan.
Emma Watson
Much like Hermione, Watson is ambitious and bookish. Besides being one of the most important parts of the Potterverse, Watson has appeared in a string of acclaimed films, attended Brown University, launched a line of sustainable clothing, started a Goodreads book club, become one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and the face of Prada, Burberry, and Lancôme.
What’s next? Watson is currently taking a break from acting.
Rupert Grint
Grint appeared as the bumbling, endearing third of the famous magical trio, Ron Weasley. While he’s kept busy with a film here and there, Grint has snapped up many a role on television, appearing in Snatch, Sick Note, The ABC Murders, Servant, and Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities.
What’s next? His most recent film is M Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. Missed this former Sunday night movie? Stream it on Showmax here.
Tom Felton
The trio’s same-age nemesis came in the form of Draco Malfoy, played in all eight films by Felton. He’s also kept busy over the years with roles in film and television. Like several of his Potter co-stars he has played himself, taking a dig at his Potterverse fame in Get Him to the Greek.
What’s next? Felton is still acting, but also focusing on his music.
Robert Pattinson
The character of Cedric Diggory, played by Pattinson, may only have appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but his role was important – his encounter with Harry became a significant moment in the lead character’s life. While Pattinson’s visit to the Potterverse may have been brief, he went on to become the lead character in another fantasy franchise, wooing tweens everywhere as Edward in the Twilight films. Unfortunately, many others weren’t wooed by his performance in the films and Pattinson set out to prove himself with very different roles in films like Cosmopolis, Good Time, The Lighthouse, and Tenet. As the 2020s continued to dawn, Pattinson donned a cape to become a superhero, portraying Batman in 2022’s The Batman.
What’s next? Pattinson will take the lead in Oscar-winning Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi Mickey 17.
Domhnall Gleeson
Like Pattinson, Gleeson (the younger, his father Brendan Gleeson having appeared in three of the films as Mad-Eye Moody) was not a child actor in the franchise and had a smaller role (as Bill Weasley), but his career has soared so much since the franchise ended, we had to include him. Domhnall has stretched his range in amazing ways, appearing in such diverse and incredible films as True Grit, The Revenant, About Time, Anna Karenina, Brooklyn, Ex Machina, and mother!. In 2015, he joined another massive franchise with his role as General Armitage Hux in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, reprising the role in both sequels.
What’s next? You can currently watch him on M-Net in Alice & Jack on Saturdays at 21:00 or catch up on DStv Stream here.
Head back to Hogwarts this April with the Harry Potter movies on M-Net Movies 1 channel 104.
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