Filming of the Harry Potter series begins next year

At last! Filming on the eagerly awaited "Harry Potter" series will begin next summer.

According to HBO Max, filming will take place at the famous Warner Bros. studios in Leavesden near London. Potterheads may well prick up their ears –because the "Harry Potter" films were also shot at this location.

The casting process also appears to be in full swing. A total of 32,000 children have applied for the main roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley alone. Applicants must live in the UK or Ireland and be between the ages of nine and eleven.

If filming progresses quickly, we could possibly see the series as early as the end of 2026. We are particularly excited to see who will follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

Emma Watson's career: from sorcerer's apprentice to versatile personality

Emma Watson is one of the most famous actresses of her generation. Her name is inextricably linked with the "Harry Potter" series, which gave her her international breakthrough as a child. But Watson has managed to establish herself far beyond the world of magic as a talented actress, committed activist and all-round personality.

The beginnings: a life in the spotlight

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born in Paris on April 15, 1990 and grew up in Oxfordshire, England. Her passion for acting was evident from an early age: she began taking part in school plays at the age of six. In 1999, an audition changed her life abruptly. After an extensive casting process, the then nine-year-old was chosen for the role of Hermione Granger in the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".

With the release of the first film in 2001, Watson became an overnight star. Her portrayal of the clever, ambitious and loyal Hermione Granger not only earned her recognition from fans, but also critical acclaim. She played the role in all eight films in the series, which grossed a total of over 7 billion dollars worldwide by 2011. Watson's performance shaped the character of Hermione and made her one of the strongest female characters in pop culture.

Stepping out of Hermione's shadow

After the end of "Harry Potter", Watson faced the challenge of establishing herself as a serious actress beyond the magical world. Her first major role after "Harry Potter" was Sam in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012), a film adaptation of the novel by Stephen Chbosky. Watson impressed with her sensitive portrayal of a young woman facing her own demons. The film was a critical success and proved that Watson can also shine outside the blockbuster format.

This was followed in 2013 by another remarkable role in Sofia Coppola's "The Bling Ring", in which she played a spoiled teenager who gets involved in criminal activities. Her versatility was demonstrated once again in Darren Aronofsky's "Noah" (2014), where she took on the role of Ila, Noah's adopted daughter.

Watson has managed to move between challenging indie productions and major studio films. In 2017, she took on the lead role of Belle in Disney's live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast". The film was a worldwide success and grossed over 1.2 billion dollars. Watson's portrayal received praise for her modernization of the classic character and her vocal performance.

A life beyond Hollywood

Parallel to her acting career, Watson decided to continue her education. In 2014, she graduated from Brown University with a degree in English Literature. This move underscored her commitment to education and her ability to balance the spotlight with personal growth.

Alongside her academic career, Watson became increasingly involved in social and political causes. In 2014, she was appointed UN Special Envoy for Women's Rights. In her famous HeForShe campaign speech, she promoted equality and invited men to become part of the feminist movement. This speech received worldwide attention and cemented Watson's reputation as a committed activist.

Watson is also committed to sustainable fashion. She co-founded the Good On You initiative, which informs consumers about ethical and sustainable brands. She regularly uses her platform to raise awareness of environmental and equality issues and is involved in projects such as the Time's Up movement against sexual harassment.

Return to the big screen and other projects

In recent years, Watson has chosen her film projects carefully. In 2019, she played Meg March in Greta Gerwig's acclaimed film adaptation of "Little Women". The film was nominated for six Oscars and featured Watson alongside stars such as Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet. Her portrayal of the pragmatic and loyal Meg was praised as warm-hearted and believable.

Watson has since taken a step back from the acting world to concentrate on other projects. Her focus is on her activism, her work in the fashion industry and her personal development. Nevertheless, she remains a cultural fixture admired by millions.

A legacy of inspiration

Emma Watson's career is a prime example of how an actress can grow beyond childhood fame and develop a broader identity. She has used her platform to not only provide entertainment, but to convey meaningful messages. From the brilliant Hermione Granger to inspirational movie roles to her commitment to social justice, Watson is a multifaceted personality who uses her voice for change and progress.

Her journey is far from over, and fans can look forward to seeing where her path will take her. Watson remains one of the most influential figures of her generation and a role model for many young people around the world.