In the realm of cinematic magic, iconic franchises like the globally hyped Harry Potter film series have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. With JK Rowling’s relatable characters, intricate plotlines, and spellbinding adventures, each installment of the saga has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Thanks to the filmmakers who visualized the magic from JK Rowling’s books and transferred it to the movies. But, alongside the director, a special thanks goes to the iconic cast who flawlessly portrayed their fictional characters. Well, why not, for an unexpected experiment during Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban revealed a fascinating parallel between the actors and their iconic roles.
Alfonso Cuarón’s Experiment While Filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Marking the inception of the onscreen magical journey with the heartfelt storyline and a bit of suspense, Chris Columbus introduced fans to the magical world of JK Rowling with his 2001 installment Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. However, three years later, as Alfonso Cuarón helmed the 2004 movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it marked a significant turning point in the franchise.
Delving into darker themes and introducing a more mature tone, the third installment in the saga featured the golden trio emerging amid bewitching visuals, compelling storytelling, and intriguing dynamics. As Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint’s characters embarked on their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they faced newfound challenges and complexities.
While the original cast of the film was accustomed to the challenges of the franchise, the new filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón wasn’t habituated to directing a film on this scale before. Therefore, to understand the cast and their connection with their characters, the filmmaker conducted an experiment on set. Cuarón fittingly gave the main trio an assignment, to write an autobiographical essay for their respective roles.
The Experiment on the Golden Trio Showed Fascinating Results
While this experiment had nothing to do with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban or its production, it certainly delivered the result that Alfonso Cuarón was looking for. After handing out the assignment to get to know about the golden trio’s connection with their fictional selves, Cuarón witnessed a fitting outcome that helped him create a unique environment for the main trio.
According to Collider‘s report, Emma Watson playing the role of the overachiever and studious character Hermione Granger in the film series, wrote an extensive twenty-page thesis paper, offering her insight and exhaustive detail on Hermione’s character. While on the other hand, Daniel Radcliffe simply wrote a one-page summary, much like his character Harry, who was known to have only average grades.
However, surprisingly Rupert Grint went the extra mile to prove his remarkable connection with his character, as the actor never completed the essay. Proving to be a real-life version of his fictional counterpart, Grint when confronted by Alfonso Cuarón, simply replied that his character Ron would never turn the paper in. The ultimate result convinced the director he knew enough about the character.
Thus, after each actor seamlessly slipped into the mindset of their respective roles, representing the traits and mannerisms of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with uncanny precision, Alfonso Cuarón understood the profound connection they shared with their characters.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is available on Max.
