"Emma Watson's Hollywood Hiatus and Creative Pursuits"
Emma Watson, the beloved Hermione Granger, has left the limelight for a couple of years now. After her last movie "Little Women" in 2019, she's been quite the enigma, as evidenced by her four-year absence from the big screen. But in a recent British Vogue interview, this 33-year-old powerhouse opened up about her reasons for stepping away from Hollywood's glitzy stage.
Watson's stardom skyrocketed due to her role in the "Harry Potter" films. However, she found herself yearning for more than just acting. The actress has tried her hand at directing and even enrolled in a creative writing course. When asked about turning down high-profile Hollywood roles, Watson acknowledged the weighty decision.
"[Being in such a fast-paced profession,] the decision to take time away from those things was significant," she admitted. "The decision to retire, write, and study, and move behind the camera was scary because I'd never done that before. I'd always been in front of the camera."
The butterfly effect
But she stands by her choice. "I'm so glad I did it because I feel like I can use my own voice and have a creative freedom and sovereignty that I didn't have before - more autonomy," Watson revealed. She called her decision to step away from acting "scary" because she was no stranger to the camera but accounts her experience as "chaotic" and "unknown," partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watson reconnected with her social media followers in the spring of 2023, and her Instagram post spoke volumes about her transition. She had spent her hiatus learning to surf (with limited success) and improved her horse-riding skills. But the highlight of her break was her newfound self-discipline.
"It's taken three years, but I've finally found a daily routine and can maintain it for more than a few days at a time," she wrote. In short, Watson emerged from her "Covid cocoon" like a butterfly, better, stronger, and more self-assured.
Additional insights
Watson's break from acting can be attributed to various factors, including career burnout, the desire for autonomy and control over her projects, exploring new creative avenues, and a quest for personal fulfillment. However, her dedication to social activism, such as her involvement with feminist causes and Goodreads book club, has remained constant through her hiatus.
Sources:
Emma Watson, famed for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" films, decided to step back from acting after "Little Women" in 2019. Expressing a desire for creative freedom, autonomy, and personal fulfillment, she channeled her energy into directing and writing.
Watson shares her motivations for this career transition in an interview with British Vogue, crediting her hiatus for a newfound confidence and self-discipline. While her dedication to feminist activism and literary pursuits remained undeterred during this period, the actress found it necessary to withdraw from Hollywood's whirlwind to recharge and explore new creative avenues.
Sources:
