Harry Potter star Emma Watson has broken her online silence with an unrecognisable new look.
The Hollywood star, who played Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies, grew up in the city after being born in Paris.
Having taken an indefinite leave from acting in recent years, she has instead been focused on pursuing her academic goals.
Ms Watson opted to study a master’s degree in creative writing in September 2023, before it was announced in February that she had switched to a DPhil.
The 35-year-old is not very active online publicly these days, with her last post on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, coming back in 2024.
Emma Watson
Similarly, the actress’ last post on Instagram had been over a year ago until she gave a rare update this Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24, 2025).
Posting a still shot advertising Prada, Ms Watson looked almost unrecognisable thanks to a new hairstyle shown in the advert.
A shorter and slicked-back cut was shown in the picture, which was advertising the brand’s Paradoxe perfume.
Set against a green background, Ms Watson can be seen wearing what appears to be a tweed suit jacket whilst lying down and holding the product.
The landscape advertising campaign was spread across three separate posts on the actress’s official Instagram account.
Emma Watson
Each of the trio of posts was partnered with a caption which simply read: “Happy Holidays.”
Emma Watson first rose to global fame at a very young age, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in cinema through her role as Hermione Granger. Growing up in the public eye was never easy, yet she managed to balance worldwide fame with a strong focus on education and personal values. Even at the height of the Harry Potter franchise, Watson remained known for her thoughtful interviews and grounded outlook.
After the film series ended, she carefully chose her roles, appearing in projects that aligned with her beliefs rather than chasing constant screen time. Over the years, her gradual step away from acting sparked curiosity among fans, many of whom admired her decision to prioritize growth beyond Hollywood.
Her move toward academia was seen as a natural extension of her long standing interest in literature and storytelling. Studying at the University of Oxford allowed Watson to immerse herself in a quieter, more reflective environment. Switching from a master’s degree to a DPhil further signaled her commitment to long term research and creative work, rather than short term publicity.
Emma Watson
The actress has also been known for keeping her private life away from constant online exposure. In an age where celebrities share daily updates, Watson’s absence from social media stands out. This distance has only added to the intrigue surrounding her rare appearances and updates.
That is why her Christmas Eve post quickly gained attention. Fans and fashion watchers alike reacted to the striking change in her hairstyle and overall presentation. The sleek look marked a clear departure from her previous public images and hinted at a new chapter in her evolving identity.
While the Prada campaign was simple in tone, it carried a quiet confidence that mirrors Watson’s current path. The understated caption and calm visuals reflected a woman comfortable stepping in and out of the spotlight on her own terms.
Emma Watson’s latest appearance serves as a reminder that reinvention does not always require loud announcements. Sometimes, a single image is enough to show growth, change, and confidence in moving forward.
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