Emma Watson has been making occasional public appearances, but she hasn’t committed to any new film projects since the release of “Little Women” in 2019. In a recent interview with British Vogue, she explained that this intentional hiatus is due to her enrollment in a creative writing MA program and her desire to transition to roles behind the camera. She has already engaged in directing with Prada and written a play. However, the realization that she needed to center herself led her to step away from acting.
Entering her 30s brought about a significant shift in Watson’s life. She described this period as a moment of real change, marked by the realization that she was going through her “Saturn return,” a phenomenon she learned about from someone else. The shift in her perspective during this age range, between 28 and early 30s, was a common experience shared by many women she spoke to.
Returning to school was a bold move for Watson, considering the fast-paced nature of her career. She mentioned that deciding to take time for writing, studying, and getting behind the camera was terrifying, as she had always been in front of the camera as an actor. However, she expressed gratitude for the decision, noting that it allowed her to find her own voice, creative space, and a sense of autonomy.
Watson shared that, at times, the characters she portrayed felt more real than she did, prompting her to recognize the need for change. Stepping away from acting allowed her to gain a feeling of autonomy and creative control that she hadn’t experienced before.
Reflecting on her self-image, Watson discussed the inner and outer scorecards of how she feels about herself versus how the world perceives her. She emphasized the importance of self-liking and enjoying what one does when no one is watching, highlighting that success alone does not bring happiness or contentment.
While keeping her personal life private, Watson addressed her previous “self-partnered” comment, clarifying that it wasn’t necessarily about celebrating being single but recognizing her journey towards better self-care and taking pride in that realization as she approached the age of 30.
