When you're part of a major film franchise you are going to get your share of fans. Emma Watson knows a thing or two about that, but says that Harry Potter fans aren't quite like any other. While many fans are passionate about their fandom of choice, those that are part of the wizarding world take it to the next level according to Watson.
I have met fans that have my face tattooed on their body. I've met people who used the Harry Potter books to get through cancer. I don't know how to explain it, but the Harry Potter phenomenon steps into a different zone. It crosses into obsession. A big part of me coming to terms with it was accepting that this is not your average circumstances.
Emma Watson is certainly right that there are few franchises that have become as big as Harry Potter. The books were insanely popular before the first movie ever hit. Then the films took the entire thing to another place. The Harry Potter franchise is now so big that it doesn't even require the existence of Harry Potter to continue moving forward. While Watson hasn't been directly involved in that franchise for years, the fact that she grew up in it will make her forever an integral part of its ongoing life force.
Of course, not all of the obsession has been good. Emma Watson also talks to Vanity Fair about how the fan obsession has led to her having to deal with stalkers. Privacy is a difficult thing for her to achieve, which has made it one of her top priorities. Fame certainly has its ups and downs. While it seems that Watson views the fan obsession as mostly a positive thing, it's impossible to ignore the negative aspects.
Now, Emma Watson is getting ready to jump into yet another major franchise. While Beauty and the Beast is just one of Disney's many popular animated features, the buzz surrounding this remake has been impressive, even for Disney. If the film is as successful as anticipated Watson could become the face of Belle in Beauty and the Beast in the same way that she is who people think about when they think of Hermione Grainger.
It's natural for people to become attached to the things they love but Harry Potter is one of those franchises that has reached a level few others have. Between books, movies, theme parks, and more fans can immerse themselves in the material. One of the few other brands that can boast such reach is Disney.
Hopefully, Emma Watson will find her Beauty and the Beast fanbase to be equally passionate, but with as little of the downside as possible.
