High Wycombe, UK – July 16, 2025 – In a surreal twist of fate, two stars of the Harry Potter franchise faced identical driving bans today. Emma Watson (35), globally renowned for her role as Hermione Granger, and Zoe Wanamaker (76), who portrayed Quidditch referee Madam Hooch, were each banned from driving for six months and fined £1,044 ($1,400) at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. Neither actress attended the hearings.
The Offenses and Penalties
- Emma Watson: Caught driving her blue Audi at 38 mph in a 30-mph zone on Banbury Road, Oxford, on July 31, 2024. The offense added three penalty points to her license, pushing her total to 12 points—triggering an automatic six-month ban under UK law.
- Zoe Wanamaker: Recorded driving at 46 mph in a 40-mph zone on the M4 in Berkshire on August 7, 2024. Like Watson, she had nine pre-existing points; the new offense also resulted in a 12-point total and a six-month disqualification.
District Judge Arvind Sharma oversaw both cases. Watson’s lawyer, Mark Haslam, clarified she could pay the fine despite being a student, while Wanamaker’s representative stated she sought no “special treatment.”
Why the Bans Were Automatic
UK law mandates a six-month driving ban for drivers accumulating 12+ penalty points within three years. Both actresses were already at nine points from prior undisclosed offenses, making the latest violations the tipping point.
Life Beyond Hogwarts: Where Are They Now?
- Watson has pivoted from acting to academia. After enrolling in a Creative Writing master’s degree at Oxford University in 2023, she switched to a DPhil (Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD). Her last film role was in 2019’s Little Women; she now focuses on sustainability ventures, co-launching a gin brand in 2023.
- Wanamaker, an award-winning stage actress, maintains a lower public profile. Her role in the first Harry Potter film (2001) remains iconic among fans.
A Curious Hogwarts Reunion
The parallel rulings created an unintended link between the actresses. Watson and Wanamaker’s careers first intersected in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), where Hermione learned to fly a broomstick under Madam Hooch’s watch. Now, both face identical real-world penalties—a coincidence not lost on observers.
Broader Context
- Watson’s recent public appearances include Oxford picnics and Prada campaigns, signaling a quieter life focused on studies and sustainability.
- The Harry Potter universe expands with HBO’s upcoming TV series, featuring a new cast including Arabella Stanton as Hermione.