The Harry Potter cast—then and now

When Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) told Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy), “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be" in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, he probably didn't realise the quote would still hold momentum 24 years after the release. The quote still holds weight, as does the rest of the wisdom that the learned characters exuded throughout the 8 Harry Potter movie series.

The spotlight trio—Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)—have since then trodden down their own paths, embodying the childhood sagacity to become what they are today. HELLO! takes a deep dive into their journeys. 

ANOTHER WEASLEY JOINS THE FAMILY TREE

Cast at the age of 11 in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Rupert Grint was only 13 when he shot to international fame as the red-haired, ever-loyal Ron Weasley. Now 36, Grint has matured into far more than just a childhood star. From cult indie hits like Charlie Countryman (2013) and Moonwalkers (2015) to M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller Knock at the Cabin (2023), his filmography speaks to his versatility. On television, his work in Snatch (2017) and Servant (2019) marked a steady transition into darker, complex roles.

This year, Grint made headlines again—this time for something heartwarming. The actor and his long-time partner, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging star Georgia Groome, welcomed their second daughter. Sharing the first glimpse on Instagram, Grint captioned the post: “Secret Child Slightly Revealed. Introducing Goldie G. Grint. ⭐ A 10/10 baby (so far).” The reveal came five years after the birth of their first daughter, Wednesday, garnering adulation from wizarding world and muggles alike. 

BEYOND THE SORTING HATS

Emma Watson, who embodied the character of the famously adored Hermione, resembles her character in more ways than we can count. In the first film, she delivered the line “There are more important things: friendship and bravery,” which stands true in her personal life also, as she has never shied away from exploring newer avenues. 

Since stepping back from acting, the Little Women (2019) star has continued to explore uncharted territory. Appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014, Watson has long championed gender equality on global platforms. Just last year, she featured as the face of the Italian luxury brand Prada in their 2024 Re-Nylon campaign along with Benedict Cumberbatch. Her most recent endeavour? She wrote, narrated and directed a commercial for Renais Spirits, her family’s gin brand, for which she shared a director’s cut on Instagram.

In true Hermione essence, while she keeps her eyes on the world-view, she still buries herself in education. Currently pursuing a creative writing master's degree at Oxford University, her interest in storytelling remains profoundly intact. 

THE BOY WHO LIVED—AND ACTED!

Daniel Radcliffe, the face of the beloved wizarding world’s Chosen One, has lived many lives beyond Hogwarts—and all on screen. While the others forayed into diverse fields, Daniel Radcliffe navigated his journey further into the acting sphere. Deftly picking up a variety of genres post-Potter franchise, the British actor proved his versatility through filmography on a spectrum. From the Australian coming-of-age December Boys (2007) and the thriller romance Kill Your Darlings (2013) to Escape from Pretoria (2020) and the adventure comedy The Lost City (2022), alongside Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum.

In June 2024, he added another feather to his cap by winning a Tony Award for Featured Actor in a Musical for Merrily We Roll Along, even though his first television film was in 1999, when he was just 10 years old, before he even got selected for Harry Potter. Off-screen, he welcomed his first child, a son, in April 2023, with his partner, Erin Darke, whom he met on the sets of Kill Your Darlings in 2013. The boy who once lived has grown into a man who continues to thrive, evolve, and enchant.

As they continue to charm audiences in their own distinct ways, one thing is clear: they’ve grown to be every bit as extraordinary as the characters they once played.