Will Emma Watson Be in the New Harry Potter Series? Speculating Her Return to HBO’s Wizarding World

Could Emma Watson, the iconic Hermione Granger, make a magical cameo in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series? We dive into the odds, rumors, and possibilities of her return in a new role!

The question on every Potterhead’s mind is: Will Emma Watson be in the new Harry Potter series? HBO’s highly anticipated TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding saga has fans buzzing with excitement, and speculation is rife about whether Emma Watson, who brought Hermione Granger to life in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, might return in a different capacity.

With a fresh cast led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron, the series promises a faithful retelling of the books, set to premiere in 2026. But could Watson, now 35, step back into the wizarding world in a new role?

Why Might Emma Watson Return to the Harry Potter Universe?

Emma Watson’s portrayal of Hermione Granger made her a global star, earning her critical acclaim, a Young Artist Award, and a permanent place in fans’ hearts. Since the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, she’s taken on diverse roles in films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), The Bling Ring (2013), and Little Women (2019), while also pursuing activism and a degree from Brown University.

However, Watson has shown fondness for the franchise. In the 2022 HBO Max special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, she reunited with co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, reflecting warmly on her time as Hermione.

In a 2022 interview with British Vogue, she even said “Definitely” when asked about participating in another reunion in 20 years, hinting at her openness to revisiting the wizarding world.

What Role Could Emma Watson Play in the HBO Series?

So, will Emma Watson be in the new Harry Potter series in a new role? The original trio—Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint—won’t reprise their iconic characters, as HBO’s adaptation focuses on a new generation of young actors. However, Watson, now in her mid-30s, could fit a variety of adult roles from J.K. Rowling’s books.

One possibility is a cameo as a young Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet beloved Hogwarts professor, before Janet McTeer takes over the role in later seasons. Another option could be a character like Narcissa Malfoy, the complex mother of Draco, or even a newly invented role, given J.K. Rowling’s executive producer involvement.

Rowling has praised the new cast, saying, “All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier,” but no hints have emerged about cameo appearances.

What Are the Odds of Emma Watson Appearing in the HBO Series?

Estimating the odds is tricky, as no official confirmation exists. HBO announced the series in April 2023, promising a “faithful” adaptation across seven seasons, one for each book.

Filming began in summer 2025, with a star-studded cast including John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Hagrid. Yet, no reports have linked Watson to the project.

Her busy schedule might be a hurdle. As of 2025, Watson is pursuing a DPhil (Oxford’s PhD equivalent) in creative writing at the University of Oxford and recently joined a rowing team, competing in the Summer Eights tournament.

She’s also been absent from acting since 2019’s Little Women, telling the Financial Times in 2023 she felt “a bit caged” by the industry but would “absolutely” return for the right project.

Fan sentiment on X leans toward hope, with some speculating she’d return only if J.K. Rowling’s involvement is minimal, citing past tensions over Rowling’s views. However, these claims remain unverified and speculative. We’d peg the odds at a cautious 20-30%, balancing her affection for the series against her current focus on studies and selective acting choices.

Could Past Challenges Influence Her Decision?

Watson’s journey as Hermione wasn’t without struggles. During the 2022 HBO Max reunion, she admitted the fame “hit home in a big way” around Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), nearly prompting her to quit. Support from co-stars and fans kept her grounded.

Her father, Chris Watson, recently warned parents of the new child stars—Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout—saying, “As a parent, you have to be scared,” highlighting the challenges of fame.

This insight might make Watson hesitant to dive back into such a high-profile project, though her maturity and experience could ease a brief return.

Will Emma Watson Be in the New Harry Potter Series? The Verdict

The question remains: Will Emma Watson be in the new Harry Potter series? While no concrete evidence confirms her involvement, her love for the wizarding world, openness to future projects, and the creative flexibility of a seven-season series leave room for a cameo.

A 20-30% chance feels realistic, but fans will need to wait until 2026 to see if she trades her Oxford oars for a wand.

What do you think? Would you love to see Emma Watson return as a new character? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates on HBO’s magical journey!