The $9.5B Harry Potter franchise has not only been a magical journey for the audiences but also for the actors involved. Absolute cinematic spectacle created by the Warner Bros studios turned into a fan favorite franchise with several child actors like Daniel Radcliffe and veteran actors like Maggie Smith in the mix.
But surprisingly, while the movies served as a career boost for the actors, Maggie Smith wasn’t quite satisfied with her performance. After appearing in the highly anticipated franchise, Smith mentioned during an interview how she felt the Harry Potter movies weren’t creatively challenging.
Maggie Smith Wasn’t Satisfied With Her Acting in Harry Potter
Two-time Academy Award-winning actress Maggie Smith who rose as a stage performer, made her way into the entertainment industry and appeared in several acclaimed projects. Throughout her career, the veteran actress has not only helped prestigious roles but also won myriads of accolades.
However, Smith is popularly known by modern audiences for her extension commitment to the Harry Potter movies. Dedicating herself to the $9.5B franchise, the English actress played the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. But, surprisingly, although Smith is hailed for her performance, she isn’t quite satisfied with her acting in the films. Smith shared with the Evening Standard,
“I am deeply grateful for the work in Potter and indeed Downton but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting in those things.”
Claiming that her appearance in the Harry Potter movies wasn’t creatively challenging, Maggie Smith scrutinized her performance. Discussing further during the interview with Evening Standard, the actress revealed why she wasn’t quite happy with her performance in the films.
Maggie Smith Wanted to Return to Her Theatre Roles
Being a self-critic, Maggie Smith’s analysis and her way of scrutinizing her career seemed self-deprecating to an extent. However, during the interview, Smith purposefully clarified that, despite being grateful for the opportunity in Harry Potter, she wasn’t satisfied with her acting. Revealing how she had more challenging projects, the actress discussed what she actually wanted.
Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman have always complained that their work with the $9.5B franchise consisted entirely of reaction shots. And certainly, being theatre actors, the duo had issues with the way they had to portray their characters. Smith discussed with Evening Standard how she wanted to return to theatre.
“I wanted to get back to the stage so much because theatre is basically my favourite medium, and I think I felt as though I’d left it all unfinished. But there wasn’t anything that came along.”
Although Maggie Smith highly appreciated the career-changing opportunity in the Harry Potter movies, the role wasn’t quite satisfying for the actress. Having played more challenging roles before, Smith felt the urge to return to theatre after completing the project. But she was worried it would be a lonely experience.
Watch the Harry Potter movies on Max.
