It’s amazing to think that more than 20 years have passed since November 2001, when the magical realm of Harry Potter debuted on screen. Based on the bestselling J.K. Rowling book series, the eight-film franchise has captivated audiences with its fantastical plots and outstanding cast, leaving a lasting impression on popular culture.
Fans now got the chance to recreate that magic thanks to the HBO Max special “Return to Hogwarts.” In December 2021, actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint got together for this sentimental reunion to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The three talked back to fans about the classic movie series that paved the way for many of their careers and gave them a peek into their lives after Hogwarts.
After “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” was released in 2011, the cast said goodbye to the wizarding world. Let’s see what they have been up to since then.
Daniel Radcliffe (As Harry Potter):
Since the end of the series, Daniel Radcliffe, the man who created the legendary character of Harry Potter, has not stopped showcasing his range as an actor. Daniel demonstrated his acting abilities by starring in the Broadway production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and enthralling audiences in movies such as “The Woman in Black,” “Victor Frankenstein,” and “Now You See Me Part 2.” Among his most recent performances were as “Weird Al” Yankovic in the biography “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and as an extra in the Off-Broadway staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.” A new chapter in Radcliffe’s personal life began in March 2023 when he and his longtime partner Erin Darke revealed they were expecting their first child.
Emma Watson (As Hermione Granger):
Actress and campaigner Emma Watson, who played the bright Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, made a smooth transition from Hogwarts to Hollywood. Apart from acting in popular films such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “The Bling Ring,” and the live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast,” Watson also holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brown University. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador, she frequently voiced her opposition to gender bias and used the platform to advance important causes.
Rupert Grint (As Ron Weasley):
After Harry Potter, Rupert Grint—best known for playing the devoted Ron Weasley—kept making an impression on the entertainment world. Starring in independent films such as “Into the White” and “Moonwalkers” to appearing on Broadway in “It’s Only a Play,” Grint has demonstrated his versatility as an actor. He is now seen in the highly regarded series “Servant” on Apple TV+. Personally, Grint joyfully embraced fatherhood when he welcomed his first child with actress Georgia Groome in May 2020.
Tom Felton (As Draco Malfoy):
After graduating from Hogwarts, Tom Felton, who played the sly Draco Malfoy, has pursued a number of film endeavors. From independent features like “From the Rough” to historical dramas like “Belle” and “Ophelia,” Felton has demonstrated his versatility in a range of roles. In addition to playing the antagonist in Netflix’s family horror movie “A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting,” he has a recurring part in season three of “The Flash.” Felton’s autobiography, “Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard,” which reflected on his experiences as a member of the Harry Potter craze, was published in October 2022.
Bonnie Wright (As Ginny Weasley):
Since graduating from Hogwarts, Bonnie Wright, who played the vivacious Ginny Weasley, has pursued a variety of artistic pursuits. Apart from her acting career, Wright started her own film production firm called BonBonLumiere. She made her directorial debut with “Separate We Come, Separate We Go” and has helmed music videos for songs by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson, including “Iguana Bird.” In 2022, Wright secretly got married to Andrew Lococo and welcomed fresh starts in her personal and professional lives.
Matthew Lewis (As Neville Longbottom):
After starring in Harry Potter, Matthew Lewis—best remembered for his depiction of the valiant Neville Longbottom—kept up his acting career. Lewis has established himself as a gifted actor, playing in productions such as “The Syndicate” and “Death in Paradise” in addition to his West End debut in “Our Boys.” He most recently acted in the “All Creatures Great and Small” movie, and he’s still working on great projects across a variety of media.
Oliver Phelps & James Phelps(As Fred weasley & George Weasley):
After Potter, James and Oliver Phelps—who played the cunning Weasley twins—kept working together on several projects. They were the stars of the Plato documentary “A Mind’s Eye” and are the hosts of the podcast “Normal Not Normal.” Because of their outstanding portrayals as Fred and George Weasley, the pair is still adored by fans and has left a lasting impression on the wizarding community.
Evanna Lynch (As Luna Lovegood):
Since attending Hogwarts, Evanna Lynch, who is most known for playing the eccentric Luna Lovegood, has taken on a variety of roles. Lynch has eagerly accepted new challenges, from participating in “Dancing with the Stars” to making appearances in television shows like “G.B.F.” and “My Name Is Emily.” Her talent never fails to enthrall audiences, and the Harry Potter community still adores her.
Alfred Enoch (As Dean Thomas):
A prosperous acting career has been carved out for Alfred Enoch, who played Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter series. His pivotal role in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” demonstrated his acting prowess and brought him considerable praise. Enoch is firmly established as a rising star in the business as he pursues intriguing projects in theater, television, and film.
Ralph Fiennes (As Lord Voldemort):
With his dominating presence on television, Ralph Fiennes, best known for his terrifying depiction of Lord Voldemort, never fails to captivate audiences. With roles in movies such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and the James Bond series, Ralph Fiennes has made a name for himself as one of the greatest
