Many were surprised when J.K. Rowling, the creative mind behind the beloved Harry Potter series, expressed doubt that the character Hermione Granger would be a favorite among male readers and viewers. Despite these beliefs, Hermione remains one of the standout characters from the series, captivating a wide audience with her intelligence and bravery. This continued popularity is, in no small part, thanks to Emma Watson, who dedicated herself thoroughly to bringing Hermione to life on screen.
Over the years, J.K. Rowling has become a controversial figure in the Harry Potter fandom. Her works have unquestionably had a huge impact, thanks to their successful transition from page to screen, yet certain comments have sparked debate among fans. A perfect example is her early 2010s remark regarding Hermione Granger.
J.K. Rowling | Credit: BBC
Initially, Rowling was concerned that Hermione, one of the most brilliant characters, might not resonate with the male demographic. This perception seemed rooted in Hermione’s defining attributes, which Rowling thought could make her less appealing.
Why J.K. Rowling Misjudged Hermione’s Appeal
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger | Credit: Warner Bros.
In conversation with Steve Kloves, the screenwriter of the Harry Potter films, Rowling was surprised to hear Hermione was one of his favorite characters. Rowing believed Hermione could sometimes be challenging to like because of her extraordinary intelligence and tendency to be somewhat overbearing. She noted, “You can see how that allayed to a lot of fears because she wasn’t the most obvious character perhaps for a person to like or say was their favorite character. And also for a man to like her best was arguably unusual.”
Contrary to Rowling’s expectations, Hermione has become a beloved figure, cherished not only by women but by men as well. Over time, her journey from a know-it-all to a deeply relatable character has enchanted audiences everywhere. Hermione’s character, with its complexity and growth, allows readers and viewers to connect with someone who isn’t the ‘chosen one’, making her personal story resonate even more.
Neither the books nor the films ever failed Hermione – they allowed her evolution to be shown in its fullness. This journey from being an outsider to one of the series’ most essential characters made her unforgettable for a global audience, proving Rowling’s initial doubts misplaced.
Emma Watson’s Journey to Becoming Hermione
Emma Watson’s Hermione | Credit: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Warner Bros
Imagining anyone else in the role of Hermione is challenging, as Emma Watson fit the character like a glove. Watson, who was up against an older actress, put her heart and soul into her audition tape. It wasn’t a simple process – she poured over the script from morning to evening, doing take after take until she felt it was perfect. “I worked hard to get Hermione, and my mum has a video I did for the first audition and she has me doing the same takeover and over, like 27 times from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon and I was just relentless,” Watson shared.
Her dedication paid off, as she eventually secured the role that would kick-start her career.
With talks of a Harry Potter reboot in progress at Warner Bros., excitement (and a touch of trepidation) builds as fans wonder if anyone new cast in the role of Hermione can meet or even surpass the standards set by Watson. While the new portrayal remains to be seen, it’s clear Watson has left an indelible mark on Hermione’s legacy.
