Emma Watson has surprised fans after being spotted in an unexpected new role – and it isn't on the big screen.
The Harry Potter star - best known for her portrayal of Hermione Granger across all eight films in the franchise - has largely stepped away from acting in recent years.
Her last major screen appearance was in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women in 2019. Since then, Watson has been focusing on philanthropy, her education, and personal growth.
Now 35, the actress is currently pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University, the prestigious institution in the same city where she was born and raised.
But a recent appearance suggests Watson is fully embracing student life, while also stepping into unexpected territory. According to photos published by Mail Online, Watson was seen serving as the coxswain for one of Oxford’s college rowing teams.
The images show Watson seated at the bow of New College’s women’s third boat during a May training session, dressed in a white cap, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a sleeveless polo, and a life jacket. As coxswain, Watson’s role would involve steering the boat and coordinating the crew's rhythm and pace.
Reaction to the photos quickly spread on Reddit, with many fans expressing disbelief, and admiration, at her latest endeavor.
“An insanely random side quest,” one user joked, while another wrote: “Imagine Emma Watson just randomly being your coxswain?”
Others praised the actress for embracing a quieter, more grounded lifestyle.
“You know what, good for her. Finding a sport or hobby you love is wonderful,” one commenter said.
Another added: “I love how she’s just off doing her own thing, going to school, and going on these little side quests.”
In a January 2024 interview with Vogue, Watson opened up about her decision to step back from Hollywood and focus on personal fulfillment.
“I’m just so glad that I did [step away from acting] because I have this feeling of having my own voice and creative space and sovereignty in some way that I don’t think I did before, more autonomy,” she said.
“I’m so glad that I allowed things to be messy for a minute and to really allow myself to not know [what’s next], because the knowing that I’ve come to, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
Whether or not Watson returns to film, it seems she’s found a sense of balance, and perhaps, unexpected joy, in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.