Sunday, December 23, 2007

All "Harry Potter" stars are grown up

It seemed like just yesterday that the world was waiting to hear which lucky kids would fill the shoes of the literary world's most famous pre-teen wizards. Back then, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson (from left at a photocall for the first movie on August 23, 2000) were just a trio of cute kids. But as they gear up to star in the fifth on-screen Harry Potter movie, "The Order of Phoenix," due out July 11, it's clear that these fifth years have grown into their own. The actors' fame has had a major growth spurt that has turned three geeky wizards into teen dreams in the eyes of wizards and muggles alike.
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)

As if his years at Hogwarts weren't exciting enough -- battling dragons, serpents, and avenging war lords -- Daniel Radcliffe took on an even more audacious role when he hit the London stage... and left his knickers behind. Although Harry has definitely grown up in later books -- snogging his boyhood crush Cho Chang in book five and taking hands with (his best friend's sister) Ginny Weasely in six -- the 17-year-old actor showed off a newly buff physique in the risqué "Equus" on the London Stage.

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)
A limp, hand-me-down wand and second-hand robes made for an awkward and gawky first-year Ron Weasley. Tripping over his robes and books, Ron took the role of second best to his best friend Harry. But a few years, a new wand, and bit of fame-by-association perked up the redhead's ego enough to snag a girlfriend in the upcoming film version of "The Order of Phoenix." Grint, like Ron, has conquered his awkwardness to become magically cool.


Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)

Hogwart first years thought Hermione Granger needed a charm to tame her frizzy hair and a spell to straighten her crooked teeth to complete her fiery, know-it-all style. Granger gave in to her sexy side at the Triwizard Ball in "The Goblet of Fire," shedding her oversized witches robes for a fitting, curvaceous gown. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old actress has grown up -- and out -- much more than the Daily Prophet has let on, a bit of magic that has not gone unnoticed in the eyes of 17-year-old boys.


Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)

Draco Malfoy, hair slicked and smirking with mischeif, turns the heads of all those witches lusting after a bad-boy. Though he's not as tough as his talk, Tom Felton can't help but catch the eye of every girl looking for a hunk with an edge. Harry Potter and his arch rival are always at odds, trying to prove whose wand is bigger and hex more gruesome


Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

Although she was always considered the baby of the bunch, Ginny Weasley surpassed her five older brothers with her reputation, making a lengthy "ex" list to drive Ron -- and to her surprise, Harry -- mad. She became Harry Potter's girlfriend in The Half-Blood Prince, and the two had to leave their relationship and raging hormones behind when circumstances turned drasticly dangerous and it was time to grow up.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley)

Seeing double is just fine when it comes to Fred and George, the Weasley twins. Painfully mischevious and charming, the duo's troublesome style has won them wizard fans around the globe.

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