Emma Watson may not be in the Hollywood spotlight as much as expected — but that’s only because she is chasing something bigger.
Emma Watson’s acting career is the kind many would dream of. She shot to global fame as Hermione Granger while still a child, and went on to shine in hits like 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', 'The Bling Ring', and 'Beauty and the Beast'. But here’s what makes her story even more fascinating — her career could’ve been even bigger. Yes, you read that right. Emma has famously turned down more films than she has taken on. Big ones. Blockbusters. Roles that could’ve taken her to greater heights (maybe the biggest star of her generation). But you know, she has never been about chasing the spotlight. Rather, she has always played the game by her own rules, picking roles with meaning over mass appeal. On her 35th birthday today, we’re flipping the script — instead of what she did, we’re diving into what she didn’t. From modern musicals to fairytale leads, here are the major films Emma Watson walked away from… and why that only makes her journey more iconic.
Around 2014, Watson was offered the role of Mia in 'La La Land', the musical romance that later dazzled audiences. Fresh off 'Noah' and 'The Bling Ring', she was a top star, but scheduling conflicts with 'Beauty and the Beast'—a massive Disney project—forced her to bow out. Emma’s love for grounded, meaningful roles clashed with the intense rehearsal demands of 'La La Land'. Had she taken it, she could’ve showcased her singing and dancing chops, potentially nabbing awards as Emma Stone did. It might’ve cemented her as a romantic lead, broadening her range beyond bookish heroines.
In 2013, Disney approached Emma for the titular role in their live-action 'Cinderella'. She passed, feeling the character was too passive compared to her feminist ideals. At the time, she was exploring edgier roles like 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. Saying no let her avoid being typecast as a fairy-tale princess, but accepting could’ve boosted her box-office clout earlier, paving the way for 'Beauty and the Beast'. It might’ve shown her versatility in softer, romantic roles, appealing to a wider audience.
Emma Watson would have looked exquisite in the live-action Cinderella dress since the hair and silhouette is so Belle. 🦋🥀 pic.twitter.com/altsrcThxq
— axelmalibu (@AxelMalibu) March 16, 2025
(Credit: axelmalibu)
Speaking about the same, the actress later shared in an interview, "I didn't know they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned down Cinderella, but when they offered me Belle, I just felt the character resonated with me so much more than Cinderella did. She remains curious, compassionate, and open-minded. And that's the kind of woman I would want to embody as a role model, given the choice."
In 2013, rumors swirled that Emma Watson was cast as Anastasia Steele in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, fueled by a leaked document. However, the actress swiftly debunked these claims, tweeting: “Who here actually thinks I would do 50 Shades of Grey as a movie? Like really. For real. In real life.” She clarified that she had neither read the book nor received a script, emphasizing that she was never approached for the role.
However, had she starred in the film, it would have marked a drastic shift from her image as Hermione Granger and a significant turning point in her career. The film’s bold, controversial tone stood in stark contrast to the intelligent and empowering characters she typically portrayed. Instead, she chose to protect her brand and values, later embracing roles like Belle in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, reinforcing her commitment to stories that inspire and uplift.
Emma hasn’t graced the big screen since 'Little Women' in 2019, and it’s no accident. She has poured her heart into activism, championing gender equality through HeForShe and sustainable fashion with several brands. At 35, she is studying, co-running companies, and leading social campaigns. The glitz of showbiz doesn’t drive her—she is chasing impact, whether it’s empowering women or fighting climate change. Her choices, from rejecting roles to embracing causes, show a woman who’d rather change the world than chase fame.
Happy Birthday, Emma. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
