Then vs Now: where the Harry Potter child stars ended up after the franchise

It’s been years since the golden trio walked out of Hogwarts and into cinematic history, and yet, for an entire generation, the Harry Potter kids still live rent-free in their heads. But the real magic has always been watching them grow up and forge wildly different identities and walk interesting paths after the credits rolled. Some swapped wands for awards, diving headfirst into serious acting careers. Others vanished like disillusionment charms, reemerging as artists, writers, parents, and quiet rebels.

From indie darlings to political voices, from ice-cream trucks to theater stages, the post-Hogwarts glow-up for these actors has been anything but ordinary. These child stars have now grown up to be full-blown adults with complex lives, unexpected detours, and careers that may surprise even the most devoted Potterhead. So, where have our favorite budding wizards landed after their magical youth? Grab a butterbeer, because we’re about to take a then-vs-now look at where the Harry Potter cast has ended up.

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Then vs Now: The Harry Potter cast 16 years after the final film

Daniel Radcliffe- Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe has been on a wonderfully weird ride since hanging up his Hogwarts robes. Refusing to be boxed in by his Harry Potter legacy, he’s built a career on surprising choices and offbeat roles. He’s played everything from a flatulent corpse in Swiss Army Man (2016) to a villain in a sparkly jumpsuit in The Lost City (2022), and has somehow made every role unforgettable. In 2024, he nabbed his first Tony Award for Merrily We Roll Along, showing he’s just as spellbinding on stage.

Offscreen, he welcomed his first child in 2023 and continues to be refreshingly grounded despite a $110 million net worth. With upcoming projects like Batso and an appearance in Now You See Me, Now You Don't, Radcliffe’s post-Potter journey is anything but conventional, and that’s exactly how he likes it.

Emma Watson- Hermione Granger

Emma Watson traded in her wand for a mic, and the world’s been listening ever since. After wrapping up Harry Potter, she didn’t chase blockbusters. She earned an academic degree from Brown University, and then, enrolled at Oxford for her master's in creative writing because, of course, Emma would take academia seriously, just like Miss Granger. She became a UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador, launching the HeForShe campaign and redefining what it means to use fame for good.

She now sits on the board of fashion giant Kering, helping drag haute couture into the age of climate consciousness. Acting might have taken a back seat for her, but Emma’s power? It’s louder, smarter, and cooler than ever. She may have left the wizarding world behind, but her magic? It’s very much alive, just reimagined.

Rupert Grint- Ron Weasley

Rupert Grint didn’t just say goodbye to Ron Weasley; Post Harry Potter, he chased a sweet childhood dream and became an ice cream man, quite literally. Back in 2012, he bought an ice-cream truck with the fortune he made from the franchise and handed out ice-cream to locals.

But Rupert’s not just the king of the ice cream van; he’s also been killing it on screen, starring in Apple TV+’s Servant (2019-2023), and embracing fatherhood with his partner, Georgia Groome. Grounded, goofy, and genuinely kind, Rupert’s post-Potter life has been low-key, private, and peaceful as compared to his co-stars.

Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy

Tom Felton, the ultimate Slytherin icon, didn’t just settle for being Harry Potter’s top rival; he’s been busy flipping the script on what it means to grow up wizard famous. After enchanting us as Draco Malfoy, Tom took his talents to the West End in 2022 with 2:22 A Ghost Story, proving he’s got the chops for live theater magic. The same year, he spilled all the tea in his memoir Beyond the Wand, which instantly became a New York Times bestseller.

Currently, he’s crossing continents with a role in the TV series Gandhi, flexing his range beyond the UK. And if that’s not enough, he’s starring in the sci-fi flick Altered and, wait for it... He’s set to return to Broadway as Draco in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in late 2025.

Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley

Bonnie Wright didn’t just grow up on broomsticks and butterbeer, she grew into something way more magical. After closing the chapter on Ginny Weasley and the wizarding world, she swapped wands for cameras and marched straight into storytelling with soul. Her short film Separate We Come, Separate We Go (2012) kicked off BonBonLumiere, her own dreamy little production house.

But Bonnie is not just behind the camera; she’s also out there in the real world, fighting for it. As a fierce Greenpeace ambassador, she’s made it her mission to kick plastic to the curb and bring eco-conscious living into the spotlight. She has also authored an environmental book, Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet (2022) which emphasizes the importance of green activism.

Matthew Lewis- Neville Longbottom

Matthew Lewis blossomed into a versatile actor, swapping wizard robes for a wide range of roles on screen and stage. From the gripping BBC drama The Syndicate (2012-21) to the heartfelt film Me Before You (2016), Matthew proved he’s no one‑trick pony. He even took center stage in the West End with Our Boys, showing off his theater skills.

When he’s not acting, he’s chatting about all things football on the Doing a Leeds podcast, sharing his passion for Leeds United. Off‑screen, Matthew’s heart shines too, supporting education in South Africa through the Bambisanani Partnership.

James and Oliver Phelps- Fred and George Weasley

James and Oliver Phelps, the mischievous twins who played Fred and George Weasley, didn’t just stop at casting spells on screen. They’ve cooked up some magic off-screen too, hosting the cooking show Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, where pastry chefs whip up wizard-themed desserts in iconic Harry Potter spots.

When not stirring sugary storms, they co-host the Normal Not Normal podcast, spilling tea with celebs. James flexed his acting chops in films like Last Night in Soho (2021), while Oliver made his debut on stage. Still tight to the Harry Potter world, these twins keep the magic alive, embracing new adventures with that classic Weasley charm.

Evanna Lynch- Luna Lovegood

Evanna Lynch has been weaving her own enchanting story after her success as the eccentric Luna in the franchise. From dazzling indie screens in My Name Is Emily (2015) to stealing the spotlight Off-Broadway in Disco Pigs, she has proven she’s a force beyond the wizarding world.

Her memoir, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting (2021), offers a heartfelt glimpse at the journey through her struggles and victories. As a passionate vegan and animal rights champion, she co-founded Kinder Beauty Box and co-hosts the Just Beings podcast.

The Harry Potter films are currently available to stream on Disney+