Diagon Alley, Quidditch, moving staircases and the Sorting Hat were all important parts of the magical world that J.K. Rowling created in the famed and decade-long Harry Potter series. Just as instrumental in that world, however, were the principle characters, Harry, Ron and Hermione, who came alive through the talents of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, respectively.

As a total of eight films in the franchise were released, these child stars became some of the biggest celebrities around the world. Predictably, however, Radcliffe, Grint and Watson became almost irreversibly linked to their characters in the series, which has made it hard for them to move on with their acting careers, but even harder for their fans to accept their new roles.

Shortly after completing the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise, Radcliffe began shooting the horror-film The Woman in Black. Although he did a couple of independent films and has some projects in the works, The Woman in Black has been his only box-office hit since he finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

But Radcliffe has found a place for himself on the stage. Between filming movies in 2007, Radcliffe starred in Equus in both London and New York productions, baring it all to audiences. He was also a part of the 2011 Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

After garnering all the fame and notoriety from his leading role in the Harry Potter franchises, it appears that he has not been as successful moving on as co-star Emma Watson has.

Watson was always a fan-favorite on and off the screen during the filming of each Harry Potter film. Watson learned the importance of moving on to prevent any type-casting in the future. Immediately after her role as Hermione Granger came to an end, she decided to make a bold move and cut off what she deemed the “Hermione locks” as she embraced her new pixie cut.
Dylan Szeto, University sophomore, said, “Emma Watson definitely was able to move on. She has been getting some pretty decent roles in a couple of movies…Not to mention Perks of Being a Wallflower was a great choice for Watson to do.”

Watson had two box-office hits that quickly followed the final Harry Potter film, including the Academy-Award nominated My Week with Marilyn where she played the role of wardrobe assistant named Lucy and the critically-acclaimed The Perks of Being a Wallflower playing the lovable character of Sam.

This Is the End and The Bling Ring were released as summer movies, which were both anticipated as two of the summer’s biggest box-office hits and definitely two more wins for Watson. This is the End has lived up to its hype while The Bling Ring appears to be struggling.

Meanwhile, Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic Noah starring Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson and previous co-star Logan Lerman is currently in post-production. It is scheduled for a 2014 release. Aronofsky’s movies tend to do well in the film industry, so once again, Watson has done it. She prospered as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, but has been able to move on successfully as she becomes a growing actress in the film industry.
Rupert Grint, the signature ginger throughout the Harry Potter franchise, has stayed busy in the film industry but has yet to release anything that has reached the popular consciousness. Into the White, co-starring David Kross, was his first film that came out after he finished his role as Ron Weasley.

He even made a guest appearance on American Dad, but no real avail. With various projects in pre-production and post-production, Grint might surprise audiences with his potential in the film industry.

Ilana Weinstein, sophomore at the University, explained, “Well, I think the franchise has given them lots of opportunities, Watson has done a few movies and Radcliffe was on Broadway…. But I think the world will always associate, know and love them as Harry, Ron and Hermione.”