Warner Bros. Had to Pay Emma Watson $30 Million After She Considered Quitting the Franchise For Study: “We had to be sensitive to her needs”

Emma Watson has captured the hearts of worldwide fans with her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the beloved Harry Potter franchise. However, the 33-year-old found herself at the center of attention when the prospect of leaving the series to pursue her studies arose. Despite relaxing in the light of her remarkable on-screen achievements, Watson’s thought of departing the franchise for educational pursuits sent shockwaves through the industry.

Actress, Emma Watson

Emma Watson Earned Millions After Considered To Leave The Franchise To Pursue Her Studies

Emma Watson found herself at a crossroads in her career. She had become a household name with her breakthrough role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series.

Her acting credits expanded to include successful films like Beauty and the Beast, This Is The End, and The Bling Ring, a captivating story inspired by real events. 

However, Watson’s public presence diminished as she chose to prioritize her education at Brown University, taking a step back from the limelight which ultimately led to Warner Bros. paying her a remarkable $30 million before she departed from the franchise.

Emma Watson As Hermione Granger

The bulk of the actress’s considerable net worth stemmed from her involvement in the Harry Potter series. In 2010, her estimated net worth stood at $32 million, and she reportedly earned an additional $30 million for her roles in the final two installments of the franchise. 

Producer David Heyman revealed that the model focused on academia and her dedication to education took precedence. He explained,

“Emma, in particular, was quite academic and was very keen in the pursuit of schooling and was wrestling a little bit more than the others. So each time there was a negotiation, it was not about a financial [matter], it was about, Do I want to be a part of this? We had to be sensitive to her needs and how important school was to her.”

However, Watson’s decision to prioritize her education showcased her intelligence, and determination to personal growth. 

How Did Emma Watson Start Acting?

Watson’s journey to becoming an acclaimed actress began with her participation in various stage productions.

Beauty And The Beast Performer, Emma Watson

However, it was her groundbreaking role as Hermione Granger in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone that truly catapulted her career.

Remarkably, she secured this iconic role at the age of 9. Born into a family with notable financial and class privileges, Watson’s early pursuit of an acting career was supported by attending private preparatory schools and the esteemed Stagecoach Theatre Arts School.

The audition process for Hermione Granger was a demanding one, comprising eight nerve-wracking rounds. Watson shared with the media, 

“I was crazy. I did eight auditions, and I would sit by the telephone in my house and wait for each call. When they had me in for the ninth audition, I was like, Wow, nine.”

Further, she added,

“They called me into the producer David Heyman’s office, and he said I was the preferred candidate for the role. Before I could obsess over what ‘preferred’ meant, they took a photograph of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and me.”

Emma Watson With Her Co-Stars, Daniel Radcliffe And Rupert Grint

Her involvement in the Harry Potter franchise proved to be not only a transformative experience but also a lucrative one.

Through her portrayal of Hermione Granger, she embarked on an outstanding acting journey that moved her into the global spotlight.