Emma Watson Reflects on Acting Hiatus, Calls Film Promotion 'Soul-Destroying'

Emma Watson has openly discussed her complex relationship with acting, expressing that while she deeply misses the craft and immersive experience of performing, she does not miss the promotional aspects of the film industry, which she finds soul-destroying. The actress highlighted that the pressure of public appearances and having to 'sell' movies often overshadowed the artistic parts she enjoyed, leading her to step back from acting after her 2019 role in "Little Women." Watson described acting itself as an intense form of meditation that allows her to fully immerse in a moment, but she found the constant need to maintain a public persona and promote films to be draining. Since stepping away, she has pursued a doctorate at Oxford and focused on building a balanced personal life away from Hollywood's pressures. She hinted at working on new creative projects in areas she has not explored before, showing continued engagement with her artistic side. Overall, Watson's reflections reveal a desire to separate the art of acting from the commercial and public relations demands of the industry.