A still from Harry Potter films. (Image courtesy: harrypotterfilm)
“Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!” Now, this may sound like gibberish to an ordinary speaker of the English language. But if you have read or seen the iconic screen adaptations of Harry Potter, the image of a towering figure with a flowy white beard and kind eyes will conjure up before you. We are, of course, talking about Professor Dumbledore, who we met in the pages of JK Rowling's seven-part series about the eponymous boy wizard which also gave us a host of unforgettable characters. The film adaptations of Harry Potter, which are eight in number, also introduced to the actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who have since become synonymous with the roles they essayed in the movies.
The first of the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was released 20 years ago on November 16, 2001. Over two decades later, we take a look at where our favourite Harry Potter stars are now.
- Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe descended onto the big screen as a wide-eyed, bespectacled boy who refused to bow down to the weight of an enormous legacy and an uncertain future. After eight films, Daniel became synonyms with Harry Potter. But after the movie ended, he was quick to shed the mantle of the boy wizard and acted in the horror film The Woman in Black in 2012. He experimented with films as well as theatre. He was last seen in the 2020 Australian thriller film, Escape from Pretoria. In the same year, he also appeared in the plays Endgame and Roughfor Theatre II. He was also seen in the Netflix special Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend (2020).
- Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
Rupert Grint played Ron Weasley, Harry's best friend and confidant at Hogwarts. As the youngest member of the Weasley family, he brought charm and humour to the plot. After the Harry Potter series, he was seen in Ed Sheeran's Lego House music video as well as the film Cross of Honour. He appeared in TV shows such as The ABC Murders, as well as the ongoing show Servant. Oh, and he has a daughter now!
- Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Emma Watson immortalised Hermione Granger, the smartest witch in decades and the kindest and most loyal friend one could ask for. Following the series, Emma Watson appeared in several films such as My Week With Marilyn, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Little Women and Beauty And The Beast. She is also a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
- Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
Draco Malfoy was the bully we all ended up feeling sorry for by the end of the series, played astutely by Tom Felton. Post Harry Potter, Tom played another grey role in Rising of the Planet of the Apes. His notable works on television include Murder in the First and The Flash. The actor will be seen next in Sara Sugarman's Save The Cinema.
- Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom is one of the fandom's favourite characters for his loyalty and bravery. Known across social media for his amazing “glow up”, Matthew Lewis has featured in films such as Me Before You and Terminal. He was last seen in the comedy Baby Done.
6. Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood
The extremely lovable and eccentric Luna Lovegood was played by Evanna Lynch. Post the show, she was seen in movies such as Addiction: A 60's Love Story and My Name is Emily. Along with acting, Evanna is also a spirited activist, who was presented with the Lovie Special Achievement Award in 2019 for using the Internet to promote “vegan activism and environmental health.”
7. James Phelps and Oliver Phelps as Fred Weasley and George Weasley
James Phelps and Oliver Phelps who played Fred Weasley and George Weasley worked in films such as Last Night in Soho and Danny and the Human Zoo. They also host a podcast called Normal Not Normal.
8. Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley
Bonnie Wright, who played Harry Potter's sweetheart and wife, Ginny Weasely is also a director and environmental activist. She worked as an activist with Greenpeace to end plastic pollution.
9. Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
Micheal Gambon played Albus Dumbledore after Richard Harris who portrayed the character in the first two films died. The legendary actor continues to enthral audiences with his performance and has appeared in films such as Victoria and Abdul, Judy and Kingsman: The Golden Circle in the recent past.
10. Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
Always remember, you do not want to mess with Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts' transfiguration professor played by Maggie Smith. The legendary actress and stage veteran continues to impress fans with films and shows such as Downton Abbey and Sherlock Gnomes.
11. Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape
Alan Rickman played Severus Snape, the Potions professor everyone loved to hate but cried for in the last book and film. After the Harry Potter series, he appeared in projects such as Lee Daniels' The Butler and Eye in the Sky. He died in 2016 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.
Tell us your favourite Harry Potter character in the comments.