The Harry Potter star opens up about stepping away from Hollywood, describing the promotional side of filmmaking as “soul-destroying” while expressing a deep longing for the art of acting itself.
Emma Watson has revealed the reasons behind her extended break from acting, stating she is now “maybe the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been.” In a recent interview, the actress explained that while she profoundly misses the creative process of acting, she found the constant need to promote films draining. The star, best known for her role as Hermione Granger, has not appeared in a film since 2019’s Little Women and has been focusing on her education and personal life.
The Soul-Destroying Side of Show Business
In a candid conversation with Hollywood Authentic, Watson drew a clear distinction between the joy of acting and the business of selling movies. She stated that the imbalance between creating art and promoting it ultimately led to her decision to step back.
“I think I’ll be honest and straightforward, and say: I do not miss selling things. I found that to be quite soul-destroying. But I do very much miss using my skill-set, and I very much miss the art. I just found I got to do so little of the bit that I actually enjoyed,” Watson said .
Watson, who has been in the public eye since she was cast in the Harry Potter franchise at age 11, described the immense pressure that comes with maintaining a public persona. She referred to it as “very energy-intensive stuff” that involves fracturing oneself into multiple personalities .
What She Misses Profoundly
Despite her hiatus, Watson’s love for the craft of acting remains strong. She spoke fondly of the intense focus and freedom she experiences on a film set, comparing it to a form of meditation.
“The minute the camera rolls, and getting to just completely forget about everything else in the world other than that one moment – it’s such an intense form of meditation. Because you just cannot be anywhere else. It’s so freeing. I miss that profoundly,” she shared .
This immersive experience is what she longs for, contrasting it with the stress she associates with the industry. She recalled even a casual play with friends reminding her of the inherent pressure, a feeling she does not miss .
Building a Foundation for a Healthier Life
Watson’s decision to leave acting was also a move toward building a more balanced and fulfilling personal life. She realized that her relentless work schedule had caused her life to “bottom out,” and she needed to prioritize her foundations.
“I think I worked so hard for so long that my life sort of bottomed out. The bottom fell out of the piece, which was actually me and my life. So I needed to go and do some construction work. Some good foundations for anything else to grow from,” Watson explained .
She described a cycle of “mania” where moving from one project to the next left no room for a personal rhythm. By walking away, she has been able to focus on being a better sister, daughter, and friend, shedding the multiple identities that came with fame . Watson is currently studying for a Master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University after having graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature .
A New Project on the Horizon
While she is enjoying her time away from the spotlight, Watson hinted that she hasn’t completely closed the door on creative work. She revealed that she is “working on something that I’ve never done before,” though she did not provide specific details .
This suggests that fans may see her return to the arts in a new capacity, perhaps one that allows her to engage with her skills without the aspects she found draining. When asked about potentially working behind the camera, she said she would “consider everything,” emphasizing that any future project would need to align with her newfound focus on life balance .
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Credits: The Guardian, Elle, Variety
