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Hollywood News Updated Jun 30, 2026

Emma Thompson Finds Harry Potter Role Discussion 'Strange'

Emma Thompson has revealed that discussing her role as Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter films feels 'strange' due to her limited involvement. The 67-year-old actress spent only about 30 days on set across the franchise. She emphasized the importance of treating children as a 'sacred audience' in filmmaking. Kate Winslet recently praised Thompson for her grounded advice after her Titanic fame.

Emma Thompson says she feels 'strange' discussing 'Harry Potter' films

Los Angeles, June 30

Actress Emma Thompson has shared that she feels "strange" talking about her role in the 'Harry Potter' movies.

The 67-year-old actress played Professor Sybill Trelawney in the 'Harry Potter' film franchise, but Emma finds talking about the movies to be a bit odd, because she feels like a peripheral part of the series, reports 'Female First UK'.

Emma, whose first appearance as Trelawney was in the third film, 2004's 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', told Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes on the Smartless podcast, "Honestly, in my quite long career, given the fact that I'm good 10 years older than all of you guys, I have done many many parts and I've spent about 30 days on Harry Potter in my whole life so it's kind of a strange thing to talk (about), because it's become such this huge phenomenon and that's a lot of the time that's what people are very sort of drawn to that".

Emma has played all sorts of characters in her long and successful film career. And the acclaimed actress always tries to approach each role with the same level of enthusiasm.

She said, "You just have to fling yourself into it, don't you? At first, and hope that your instincts are right".

As per 'Female First UK', despite this, Emma particularly enjoys starring in movies that are geared towards children.

The actress said, "I always consider children to be the sacred audience. They're the people we need to make the best of our work for because it's the first time that they see something. It needs to be so, so good".

Meanwhile, Kate Winslet previously heaped praise on Emma, her Sense and Sensibility co-star. The 50-year-old actress starred alongside Emma in a 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, and Kate has always paid close attention to the advice of her former co-star.

Speaking at the 92NY Center for Culture and Arts in New York City, Kate shared, "(Emma) has a groundedness and a clarity of perception about the industry as a whole. She was quite sort of protective of me".

Emma expressed her concern for Kate after she starred in Titanic, a role that changed her life. Kate said, "I think she was actually just (a) bit worried like, you know, not, 'is Kate gonna go off the rails?' because clearly that wasn't in my personality, but just that it (can) be very overwhelming and what was I gonna do? She did say to me ... just remember, it's equally as important not to work as it's to work. And I have never forgotten that".

"I knew that I didn't want this to run out. I wanted to always be doing this job. And I thought, God, if I do it, then maybe people would get sick of me and argue, 'Well, not her anymore, and let's move on to somebody else'", she added.

— IANS

Reader Comments

James A

It's fascinating to hear actors reflect on roles that defined a generation. Emma's humility about being a "peripheral" part of Harry Potter shows real class. Most would milk that association for all its worth.

Varun X

Yaar, but us Indians absolutely love Harry Potter! Every Diwali party someone brings up the movies. 😄 Emma's Trelawney was iconic - those dramatic predictions! "The Dark Lord rises again..." Chills every time.

Michael C

Her comment about children being the "sacred audience" really resonates. Here in India, we've seen how films like Taare Zameen Par and Chhichhore connect deeply with younger viewers. She gets it.

Nisha Z

Respectfully, I do feel bad that she downplays her role. Even a small part in a cultural phenomenon is significant! But sabka apna perspective hai. At least she's honest about it. 👏

Sarah B

Kate Winslet's anecdote about Emma's advice is gold: "It's equally important not to work as it is to work." That's such a rare and wise perspective in an industry that always pushes for more. Emma sounds like a true mentor.

Aditya G

Love how she treats children's cinema with respect! In India, we

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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