Throughout Warner Bros’ adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, there has been no shortage of memorable and magical scenes. Whether it’s Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint portraying a wide array of emotions, or it’s featuring the dark and yet iconic fight scenes with Lord Voldemort, the franchise has delivered each sequence with great intensity.
However, despite the cinematic grandeur and brilliant performance of each actor, there were a few scenes that had to be edited out as the franchise progressed. Considering how with each Harry Potter installment, the storyline shifted towards gut-wrenching narratives and heartbreaking tortures, the filmmakers had to unfortunately edit a few scenes that became almost unbearable.
While we all know about how Daniel Radcliffe’s scream following Sirius Black’s death was muted, let’s take a look at one of Emma Watson’s disturbing scenes that had to be shortened in the movie.
Emma Watson’s Torture Scene was Shortened in the Final Cut
Although JK Rowling‘s Harry Potter novels initially began on a merry and magical note, they significantly changed course over time, as the looming threat of Lord Voldemort increased. This slow progression and change in theme was flawlessly brought to life in the film adaptations, helmed by a few of the most legendary filmmakers.
Gradually after Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, fans started facing the loss of their favorite characters. And in Order of the Phoenix, Potterheads were left to cry their eyes out following the death of the beloved Sirius Black. Well, not just fans even Daniel Radcliffe himself expressed Harry’s pain of losing his Godfather, through his intense performance.
But unfortunately, despite delivering a tear-jerking performance accompanied by a gut-wrenching scream, Daniel Radcliffe‘s scene in Order of the Phoenix was eventually muted in the final cut. Similarly, even Emma Watson suffered a significant fate when David Yates reduced the screentime of her torture scene in Deathly Hallows–Part 1. According to Watson’s interview with Live About, the actress recalled the moment.
Potterheads will vividly remember the “girl-to-girl” torture scene between Helena Bonham Carter’s Bellatrix Lestrange and Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger. It was during that scene where Bellatrix was cutting onto Hermione’s skin to write “mudblood” and the latter let out painful screams. According to Watson, her screams were eventually shortened in the film.
I did one take and David [Yates, who directed the final four Harry Potter movies] let the camera roll for like two minutes and just left me there screaming, When I looked at the edit, I was like, ‘Wow.’ I mean fair enough, you can’t have two minutes of me screaming. But I was like, ‘I did that a lot longer than was actually shown!’
Considering how the scene was pretty emotionally taxing for her to film, Emma Watson slightly expressed her disappointment in the final edit. However, she later revealed the actual reason behind why her scream was shortened.
Why Emma Watson’s Torture Scenes were Edited in Deathly Hallows?
Continuing on her story, Emma Watson revealed how she researched and practiced the torture scene for days, to deliver it with utmost authenticity. Eventually, although the sequence was significantly edited by David Yates, Watson stated that she knew her performance was brilliant because even the Harry Potter crew members appeared upset by her incessant screams.
Perhaps, that’s the reason why her screaming scene was eventually shortened at the last minute. Given that the crew couldn’t bear the torture scene, despite all the cuts and professionalism, it might have been difficult for audiences to bear, considering that fans have bonded with the story and the characters.
I think it was quite disturbing for the crew, which I was pleased about obviously because it showed I was doing a good job. It wasn’t a fun day.
Following Emma Watson’s comments, David Yates corroborated her story in a separate interview with Fandango. Recalling his feelings about the scene, alongside his crew’s experience, Yates noted why he shortened the sequence.
The screams were quite horrible to listen to. It was a very odd energy in the room. She was kind of exploring and exorcising demons really, and serving the scene doing that. I felt, in that moment, and in that day, and in that room, she kind of crossed the line as an actress. She discovered something within herself that will make her a great actor.
Considering David Yates’ comments and Emma Watson’s remarks, it seems that perhaps for the same reason even Daniel Radcliffe’s screams were muted in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Harry Potter movies are available on Max.
