The producer behind the Harry Potter films has revealed that Emma Watson often had to be negotiated with to continue with the role of Hermione Granger in the movie franchise.
The revelation comes after Daniel Radcliffe said this week that he considered quitting the films midway through the series, after third movie The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Producer David Heyman, who worked on all eight Potter movies, told The Hollywood Reporter that the entire cast were initially only signed up to appear in two films.
"Then we had to renegotiate each time," he continues. "Emma [Watson], in particular, was quite academic and was very keen in pursuit of schooling and was wrestling a little bit more than the others.
"So each time there was a negotiation, it was not about a financial [matter], it really was about, 'Do I want to be a part of this?' We had to be sensitive to her needs and how important school was to her.
"And you have to listen. In our position, you're not dictating, you're listening. At the same time, it's a tipping point, and it's working within a framework. I deeply respected her, encouraged her. She's very smart, always was, and fiercely intelligent."
Heyman also opened up about actor Richard Harris, who portrayed the role of Albus Dumbledore in the first two films. After he passed away in 2002, the role went to Michael Gambon.
"When he got sick, I remember going to see him in the hospital," said Heyman. "He said, Don't dare recast. I'll be back'. And then he didn't make it.
"And he was a godfather to me, and it was like a family, and there's grieving. You don't rush on and go, 'Oh well, who are we going to get to replace him?'"
Source
