Emma Watson is undeniably one of the most amazing actresses in the industry with many hit movies, yet many fans still recognize her as Hermione Granger. When a Potterhead sees Watson, all they can think of is Hermione.

The 33-year-old actress nailed the part in every way. But, before she was cast as the second protagonist of the Harry Potter film series, J.K. Rowling, the book’s author, had another idea for Watson’s character’s appearance in the fantasy adventure film. The Hermione Rowling had in mind looked nothing like the Little Women actress.

J.K. Rowling had an ugly-looking Hermione Granger in her mind

When Emma Watson first met J.K. Rowling, she was forthright and told the author that she had very less acting experience. Despite her lack of experience, the Colonia actress aced the audition and wowed Rowling. During an interview, the 57-year-old author discussed how Hermione Granger appeared in her thoughts. She was not as attractive as the 33-year-old actress. Rowling explained what exactly were her thoughts regarding Hermione’s look in the movie, saying,

“When I met her and she was this very beautiful – which she still is, of course – beautiful girl, I just kind of had to go “Oh, okay.” It’s a film, you know, deal with it. I’m going to still see my gawky, geeky, ugly duckling Hermione in my mind.”

Later, Daniel Radcliffe was the one who explained to the writer how Watson’s looks will not affect the character she was playing. For Rowling, Hermione was more about brains and less about looks.

J.K. Rowling said she found a connection between Emma Watson and Hermione

It took some time for The Ink Black Heart writer to accept a beautiful Hermione, but she knew that the Noah actress was capable enough to ace the character. Rowling described Hermione’s character as a strong female character who was much more than just her looks. The writer said,

“Not that Hermione in the books is ever “ugly”, but it was quite a big deal for me that I had written a strong female character who was primarily about the brain, and that she chose to become a little more groomed and glamorous, as we geeks do at a certain point in our lives.”

She further added,

“But I accepted it. Emma’s a great actress and I loved her as a person. And I felt that there were so many connections between her and Hermione that, did it matter that she was beautiful? Come on.”

The author also stated that the individuals she imagined in her thoughts were geeky and full of intellect but lacking in appearance. Watson has starred in all eight Harry Potter films, making her character Hermione one of the most adored Harry Potter characters.