'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary': Here's what the films' stars are doing now
The 'Harry Potter' gang is back at Hogwarts! The seven fantasy novels that British author JK Rowling wrote became a global phenomenon with the series spanning an entire generation's childhood who 'grew up' with Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, as they got up to mischief, battled evil, personal demons and much else at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The series was a much-loved mishmash of beloved genres — fantasy, coming of age drama, and boarding school mysteries. The books and films started when the kids were just 11 years old and ended just before Harry Potter turns 18, containing numerous themes like prejudice, corruption, madness, and death. On Harry Potter's 20th anniversary, HBO Max has announced 'Harry Potter's 20th anniversary: Return to Hogwarts' reunion that we have all been waiting for so long!
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Let's look at all the young stars who went from geeky kids to global stars in the past 20 years.
1. Daniel Radcliffe
The little guy with an infectious smile and round glasses is known best for playing the role of Harry Potter, the titular character, who learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. Daniel Radcliffe also appeared in the horror film named 'The Woman in Black' in 2012 when he was finally done with the series. The actor was also seen in the drama 'Kill Your Darlings' and the rom-com 'What If.' Radcliffe was recently seen in the Netflix interactive special 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend.' The nerdy-looking hero has really made an amazing transformation, physically, and is known to be a humble and sweet guy, despite his early brush with fame.
2. Emma Watson
Hermione Granger was brought to life in the series by Emma Watson. Besides playing the top witch in her whole class, she was also Ron and Harry's best friend. After completing the series, Emma returned to school but continued her acting. Emma played herself in Self Rogen and Evan Goldberg apocalyptic comedy, 'This is the End.' The English beauty was recently also in the news for starring in the Disney live-action remake of 'Beauty and the Beast' as Belle and in Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women'.
3. Rupert Grint
The role of Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's best friend at Hogwarts University, was portrayed by Rupert Grint. The brown-haired guy, who seemed like he was out-of-his-depth as he faced Dementors and worse in the films, has shockingly transformed into a mature looking guy. Rupert appeared in Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House' music video after completing 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2.' Lately, Rupert has been seeing some belated career success on TV with roles on Netflix's 'Sick Note,' Crackle's 'Snatch,' and 'Servant'.
4. Tom Felton
Tom Felton played Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter's Hogwart school nemesis. He started his career at a very young age by working in various TV ads. The actor made his debut on the silver screen in 1997 as Peagreen Clock in 'The Borrowers'. Tom Felton was seen in all the Harry Potter films, until the final sequel in 2011. His role in Sara Sugarman's 'Save The Cinema' was confirmed in January 2021. The star has positively used the coronavirus lockdown period to releasing his first EP, 'YoOHoO', via social media.
5. Matthew Lewis
Arguably, the most famous glow up in the Harry Potter cast is Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom. The actor took up a slate of indie roles following his appearances in the 'Harry Potter' films. He appeared in a short film entitled 'Night of The Loving Dead'. Matthew also portrayed the character of the scorned boyfriend of Emilia Clarke's in 'Me Before You'.
6. Arthur Bowen
Arthur Bowen played Harry Potter's second child, Albus Severus Potter. Since his appearance on 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2', Arthur has become popular, gaining over thirty thousand followers on Twitter. When he auditioned for the role, he did not tell his parents. They came to know about it only when they received a letter from the casting crew, asking Arthur to come to London for more auditions.
7. Ellie Darcey
The petite and cute Lily Potter in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2' was played by none other than Ellie Darcey. The little kid is now a stunning actress. Recently, in 2019, an announcement was made that Ellie will be joining the cast of the thriller crime series as the supporting character Harriett in 'How to Identify a Serial Killer.'
8. Ryan Turner
Ryan Turner played Hugo Weasley in the Harry Potter films. He began his career in 2008 and starred in 'Love Me Still', where he cast in the role of Bobby Junior. Ryan and his younger sister Mya have appeared in many adverts, including a Sainbury's ad in the late 2000s. The actor shockingly shares a strong resemblance to his on-screen father Rupert Grnit and Helena Barlow.
9. Bertie Gilbert
The role of Scorpius Malfoy was portrayed by Bertie Gilbert. The actor serves as a pioneer for a new wave of young filmmakers. He was recently classified as one of the 'Five New Wes Andersons' by Dazed. In addition, he made a great success in the short film 'Blue Sushi' funded by Google.
10. Boonie Wright
Boonie Wright was cast in the role of the youngest daughter of the Weasley family. Who knew that the little actor would not only be a famous and successful actor, but also direct and become an environmental activist? After the series ended, she appeared in and directed a few short films. Apart from being a beautiful actress, she also gave an outstanding performance in a celebrity charity baking competition, 'The Great Sport Relief Bake Off'. Wright is an ambassador for Lumos and an activist with Greenpeace and worked to end plastic pollution.
