In the magical realm of cinema, few franchises have left as profound an impact as the Harry Potter series. The trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who brought the beloved characters of Harry, Hermione, and Ron to life, not only conquered dark wizards but also amassed impressive fortunes during their journey from child actors to global icons.
As Warner Bros. raked in over $9.5 billion from the Harry Potter franchise, fans are left wondering just how much gold landed in the Gringotts vaults of the main trio. Their earnings reflect a steady rise, paralleling their growth in stardom throughout the series.
Daniel Radcliffe, who first donned the iconic glasses at the tender age of 11, started his career with a paycheck of $1 million for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This was just the beginning. As the series progressed, his earnings skyrocketed. By the time he starred in The Half-Blood Prince, Radcliffe was earning a staggering $24 million. For the grand finale, the two-part Deathly Hallows, he pocketed a jaw-dropping $50 million, bringing his total earnings from the franchise to a remarkable $109 million, according to Cosmopolitan.
Emma Watson's journey was equally impressive. Starting with less than $1 million for her first film, her salary climbed steadily. By the time she reached the final battle in Deathly Hallows, her earnings had soared to $30 million for the two-part finale. Watson’s post-Harry Potter career has been equally dazzling, with roles in major films like Beauty and the Beast and Little Women.
Rupert Grint, who portrayed the lovable Ron Weasley, also saw a significant rise in his earnings. Starting with under $1 million for the first film, he earned around $4 million for The Half-Blood Prince and matched Watson's salary of $30 million for the final two films. While his career has been quieter compared to his co-stars, Grint has enjoyed success in projects like Servant and The ABC Murders.
But it’s not just the trio who struck gold. Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy, reportedly pocketed $18 million over the course of the series, while the late Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, had a net worth of around $16 million at the time of his passing. In stark contrast, background extras earned a mere $45 per day, highlighting the disparities within the franchise.
As the Harry Potter series celebrates its legacy, many of its stars have moved on to different paths. Daniel Radcliffe, now 35, has continued to take on diverse roles in theater and film. His Broadway debut in 2011 earned him a Grammy nomination, and he has appeared in various critically acclaimed projects since, including The Woman in Black and The Lost City of D. Radcliffe has kept his personal life relatively private but has been in a long-term relationship with Erin Darke, with whom he welcomed their first child in 2023.
Rupert Grint, now 36, has distanced himself from his Harry Potter persona and has ventured into production with projects like Snatch. Grint and his partner, Georgia Groome, welcomed their daughter, Wednesday, in 2020. He has recently starred in the horror series Servant and continues to explore new avenues in his career.
Emma Watson, also 35, has successfully transitioned to roles beyond the wizarding world. After starring in Little Women and various projects, she has focused on her education and activism. Watson, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, continues to inspire many with her advocacy for women’s rights and environmental issues.
As the Harry Potter franchise evolves, with HBO currently producing a new TV series set to begin filming this summer, the legacy of its original cast remains strong. While the new series will feature a fresh cast, the impact of Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, and their co-stars will forever be etched in the hearts of fans.
Many of the original cast members have also ventured into various projects. Tom Felton, now 37, has appeared in films and television, while Bonnie Wright, 34, has established her own production company and is involved in environmental activism. Matthew Lewis, 35, continues to act and is currently starring in the remake of All Creatures Great and Small.
Other cast members, like Evanna Lynch and Katie Leung, have also found success in their careers. Lynch has launched a podcast and published a memoir, while Leung has taken on roles in various television series. Meanwhile, Devon Murray, known for his role as Seamus Finnigan, faced legal challenges but has since embraced family life.
As the Harry Potter universe continues to grow, the original stars have laid a solid foundation for future generations. Their earnings, career choices, and personal lives reflect not only their journey through the magical world but also their evolution as individuals in the entertainment industry. With new projects on the horizon, fans can look forward to seeing what the future holds for these beloved characters and their real-life counterparts.
