How Old Was Emma Watson In Harry Potter 3? An Ode to Hermione‘s Coming of Age
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, released in 2004, a 14-year-old Emma Watson continued to charm as everyone‘s favorite young heroine-in-training, Hermione Granger. As the third film ushered the franchise into darker waters, Watson strode into adolescence with power and grace – both onscreen as Hermione and offscreen as a world-famous child star.
The Precocious Child Star Steps Into Adolescence
Emma Watson was just 9 years old when she beat out thousands of girls at the open casting call for Hermione. As she cartesian filming Sorcerer‘s Stone shortly after her 10th birthday, her poise and intelligence were already abundantly clear. Film by film, as Emma grew into a self-possessed, striking, and articulate young woman, her evolution coincided beautifully with Hermione‘s emotional journey.
By the time production on Azkaban kicked off, 14-year-old Emma sparkled with even more resolve and sophistication. Having clocked several years in the glare of the Hollywood spotlight, she‘d finely honed her craft; amidst behind-the-scenes flurries of spells, broomsticks, and magical beasts, Emma always remained thoroughly prepared and professional.
Azkaban‘s Pivotal Dark Turn Mirrored Watson‘s Maturity
Under acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón‘s artful hand, Harry Potter‘s third chapter took a daring plunge into the mysterious shadows lying in wait for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. As the dementors and Prisoner of Azkaban unleash forgotten dangers, glimmers of the immense power the three friends will someday wield flicker promisingly.
Just as the story itself grew teeth – exploring nuanced concepts like the potency of childhood memories to fuel unspeakable evil – Emma Watson‘s performance gained new depth. Though Hermione enjoyed lighter coming-of-age moments like a classic Time Turner-enabled overpacked schedule, she also grasped chilling truths about the injustice inherent in systems she once trusted unquestioningly.
As Watson raced towards adulthood with preternatural sophistication, she channeled this dawning mastery into Hermione‘s trajectory from innocent bookworm towards fearsome warrior-witch.
The Cast Camaraderie Deepens On and Off Screen
As Radcliffe, Watson and Grint left childhood behind during Azkaban‘s production, their real-life bond kept pace. The trio had practically grown up together on intricately built movie sets from Year 1, but now, they shared campfire chats about school, dreams, and budding relationships like true teen pals. The movies themselves depict less wide-eyed trio hijinks versus the friendships deepening qualitatively.
"They‘ve turned out to be just the loveliest human beings," Watson has mused fondly. "People expect us to be the Three Musketeers, going out drinking and partying. But it‘s so different from who we really are."
| Movie | Emma‘s Age | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer‘s Stone | 10-11 | First glowing glimpses of Hermione‘s courage; Emma displays instant rapport with cast |
| Chamber of Secrets | 12 | Hermione solves basilisk riddle; Emma named promising young newcomer |
| Prisoner of Azkaban | 14 | Series hits crossover into true fantasy thriller; Emma demonstrates startling maturity |
| Goblet of Fire | 15 | Emma becomes both on and offscreen style icon as Hermione navigates swirling notoriety |
| Order of the Phoenix | 16 | Rising fame never distracts Emma‘s kindness nor Hermione‘s razor focus |
| Half-Blood Prince | 17 | Potent darkness as war looms; Emma wins millions in salaries dispute confidently |
| Deathly Hallows I/II | 20-21 | Hermione central beating heart as Harry‘s battle rages; Emma begins Brown University |
Azkaban: A Turning Point For Cast, Crew and Fans Alike
As the pieces crucial to molding Hermione into the brightest witch of her age slid into place in Azkaban, a delighted J.K. Rowling declared Emma perfect for realizing this most beloved literary creation. Alongside Oscar nominee Gary Oldman as prisoner-on-the-run Sirius Black and four-time Academy winner Alan Rickman as the complex Severus Snape, Emma shone bright.
Critics swooned too, marveling at Azkaban‘s empire-rescuing artistry. But most of all, against the shadowy backdrop of soul-sucking wraiths, Watson‘s determined performance shone like a Patronus charm – brimming with magic daring viewers to dream impossible dreams.
Just like the eternally endearing Hermione, 14-year-old Emma possessed unteachable star power destined to alter reality. As the franchise shifting towards fantasy noir thriller territory, Watson remained its emotional anchor – reminding rapt audiences that potent magic brews within even the most underestimated.
