Emma Watson’s Reluctant Kisses: A Look Back at the Iconic Scenes in Harry Potter

Emma Watson

As one of the most beloved franchises of all time, Harry Potter has provided fans with countless memorable moments, both on and off the screen. One of the key aspects that added to the intrigue of the series was the relationships between the lead characters. While the love stories may not have been the central focus, the chemistry between Harry, Hermione, and Ron was always an underlying element. 

For Emma Watson, who played the brilliant and brave Hermione Granger, this meant navigating a unique dynamic—especially when it came to filming romantic scenes.

From a young age, Watson was aware that her character, Hermione, was written with a close, non-romantic bond with Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) and a budding romance with Ron (played by Rupert Grint). However, when she was younger, the thought of filming intimate scenes with her co-stars, who had become close friends, was far from appealing.

In an interview, Watson was asked how she would feel about potentially having to kiss both Radcliffe and Grint. Her response was humorous but sincere: “No way, that’s not in the contract.” At the time, Watson couldn't imagine sharing an on-screen kiss with her two best friends, and the idea seemed unthinkable. Yet, as the Harry Potter series progressed, the eventuality of these moments became inevitable.

As the storylines in Harry Potter became more complex, so did the relationships between the characters. By the time the seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was adapted into films, fans knew that the romantic tension between Ron and Hermione would come to a head.

 But in a surprise twist, there was also a scene in which Hermione and Harry share a kiss—although it was part of a dream-like sequence conjured by the villainous Horcrux, it still stirred emotions among fans.

The kiss between Harry and Hermione was not part of the main storyline, yet it was still an important moment that showcased the deep bond between the two. For Watson, filming this scene with Radcliffe was no easy task. As close friends who had grown up together, kissing each other in front of a film crew was awkward and uncomfortable. Both Watson and Radcliffe later admitted that they struggled to get through the scene without laughing.

The kiss was brief but impactful, representing not only the strength of their friendship but also hinting at the complexities of their relationship—something that fans had speculated about for years. For Emma, it was a testament to her professionalism as an actress that she was able to deliver the scene with the emotional depth it required, despite her earlier reservations.

However, it was the long-anticipated kiss between Hermione and Ron that truly became a defining moment in the series. Fans had watched their relationship grow from awkward bickering to deep affection over the years, and by the final film, the kiss was something everyone had been waiting for.

Emma Watson 

Filming this scene was just as challenging for Watson and Grint as it was with Radcliffe. In fact, both actors admitted that the experience was even more nerve-wracking because of the emotional buildup between their characters.

Watson later reflected on how strange it felt to kiss Grint, as the two had become like siblings throughout the filming process. She explained that, although they knew it was an important moment for their characters, it was still awkward to transition from the friendly dynamic they had shared for a decade to portraying romantic intimacy on screen.

In the end, Watson’s kiss with Grint perfectly encapsulated the culmination of Ron and Hermione’s journey, bringing their story to a satisfying close. Fans celebrated the moment, feeling that it was a long time coming after years of tension and unspoken feelings.

Looking back, Emma Watson has shared that despite her initial reluctance, she understood the significance of the scenes and the importance of delivering those key moments for fans.

In interviews following the release of the final film, Watson expressed gratitude for the experience and acknowledged the challenges that came with filming intimate scenes with people who were more like family than romantic partners.

The fact that Watson was able to navigate these scenes with such grace is a testament to her talent as an actress. Despite the awkwardness and initial reservations, she brought authenticity and depth to moments that fans hold dear. Her kisses with both Radcliffe and Grint may have started out as something she dreaded, but they ultimately became iconic moments that helped define her character’s story arc.

As fans continue to revisit the Harry Potter series, these scenes remain a reminder of how much the actors grew both on screen and off, and how they managed to bring to life the relationships that had been cherished by millions of readers and viewers worldwide. For Emma Watson, the journey from “no way” to delivering unforgettable performances will always be a part of her legacy as Hermione Granger.