“It just felt like incest”: Emma Watson Was Horrified After Kissing Harry Potter Co-Star 6 Times
The Harry Potter film franchise stands as one of the most iconic and beloved series in cinematic history, enchanting audiences around the world with its magical storytelling. At the heart of this magical journey were the talented actors who brought J.K. Rowling’s beloved characters to life, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton. These young stars, initially cast as wide-eyed children, were thrust into the spotlight and grew up together in the world of wizardry.
Throughout the years, the cast of Harry Potter became not just colleagues, but a tightly-knit family. One of the most poignant moments for this group of actors came in the final installment of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. In this climactic film, there was a significant scene where Emma Watson’s character, Hermione Granger, shared a kiss with Rupert Grint’s character, Ron Weasley. For Watson, this scene proved to be an emotional ordeal. The kiss, which was pivotal in the story, posed a unique challenge for these actors who had come to see each other as siblings over the years.
Emma Watson’s Struggle with On-Screen Romance in Harry Potter
During her appearance on the UK talk show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Emma Watson was confronted with probing questions about the evolving dynamics within the Harry Potter cast, particularly the burgeoning romantic relationship between Hermione and Ron, portrayed by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, respectively. As the conversation delved into the on-screen romance, it led to inquiries about the off-screen relationships among the cast members, particularly between Watson and Grint.
Jonathan Ross, the show’s host, couldn’t resist probing into the cast’s relationships. He playfully suggested a romantic connection between Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Emma promptly denied any such speculations with humor and candor. The interview took an amusing twist when Ross, undeterred, directly asked Emma Watson if they had engaged in an off-screen romance. Watson hesitantly admitted to sharing a kiss just two weeks before filming the scene, visibly surprised by her own revelation, as articulating it was undoubtedly challenging for her. Emma Watson told in Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,
“It was the most horrible thing I’ve ever had to do … it just felt like incest. That’s the only way I can describe it.”
However, amidst the apparent awkwardness, Emma Watson displayed her gracious and diplomatic nature by quickly adding that Rupert Grint was indeed a lovely person, and she understood that there were probably countless girls out there who would jump at the chance to share a kiss with the beloved character Ron Weasley. She, however, humorously asserted that she did not fall into that category.
What Made It Easy for Emma Watson to Kiss Rupert Grint on Screen?
During the interview, Jonathan Ross skillfully highlighted the profound brotherly-sisterly connection that Emma Watson and Rupert Grint shared. His comment played a crucial role in dispelling any lingering doubts or speculations regarding their off-screen relationship. However, Emma Watson had a unique approach to making the kissing scene appear flawless and feel more comfortable for both herself and Rupert Grint. Watson told in Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,
“It was fine that I was actually kissing him because I had my eyes closed so I could not think about the fact that it was him. The worst bit is when we had to open our eyes and look at each other because then I was just like, [laughter] and then we couldn’t keep going. But we did it in the end. Six takes — not bad. It could be worse.”
She acknowledged that despite their familiarity with each other, acting out such an intimate scene could still pose a challenge. Emma Watson’s approach to overcoming this challenge showcased her dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering a memorable performance.
Source: YouTube
