Emma Watson: The New Generation Heroine

Emma Watson’s core feminist principles inform everything she does. No wonder she’s the perfect choice to play Disney’s new generation heroine.

- Jane Crowther

It’s difficult when people go, ‘So you’re playing a Disney princess?’ No. This is a myth that’s been around forever. This goes deep. This speaks on a lot of levels. Please don’t be so dismissive. It’s boring and judge mental. Go away and do research. Do better.” Emma Watson isn’t taking any prisoners during her press day for Beauty And The Beast (“Not saying that to you!” she assures TF, “I’m saying you’re the opposite”).

The kid actor who grew up portraying the straight-talking Hermione in the Potter franchise has transformed into a clear-eyed and direct adult. A seasoned pro, Watson’s always been intelligent, candid and unfailingly polite. But having latterly used her fame to promote women’s rights – UN speeches as a goodwill ambassador and spearheading the # he for she initiative (and seen the anti-feminist bile that comes with that) – the 26-year-old is emboldened, driven and unwilling to compromise on her principles. And if that means only taking roles that promote positive female perspectives or correcting journalists, so be it. And Hollywood better get used to the idea that if they’re hiring Watson, they’re hiring that directive.