Harry Potter brought a world full of magic and wizards, where anything seemed possible. The first movie, titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was released way back in 2001. And even after several decades and eight movies later, the franchise is still loved by millions. Based on the novels of acclaimed author J.K. Rowling, the project also brought forth three new faces out in the open.
They were Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley to the best of their capabilities. While they were quite young back then, currently all of them are full-blown actors with several movies under their belt.
Not only these three but also other Harry Potter alumni are doing some amazing work in the industry. Let’s dive deeper into what the cast has been up to since the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, released in 2011.
1. Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe will forever be remembered as The Boy Who Lived, bringing Harry Potter to life across eight films. Post-Potter, however, he has demonstrated his versatility as an actor, opting for a wide variety of challenging and unconventional roles.
He took to Broadway, starring in the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and earning critical acclaim for his performance. Not only that, but he also ventured into the darker territory with the horror movie The Woman in Black and took on fun roles in projects like Swiss Army Man and Now You See Me 2.
On the personal front, in March 2023, it was announced that Radcliffe and his long-term partner, actress Erin Darke, were expecting their first child, marking a new chapter in his life. He also won his first Tony Award in 2024, for his performance in the Broadway musical Merrily We Roll Along.
2. Emma Watson
Emma Watson became a household name for her role as the brilliant Hermione Granger, a part she played to perfection. Since then, Watson has used her platform to champion gender equality and human rights causes. In 2014, she graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, balancing her education with her acting career.
The actress has continued to make a name for herself in Hollywood, with standout performances in movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and Greta Gerwig’s critically acclaimed Little Women.
In 2023, Watson took a step back from acting and also got herself enrolled in a creative writing MA program. While she hasn’t retired, she wants to focus more on projects behind the camera as well.
3. Rupert Grint
Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, has since carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment world. After Harry Potter, Grint explored indie films like Into the White and Moonwalkers before making a name for himself on television. His most prominent role in recent years has been in M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie Apple TV+ series Servant.
Grint has also embraced fatherhood. In 2020, he and his longtime partner, actress Georgia Groome, welcomed a daughter, capping off a significant and heartwarming personal milestone.
4. Tom Felton
Tom Felton’s portrayal of the snarky, privileged Draco Malfoy earned him a dedicated fanbase. Post-Potter, Felton has branched out, appearing in various indie films and mainstream projects. His notable works include From the Rough and Belle, alongside smaller roles in shows like The Flash, where he joined as Julian Albert during the show’s third season.
Felton also took a trip down memory lane by releasing his memoir Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard in 2022, giving fans a deeper look at his journey through the Harry Potter franchise and beyond.
5. Bonnie Wright
Bonnie Wright, known for playing the youngest Weasley sibling, Ginny, who ultimately marries Harry Potter, has since shifted her focus to directing and activism. Shortly after her acting career took off, Wright launched her own production company, BonBonLumiere, where she has directed short films and music videos.
In 2022, Wright tied the knot with Andrew Lococo, marking a new chapter in her life. She continues to pursue projects behind the camera while championing environmental causes.
6. Ralph Fiennes
Known for his chilling portrayal of Lord Voldemort, Ralph Fiennes truly embodied the dark and menacing presence of the Dark Lord. After the series concluded, Fiennes didn’t slow down. He delivered stellar performances in critically acclaimed films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and The King’s Man.
He also made waves in the James Bond franchise, playing M in the films starring Daniel Craig. Apart from his work on the screen, Fiennes continued to captivate theater audiences, proving that his talents extend beyond film.
7. The Phelps Twins
James and Oliver Phelps, the real-life twins behind the prankster duo Fred and George Weasley, have continued to collaborate long after their time at Hogwarts. Together, they’ve appeared in documentaries like A Mind’s Eye and launched their podcast Normal Not Normal, where they explore the unusual side of life and regularly invite their former Harry Potter co-stars to join the conversation.
While their mischievous on-screen personas will always be a fan favorite, the twins have embraced a quieter but fulfilling post-Potter life.
8. Robbie Coltrane
The lovable giant Rubeus Hagrid was brought to life by Robbie Coltrane, whose warmth and humor were key to the character’s enduring popularity. Coltrane appeared in only a few projects after Harry Potter, including the Channel 4 series National Treasure and Pixar’s Brave, where he lent his voice to Lord Dingwall.
Sadly, Coltrane passed away on October 14, 2022, at the age of 72. His contribution to cinema, especially his role as Hagrid, will forever be cherished by fans worldwide.
9. Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon stepped into the role of Albus Dumbledore following the death of Richard Harris, making the character his own from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban onwards. Gambon continued to showcase his acting prowess in a wide array of projects, including Victoria & Abdul, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and PBS’s Little Women.
The beloved actor passed away in September 2023 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding work both on stage and screen.
10. Maggie Smith
As the sharp and steadfast Professor McGonagall, Maggie Smith left a lasting impression on Harry Potter fans. Outside of the Wizarding World, Smith is perhaps best known for her portrayal of the formidable Violet Crawley in the Downton Abbey series and films.
She continued to delight fans with roles in A Boy Called Christmas and reprised her Downton role in Downton Abbey: A New Era. Sadly, Smith passed away recently at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned decades.
11. Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman’s portrayal of the complex and ultimately tragic Professor Snape was a cornerstone of the Harry Potter series. Known for his kindness and generosity off-screen, Rickman continued working in movies after Harry Potter, appearing in Lee Daniels’ The Butler and Gambit.
Unfortunately, Rickman passed away in January 2016 at the age of 69, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His final role was the voice of Absolem in Alice Through the Looking Glass, released posthumously.
12. Julie Walters
Julie Walters, a beloved British actress, played Molly Weasley, the fierce yet nurturing matriarch of the Weasley family throughout the Harry Potter series. Since bidding farewell to the magical world, she has remained a prominent figure in the industry, continuing to charm audiences with her incredible range and charisma.
Post-Potter, Walters lent her voice to the lovable Mrs. Bird in the family-favorite Paddington films, a role that quickly became iconic in its own right. She also revisited her musical roots, reprising her character Rosie in the smash hit sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, bringing her signature humor and energy to the screen.
Walters went on to appear in Mary Poppins Returns, where she played the no-nonsense housekeeper, Ellen, effortlessly blending her comedic timing with a nostalgic nod to classic Disney magic.
You can watch all the Harry Potter movies on Max and Hulu.
