Growing up. It’s a fact of life that no amount of magic can change. It even led some critics to worry about whether or not Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson would need to be replaced mid-series with younger, less spotty faces. After all, they are now each a few years older than the characters they play on screen. But as they have matured, so too have their acting chops, making them essential to the success of the movies. Gone are the awkward expressions and impressions of trying-too-hard. With a range of other films under his belt, Rupert has already shown his versatility as an actor, while Daniel continues to prove himself in film and on Broadway. Meanwhile, Emma is making waves in the world of fashion and is poised to delight moviegoers again in THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, which is due out next year. Before they bid farewell to Potter, let’s spin back our time-turner to see how far our three favourite wizards have come…
THROUGH THE YEARS
PHILOSOPHER’S STONE (2001)
“Petrificus Totalus!”
Hermione performs the full body-bind spell on Neville. The first film will forever be remembered as the one where a star actress, Emma Watson, was born.
CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002)
“Eat slugs, Malfoy!”
Ron throws up slugs uncontrollably after a curse against Draco backfires on him. Rupert Grint shined in this, the last film directed by Chris Columbus.
PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004)
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!”
Hermione, Harry, Ron and Scabbers hide from the Minister of Magic. Finally, Daniel Radcliffe seemed to get comfortable in the role that made him famous. With exception, perhaps, to his forced, teary-eyed scene in Hogsmeade, this film proved to all the naysayers that Dan could really act.
GOBLET OF FIRE (2005)
“I didn’t put my name in that cup!”
Hermione, Ron and Harry look sombre knowing that someone rigged the Triwizard Tournament to include the Boy Who Lived. Teenage hormones and shaggy hair were let loose in this film, as the Yule Ball put pressure on the trio to find dates.
ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (2007)
“Grawp! Put…me…down!”
Harry, Ron and Hermione say hello to Hagrid’s giant half-brother. Daniel hit a new emotional high in this movie, as his character copes with the sudden loss of his godfather, Sirius Black. Who could forget the silent scene of a screaming Harry being held back by Remus Lupin?
HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009)
“Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting.”
Harry shows Hermione and Ron the Potions book originally belonging to the enigmatic Half-Blood Prince. The sixth film is notable for its romances between Harry and Ginny, as well as Ron and Hermione. This installment made it clear that they aren’t kids anymore.
DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 (2010)
“You may be the Chosen One, mate, but this is a whole lot bigger than that.”
The trio are on the run from the Death Eaters in London. Without the protection of Dumbledore, Harry, Ron and Hermione shed the innocence of youth to confront the darkness that threatens their existence. DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART I ramped up the tension and all three of the young actors brought their “A” game.
DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 (2011)
“We can end this.”
Dan, Emma and Rupert bid farewell to the magical characters that have made them household names and role models for millions of muggles the world over. Now that they are all grown up, what Potter scene do you think they will be remembered most for?
Share your opinions here!
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART II hits theatres tomorrow! See you there!