Emma Watson Opens Up Why She Stepped Back from the Spotlight for Five Years

In a recent interview, the ever-enigmatic Emma Watson, after a five-year hiatus, finally revealed the reasons behind her withdrawal from the spotlight.

The talented actress first captured viewers’ attention as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. Since finishing her role in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” in December 2018, she hasn’t worked on any TV or movie projects.

Emma Watson’s Break from Acting

Many are wondering why she stopped acting. The 33-year-old actress shared her journey of life-changing choices with Financial Times. She also opened up about self-discovery that led her to retreat from the public eye.

Emma recalled the feeling of being trapped by her career. She was unhappy with her lack of control over projects that she was ultimately a part of.

Emma Watson stepped away from acting because she “wasn’t very happy, if I’m being honest.”

“I think I felt a bit caged. The thing I found really hard was that I had to go out and sell something that I really didn’t have very much control over.”

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In addition, she shared that she also struggles with facing movies in which she wasn’t completely involved. The actress often has to answer questions about how they connect with her personal beliefs.

Watson shared her frustration at being held responsible when she didn’t have a say. She stated, “I started to realize that I only wanted to stand in front of things where if someone was going to give me flak about it, I could say, in a way that didn’t make me hate myself, ‘Yes, I screwed up, it was my decision, I should have done better.'”

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A Versatile Career

Emma’s career includes lead roles in movies like “Noah,” “The Bling Ring,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “The Beauty and the Beast.”

Her acting in “Little Women” brought her six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Despite the hiatus, she is not closing her door to the movie industry.

Watson confirmed her interest in acting but noted the importance of choosing the right project. She aims to back away from “fracturing” herself into different personas. The actress also firmly said she didn’t want to be in “robot mode.”

Emma Watson says she will return to acting and will begin starring in a new film in early 2024.

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Her Life Beyond Acting

The Harry Potter actress also acknowledged her break from social media in her birthday post on Instagram. During her break, she learned to ride horses and surf.

She also adopted a dog named Sofia and attended therapy sessions. On top of these activities, she also attended a Harry Potter reunion.

She founded an organization, a women’s environmental investment fund. Watson also played pickleball with Sugar Ray Leonard and directed her first-ever advertisement.

Reflecting on her last birthday, Emma said she was doubtful about leaving her “COVID cocoon.” But now, she feels like a transformed butterfly.

The actress also didn’t miss out on being grateful for her close friends, whom she called “witches in my coven,” and her brother, Alex Watson.