Emma Watson what's Next

With the final chapter in the Harry Potter franchise out in theaters next Friday, what's next for 21-year-old actress Emma Watson?

 

Watson, who was only nine years old when she was cast in the first film, 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, has stuck primarily with the franchise -- unlike her cohorts Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, who have dabbled in other indie features and theater.

 

But, Watson is working on two post-Harry Potter projects, the first being My Week With Marilyn, the Marilyn Monroe feature starring Oscar nominee Michelle Williams in the title role. Watson will play Lucy and joins an ensemble that includes Eddie Redmayne, Dominic Cooper, Julia Ormond, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Toby Jones and Dougray Scott.

Directed by Simon Curtis, My Week With Marilyn -- scheduled for a Nov. 4 release -- is based on Colin Clark's memoir which details writer-director Laurence Olivier and Monroe's relationship during the production of The Prince and the Showgirl, which was released in 1957. Watson's role in the movie is a small one.

The second project is the big-screen adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower, slated for a 2012 release. The movie is based off the book of the same name, which centers on an introverted high school freshman Charlie who makes friends with high school seniors Samantha and Patrick. They introduce him to the world of sex, drugs and complicated relationships. Watson plays Samantha, the lead female character in Wallflower and who is Patrick's step-sister.

Production on Wallflower began in early May and took place around Pittsburgh, Penn. In addition to Watson, the cast includes Logan Lerman as Charlie, Paul Rudd, Mae Whitman, Nina Dobrev as Charlie's sister, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Ezra Miller and Johnny Simmons.