Father of Emma Watson gives an advice of caution to the parents of new Harry Potter tv series stars

Harry Potter hits people in different ways. For some, it brings back flashes of childhood, nights spent reading under the covers, waiting for a letter that never came. For others, it’s a source of comfort they’ve carried into adulthood, a kind of quiet home they return to when the world feels too much. For millions, it was the first story that made books feel magical, or the first time they truly felt seen.

So when HBO announced they’d be bringing the Harry Potter series back as a TV show, the reaction wasn’t just excitement; it felt personal. A new cast, the promise of a slower, more faithful retelling, the chance to walk through those old castle halls again. But while the buzz builds, and fans start picking favorites — one voice, gentle but experienced, is reminding us to pause. To think about what this all means for the kids stepping into shoes that have been worn before. Roles like Harry, Ron, and Hermione aren’t just characters. They’re touchstones. And stepping into them can change a life.

Chris Watson, Emma Watson’s father, has seen what that kind of spotlight can do. And recently, he offered a bit of quiet advice to the parents of the new Harry Potter cast. Not dramatic. Not judgmental. Just honest advice.

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How Emma Watson stayed grounded during the original Harry Potter films

Emma was just nine when she was cast as Hermione Granger. One moment, she was a schoolgirl. Next, she was being recognized all over the world.

However, her outlook towards life didn’t change that much, thanks to her dad, Chris Watson, who kept things steady. He made sure her education came first, that Emma had time for friends and sports, and that acting didn’t take over everything.

To him, being Hermione was something Emma did, not who she was. That distinction, he believed, helped her stay connected to herself while growing up in a world that constantly wanted something from her.

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Revisiting the Harry Potter universe: what’s different this time?

It’s been over two decades since the first Harry Potter film hit theaters. Since then, the books and films have become modern myths, stories passed down, reread, and rewatched. So it’s no surprise that HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot has stirred a great deal of emotions.

This time around, each season will follow one book, offering space to explore the parts of the story the films had to skip. The new cast, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron, was chosen from thousands of young actors.

After all, they’re stepping into something big, way bigger than they probably realize yet.

What early fame really looks like

Chris Watson didn’t hold back when asked about it. He stated:

“As a parent, you have to be frightened,”

He added.

“It can go either way.”

He knows how quickly things can change. Fame, especially when it hits early, can be overwhelming. It might look like fun from the outside, but it’s a strange thing to live through, being watched, judged, praised, and sometimes criticized, all while you're so young and still figuring yourself out.

There’s no manual for that. And there’s definitely no guarantee that a young actor will come out of it okay, unless they’ve got the right support behind them.

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Supporting young actors behind the scenes

Raising a kid in the entertainment industry isn't just about red carpets and rehearsals. It’s the in-between stuff that matters more, the way a parent reacts when their child feels unsure, or when they’re tired, or when the fame starts to feel like pressure.

Chris Watson wasn’t interested in building a star. He was focused on raising a healthy, curious, grounded kid. That mindset, he believes, made all the difference.

He even said he’d be happy to talk to the parents of the new Harry Potter TV series cast if they ever needed it. That offer says a lot. Because behind every big role is a very real family, doing their best.

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What the new Harry Potter series means, for fans and for the cast

For longtime fans, the Harry Potter reboot is a chance to see the story told more slowly, more fully. Maybe even more emotionally. For new viewers, it might be the first time they meet these characters and fall in love with the world of Hogwarts.

But for the young actors leading it, this is the start of something huge. Life-changing, probably. And with that comes opportunity, but also a need for protection. Not from the roles, but from everything that comes with them: the noise, the pressure, the internet, and the expectations.

These kids need people around them who know when to step back, when to speak up, and when to simply ask, Are you okay?

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The true magic behind the scenes

Chris Watson’s message isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. It’s about remembering that behind every magical story is a real kid playing a part, with real emotions and real needs.

The fame, the attention, the buzz — all of those things fade. What remains is how a child feels and is treated through it all. Are they heard? Are they given space to be themselves? Are they allowed to just... be kids?

Because in the end, no matter how iconic the role or how beloved the story, the most important thing isn’t who they play.

It’s who they are when they come home.