We have just a couple more sleeps to Christmas, so it's arguably the best time to revisit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 24 years since the first film, based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels, hit the big screen in 2001.
With a new Harry Potter television series currently in the works starring Dominic McLaughlin as the boy who lived, we couldn't help but wonder where the original cast are now.
From leading roles in major, critically praised films to stepping back into the Harry Potter world on Broadway, here’s how some of the cast’s careers have evolved.
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)
Radcliffe, now 36, landed the coveted role of the boy wizard when he was just a tween and grew up across eight films.
Since the franchise ended, he’s taken on a range of projects including The Woman in Black, Swiss Army Man, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and the heist film Now You See Me 2.
In April 2023, the actor and his his longtime girlfriend, Erin Darke, welcomed their first child together, over a decade since they played love interests in the 2013 film Kill Your Darlings.
Radcliffe recently revealed that he sent a letter to Dominic McLaughlin, who is taking over the role for HBO's reboot.
In an interview with Good Morning America, he said: "I don't want to be a specter in the life of these children but I just wanted to write to him to say, 'I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did - I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time'. And I do, I just see these pictures of him and the other kids and I just want to hug them."
Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)
Emma Watson, 35, became a global icon as the brainy and brave Hermione. After Hogwarts, she starred in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Beauty and the Beast and Little Women.
Beyond acting, she’s an outspoken advocate for gender equality and a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
In October, Emma spoke to Jay Shetty for an episode on his podcast and admitted that she'll still "cherish" her previous relationship with JK Rowling, despite their more recent disagreement about the transgender community.
She said: "I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.
"I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish. To come back to our earlier thing – I just don’t think these things are either/or. I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with."
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)
Rupert Grint, 37, brought heart and humour to Ron Weasley throughout the series. He’s since appeared in Sick Note, Servant and Knock at the Cabin.
Away from the spotlight, he welcomed a daughter with his partner, actor Georgia Groome.
Last month, Rupert told the BBC that he doesn't think he'll ever "step out" of Ron Weasley's shadow.
"It has a quite deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now. It's great. It gives me a lot of pride. It was such a huge thing," he said.
"I don't think I'll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I'm fine with that."
Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)
Tom Felton's turn as the sly Slytherin made him a fan favourite villain. Following Harry Potter, the 38-year-old has appeared in The Flash, Origin and A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting. He's also reprised his role the Broadway sequel play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, released music and a memoir, Beyond the Wand, reflecting on fame, family, and life after Hogwarts.
In June, Tom was asked to weigh in on Rowling’s controversial views on the trans community.
"I can’t say it [impacts me], I’m not really that attuned to it. I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter," he told Variety.
"She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful."
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
Bonnie Wright, 34, grew from shy younger sister to strong heroine across the films. Since then, she’s directed several short films, written Go Gently, and become an environmental activist focusing on sustainability. In 2023, she welcomed her first child with her husband, Andrew Lococo.
Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
The dreamy Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch, captured fans’ hearts instantly with her unique charm. After Harry Potter, the Irish actress, 34, appeared in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, competed on Dancing with the Stars, and launched her own vegan beauty brand, Kinder Beauty. Evanna Lynch is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and mental health awareness.
Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)
Matthew Lewis’s character transformed from an awkward Hogwarts student into a beloved hero, earning him legendary status among Harry Potter fans. Since then, the 36-year-old actor has appeared in projects including Bluestone 42, Me Before You and All Creatures Great and Small. Now married to Angela Jones, Matthew has embraced life beyond the wizarding world while still maintaining a close connection with the Potter fandom.
James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley)
The mischievous twins brought plenty of laughs to the series. Since wrapping the films, the real-life twins, James and Oliver, 39, have hosted the podcast Normal Not Normal and appeared in Fantastic Friends.
James is married to Annika Ostle and Oliver is married to Katy Humpage, with whom he has two children.
Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas)
How to Get Away with Murder fans will recognise Alfred Enoch, 36, as the loveable Wes Gibbins, but before then he appeared throughout the Harry Potter films as Dean Thomas.
Since then he's worked extensively in theatre and television, with roles in Troy: Fall of a City, Foundation, and The Couple Next Door on Channel 4.
Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley)
As the warm-hearted patriarch of the Weasley family, Mark, 66, was endlessly lovable. Since the franchise, he’s found continued success starring in the BBC’s long-running Father Brown, while also working on stage and in voice roles.
Julie Walters (Molly Weasley)
Julie’s loving but fierce Mrs Weasley remains one of the franchise’s most iconic mums. Already an acclaimed actor before Harry Potter, the 75-year-old went on to star in Mamma Mia!, Paddington, and The Secret Garden. She’s since stepped back from acting to focus on her health and family.
Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort)
Ralph’s chilling performance as the Dark Lord is unforgettable. A two-time Oscar nominee, he’s continued to shine in The Grand Budapest Hotel, Skyfall, and The Menu. Alongside acting, the 62-year-old has directed several films and remains one of Britain’s most respected performers.
Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange)
Helena Bonham Carter, 59, stole scenes as the unhinged Bellatrix. Already a celebrated star, she’s since dazzled in The Crown, Enola Holmes, and Nolly.
Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid)
Beloved as Hagrid, Robbie’s warmth made him a Harry Potter icon. Before the series, he was acclaimed for Cracker and Nuns on the Run. He continued acting until his passing in 2022, remembered fondly by fans and co-stars.
Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore)
Michael, 82, took over as Dumbledore from Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, bringing wisdom and wit to the headmaster role. A highly decorated stage and screen actor, he appeared in The King’s Speech and The Casual Vacancy. He passed away in 2023, leaving a remarkable legacy.
Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall)
Dame Maggie Smith embodied the sharp and witty Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. A two-time Oscar winner, the legendary actress went on to star in Downton Abbey and The Lady in the Van. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Alan Rickman (Severus Snape)
Alan's layered portrayal of Snape became iconic across the series. A legend of film and theatre, he starred in Love Actually, Sense and Sensibility, and Die Hard. He passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69. His final film role was voicing Absolem in Alice Through the Looking Glass, which was released posthumously in May 2016.
To watch Harry Potter films in order, see here.
