What Would Harry Potter Do Without Hermione Granger?

Excitement and anticipation are in the air as the release of the 5^th movie installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is set for July 13, 2007, and the 7^th book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is set for release July 21, 2007. However, problems have arisen in the background that can alter the movie productions for the final 2 installments.

Ever since movie one, the 3 main characters, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger have been played by the same actors - Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, respectfully. Watching the actors grow up as the movies progressed has been a part of the magic. But now that magic is in the hands of a 16 year old girl - Emma Watson.

Of the 3 main actors, Watson has commonly been known as the one who took the most time signing her contracts. Now that movie 5 is complete, she has no contracts signed for the final 2 movies. Both Radcliffe and Grint have already signed their contracts, and although producers at Warner Brothers has stated that they are confident in her return, others aren't so sure.

Emma Watson has been offered almost 4 million to reprise her role, and has still no signed on the dotted line. Her costars have been quoted in saying that Emma is tired of being known "as the girl from Harry Potter". Grint has even said that they aren't as close to her anymore - she has put distance between them.

But who can refuse a role in such an awesome flick? Perhaps it is because Watson would like to pursue other interests. Although Radcliffe and Grint have branched out and starred in other projects, Watson hasn't broken from the Harry Potter barrier. Movie 6 is set to go into production later this year, and that means she will be 20 before the movie series is complete.

Another factor may be the Watson fears for her safely. Recently a crazed fan confronted her at her school. The man, in his 20s, was attending open lectures at the same time as her and approached her later to discuss the films. Watson was alarmed and the man was escorted away by police. Watson has since been hired a bodyguard.

If Emma Watson decides not to continue with the Harry Potter movies, I admit that I will be more than a little disappointed. Having the same actors has made the fantasy all the more enjoyable, and I hope the magic of the series has cast enough of a spell on Watson that she chooses to stay with it.