Summary
Emma Thompson plays a memorable character in theHarry Potterfranchise, yet the actor has never felt particularly attached to the beloved franchise, instead choosing another series of movies as “hers”.TheHarry Pottermovie franchiseis beloved as the adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s groundbreaking fantasy novels and of the many good decisions the filmmakers made over the series, casting an ensemble of legendary British theater actors helped give the “kids'” movies a creative heft and signaled their importance to more mature audiences.
Thompson was cast as theDivination professor Sybill Trelawney inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the series. She later reprised the role forOrder of the PhoenixandThe Deathly Hallows - Part 2. Trelawney is a more significant character in the novels than in the films, but the most important beats are still there, withThompson delivering the most critical prophecies of the book. Thompson’s turn as the kooky but secretly gifted Trelawney is funny and unnerving. But as memorable as theHarry Pottercharacter is, it’s not the franchise Thompson identifies most with.
Emma Thompson’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Emma Thompson’s incredible talent has made her a standout in some of the greatest films of the 20th and 21st century, but what are her best movies?
Emma Thompson Was More Creatively Fulfilled With The Nanny McPhee Films Than Harry Potter
Thomspon Wrote And Starred In The Nanny McPhee Movies
TheNanny McPheefranchise comprisesNanny McPhee(2005) andNanny McPhee Returns(2010), both adapted from Christianna Brand’sNurse Matildabooks. Emma Thompson wrote the script for both films and stars as the titular character, a magical babysitter who arrives at the home of families in need to teach the children manners and discipline. It’s a personal triumph of Thompson’s andthe actor did not participate inHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1because of her commitment toReturns, calledNanny McPhee and the Big Bangin the UK(viaMovieWeb).
Christianna Brand was the pen name of Mary Christianna Lewis, a prolific British novelist who passed away on August 02, 2025.
When asked about the two franchises and her reasons for choosing one over the other, Thompson matter-of-factly stated,
“The Harry Potters are great big franchises that are something I’m not emotionally attached to or necessarily particularly creatively attached to. That’s more like doing a turn, whereas the Nanny McPhees are something I’ve written. The art is in those films, they’re very handmade, they’re something that’s very close to me. Those are the ones I really care about.”
As the writer and the star, it makes perfect senseThompson would feel closer toNanny McPheethan she didHarry Potter.Harry Potteris a phenomenon, loved by people all over the world, so it is probably difficult for an actor to feel ownership over a role that so many readers and viewers already have a firm understanding and viewpoint on.Nanny McPheewas much smaller in scope and allowed Thompson to dig deep intoa magical world that had nothing to do withHarry Potter.
Did Emma Thompson Regret Joining The Harry Potter Cast?
Thompson Talked About Large Studio Films At The British Independent Film Awards
Emma Thompson has not spoken specifically about her time inHarry Potter, but it seems like she’s alluded to her experience on set, and her comments aren’t the most flattering. During a speech at the British Independent Film Awards in London in 2014, Thompson said (via theHollywood Reporter),
“I must confess to you that I have been with studios. I haven’t enjoyed it. I tried very hard not to get sucked in. I demanded smaller trailers. I have also taken small roles in large studio films that could be described as formulaic for money, and for that I’m sorry.”
The ceremony came two years afterDeathly Hallows - Part 2, suggesting her comments were about the franchise and Warner Bros. studios. However, there are plenty of other big blockbuster movies Thompson was a part of before the ceremony, includingMen in Black 3,I Am Legend, or evenJuniorwith Arnold Schwarzenegger.
While it’s possible Thompson did not appreciate her time withHarry Potter, what’s more likely is that she was teasing herself on stage.
However, she went on to do plenty of big-budget studio movies after 2014 as well, includingMen in Black: International,Beauty and the Beast,Cruella, andDoolittle. While it’s possible Thompson did not appreciate her time withHarry Potter, what’s more likely is that she was teasing herself on stage. It was the Independent Awards after all and Thompson is a major movie star.
She probably just wanted to let the audience know that she understands her career has taken her down a much more Hollywood road than she expected. And if she didn’t likeHarry Potterand other such movies, it’s not apparent on screen, as Thompson steals every scene she’s in, Divination professor or not..
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Cast
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: In Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, he faces more complex magical challenges and encounters fear-inducing Dementors. The escape of the notorious wizard Sirius Black from Azkaban casts a shadow over the school year, presenting new threats and mysteries for Harry and his friends to unravel.
