By now, everyone is aware of HBO's plans on recreating a Harry Potter series where each season represents a book. The series is set to take place over a span of 10 years, and there is so much to expect within this time period. However, it must be noted that the news about the series comes at a very awkward time due to the books' author, J. K. Rowling's insensitive comments on the transgender community. Thus, some fans and former fans of the franchise that became a symbol of many people's childhood have called for a boycott of anything Harry Potter-related, including the upcoming show by HBO. Another debate that has been taking place is the series' actual success, given that the Harry Potter film series has become somewhat of a masterpiece that went on to define a generation of fantasy lovers. All are valid debates and very valid arguments, but this article is about the possible casting.
Now, there has been news that the young British actress, Bronte Carmichael, might be playing Hermione Granger, everyone's favorite super-smart-muggle-witch. While the actress might be a perfect fit, here is a list of possible other options. From different ages to different backgrounds, all these actresses might be able to perfectly capture the essence of Hermione while adding their own twist to the characters. Before we get to the list, this is a reminder that Emma Watson did an absolutely marvelous job in giving life to Hermione, and it is impossible for anyone to surpass her performance.
15 Saoirse Ronan - Older Portrayal
Saoirse Ronan has a remarkable portfolio and has portrayed some powerful women who went on to inspire the viewers immensely. Ronan might be perfect for an older version of Hermione Granger, whom we might meet as the seasons progress. If HBO plans on taking a note from Netflix's The Crown, we might find characters shifting and replacing, and thus, Ronan might be one such actress who can replace a younger Hermione. What makes Ronan a perfect Hermione? Her role of Jo in Little Women, her performance of Mary, Queen of Scots in Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Bird in Lady Bird, and Agatha in The Grand Budapest Hotel. All these characters' prominent traits include intelligence and courage, and that is exactly what Hermione is.
Related: Fan Reactions to Harry Potter Series News Could Spell Trouble for HBO's Reboot
14 Iman Vellani - Teen Portrayal
Iman Vellani is someone who entered Hollywood quite recently, and that may be one key reason why she should portray Hermione. Well known for her role as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel in the MCU, and specifically in the recent film, The Marvels, Vellani became an instant favorite amongst the viewers. Her positive nature and her vibrancy make her able to easily grab the attention of the audience. While Hermione is more serious than Kamala Khan, the characters might be different. But, given the opportunity, Vellani might be able to do justice to Hermione. Moreover, having a brown Hermione might inspire many young girls.
13 Jessica Barden - Teen Portrayal
Now, Jessica Barden is someone who might look like the perfect Hermione simply because of her British schoolgirl look. It is also hard to ignore her physical resemblance to Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film series. However, Barden's role as Alyssa in The End of the F***ing World suggests that she might be able to take Hermione's role simply because of her cold looks and her street-smartness. That being said, she might also be able to bring a much stronger Ginny Weasley, in turn, keeping on par with the books' description of the character.
12 Florence Pugh - Older Portrayal
Florence Pugh would be a great fit for an older version of Hermione. Like Grace, she has taken over challenging roles from different genres. In fact, Pugh became well-known following her performance in Ari Aster's Midsommar as Dani. Dani's character left a lasting impact on Pugh, as she had pushed herself to deliver the performance. However, it is hard to compare Dani and Hermione.
But, fortunately, Pugh has portrayed several other characters who might be able to remind you of certain traits visible in Hermione. From the fearlessness of Lib Wright in The Wonder to Little Women's Amy March's intelligence and Black Widow's Yelena Belova, all these characters put together might bring in a powerful Hermione. Of course, Pugh might have her own additions to the character, which might allow us to encounter a more developed and mature Hermione in the latter seasons.
11 Anya Taylor-Joy - Older Portrayal
Anya Taylor-Joy is another actress who has shocked everyone with her talent. Following her success in Robert Eggers' The Witch and The Queen's Gambit, Taylor-Joy proved how she can easily shift between different characters. Her elegant nature is what makes her ideal for a mature Hermione. Moreover, Anya Taylor-Joy emits intelligence, which was clearly portrayed in The Queen's Gambit. However, as discussed above, it is Hermione's bravery and her ability to take up tough challenges that make her a lead in the Harry Potter series.
These traits can be found in Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Margot/Erin in The Menu, as well as the role of Sandie in Last Night in Soho. The former's practical thinking is what ultimately saves her. That is one feature we often find in Hermione. If it wasn't for Hermione, there would not be a Harry Potter or a Ron Weasley. As for Sandie, she might be a villain, but she is one strong femme fatale who saves herself from predators.
10 Amandla Stenberg - Teen Portrayal
You might remember Amandla Stenberg as Rue from The Hunger Games, but Stenberg has given life to some powerful characters. In Colombiana, she portrayed Young Cataleya Restrepo. This character goes through a lot and escapes death, something that Hermione does often. Then there is Starr Carter in The Hate U Give. She is the voice of logic and reason as well as emotions, yet another element you find in Hermione.
Stenberg also depicted Sophie in Bodies Bodies Bodies. Now, that is one character whom you cannot compare to Hermione. However, with Stenberg's portfolio, it is clear that she can portray Hermione well. Plus, if Stenberg takes over Hermione, the series might be able to be more diverse, in turn, making it realistic.
9 Julia Butters - Child Portrayal
Another fresh face in Hollywood, you might recognize her from her portrayal of Trudi Frazer in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood and Reggie Fabelman in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. Even with her limited roles, Butters went on to showcase how she can elevate any character with her charms and surprise stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, who has compared Julia Butters to a "young Meryl Streep". So, can she take up the challenge to blow our minds with a new Hermione? Without a doubt! Butters has already proven her ability to steal shows even with short screen times.
8 Thomasin McKenzie - Teen Portrayal
Well-known for her roles as Elsa Korr in Jojo Rabbit and Eloise "Ellie" Turner in Last Night in Soho, Thomasin McKenzie is yet another actress who has so much to show. Given that she has performed more serious roles, she might be able to understand Hermione more. For example, Hermione tends to face discrimination due to her muggle nature. It might be something McKenzie can connect to since her character of Elsa is someone who faces discrimination.
Of course, the two cannot be compared, as Elsa's character stems from a real-life disaster. Additionally, the characters McKenzie has portrayed go through numerous challenges, which is something Hermione can relate to. So, it is highly likely McKenzie can recreate Hermione, but her version might be more stern.
7 Emma Mackey - Older Portrayal
Following her role as Maeve Wiley in Sex Education, Emma Mackey has been quite a hit that she is set to take part in the upcoming Barbie film by Greta Gerwig. There are a few reasons why she might be perfect for the role of Hermione. For one, Maeve is known for her intelligence in Sex Education, which is also a defining factor in Hermione's character. She is also a strong and vigilant character, like Hermione.
However, the main reason why she is included in this list is due to Mackey's recreation of Hermione's character during an interview with LADbible. She goes on to note how she has been waiting her "whole life for that moment". She does a remarkable job at such an impromptu time, thus, hinting that she might be able to simply nail Hermione Granger. Of course, she might come during the latter seasons to portray a much older Hermione.
6 Maisie Williams - Teen Portrayal
Yet another actress who has taken over strong female lead roles, Maisie Williams is known for her portrayal of Arya Stark in HBO's Game of Thrones. Arya is the hero of the series, the independent girl/woman who has one of the best character developments. Williams's ability to elevate Arya's character is why she might be able to give a small twist to Hermione. In fact, if Williams were to portray Hermione, we might find an Arya-like Hermione, which would be a perfect combination of intelligence, class, and bravery. Such a Hermione would also be an on-point Gryffindor, finally putting an end to the whole "should Hermione be in Ravenclaw" debate.
Related: Harry Potter: Why Was Hermione Put in Gryffindor Instead of Ravenclaw?
5 Milly Alco*ck - Teen Portrayal
Following HBO's House of the Dragon, the world got to know about Milly Alco*ck's talents and simply became awestruck by them. That is why she enters this list. Her performance as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was so perfect, and the reason lies in the fact that Alco*ck emphasized the character's very humane nature by illustrating her flaws, like lying to her best friend without any remorse, and by tapping into the different dynamics of a young girl.
She perfectly captured Rhaenyra's rebellious nature and her flooding emotions that are a result of her father's decisions. Above all, Alco*ck portrayed how powerful Rhaenyra is, which is something that can be easily applied to Hermione. When the two characters are analyzed closely, both have the ability to take over the story, and that is why Alco*ck might be able to portray the grown-up version of Hermione.
4 Millie Bobby Brown - Teen Portrayal
It is hard to think of a prominent British female lead included in an infamous book, and forget Millie Bobby Brown. Brown might not be able to portray Hermione in the first few seasons as she is not the season one Eleven from Stranger Things, however, she might be able to take over Hermione's role in due course. In addition to her role as Eleven, Brown has proven to be one talented actress who is capable of tackling different genres through her performance as the lead role in the two Enola Holmes films and Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong.
These characters resemble Hermione in different ways. Enola Holmes's intelligence, fighting powers and her getting-into-trouble nature is very much similar to Hermione's character. So, yes, Brown will be able to easily give life to Hermione. Additionally, for some, Brown might even remind of a young Emma Watson.
3 Mckenna Grace - Child Portrayal
By now, you might not be surprised by this talented actress's performance, but when McKenna Grace first entered Hollywood, everyone was shocked by her talents. From Mary Adler in Gifted to a young Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and Phoebe Spengler in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Grace has taken over some prominent roles and in different genres. She has even surprised us through her performance in The Handmaid's Tale as Esther Keyes.
Her characters have been very different to one another and each has had their own baggage, in turn, making them very complex personas. However, Grace did not back away from the challenges and went on to deliver some of the best performances in Hollywood. That is simply why she is one perfect person to portray Hermione.
2 Bella Ramsey - Teen Portrayal
The Last of Us was one of HBO's biggest successes, and Bella Ramsey has a lot to do with it. Her portrayal of Ellie stayed true to its source material and had the ability to have a great impact on the viewer. However, Ellie is not the only time Ramsey has proven that she can outshine every other character. In Game of Thrones, Ramsey plays a minor role, Lyanna Mormont, whom we see from seasons six to eight. However, from the moment Lyanna is introduced to us, it is hard to ignore her strong presence.
She is very vocal, and she is not afraid of anything, despite her young age. With Ramsey's performance of Ellie and Lyanna in mind, one cannot disagree that she might be able to build up a stronger version of Hermione. Perhaps, the version of Hermione Emma Watson creates in the very first Harry Potter film, is not exactly admired by Ron Weasley.
1 Anyone New
Finally, there is the option of anyone new. If we were to look at the already successful Harry Potter film series' Hermione, it was a very new actress that took up the challenge. In fact, it was Watson's theater teacher who suggested the then nine-year-old stage actress to audition for the role. It was the producers' and the casting agents' decision to give a new face a chance that introduced us to this icon. That is why, giving yet another new actress, with no experience in films or TV series, might be a wonderful idea.
