Professor Sprout actress Miriam Margolyes says 'Harry Potter' is 'for children,' fans should 'be over that by now'

For Miriam Margoyles, who starred as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, adult fans should have moved on from the 26-year-old franchise.

ICYDK, Margoyles' Professor Pomona Sprout taught herbology at Hogwarts and was the head teacher of Hufflepuff. She was featured in the Harry Potter films Chamber of Secrets and Deathly Hallows Part 2. 

The actress was asked by New Zealand's 1News how differently Harry Potter and Blackadder fans approach her in public. She got candid about what she felt about the franchise's fandom.

"I worry about Harry Potter fans because they should be over that by now," MMargoyles said. "It was 25 years ago, and it's for children. I think it's for children."

The first Harry Potter novel was released in 1997 while the first film premiered in 2001, launching the careers of stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

"They get stuck in it," the actress added. "I do Cameos, and people say, 'Oh, we're having a Harry Potter-themed wedding,' and I think, 'Gosh, what's their first night of fun going to be?' I  can't even think about it. No."

The actress then said that she's "very grateful" for the film series, which culminated in 2011, but maintained that "it's over."

This wouldn't be the first time the BAFTA-nominated actress talked about the franchise's importance to her as in June 2023, she told Vogue UK that it "doesn't mean as much" to her as it does for fans.

"For me, Harry Potter wasn't important. I was very glad I got the part and I enjoyed being in it and meeting all the people, but it's not Charles Dickens.

The Australian actress is also known for her roles in Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence, Little Shop of Horrors, Babe, Romeo + Juliet, Mulan, and Happy Feet.

As for the Harry Potter franchise, Warner Bros. Discovery has plans to launch a TV series telling the story of the boy who lived on Max in 2026 with an all-new cast.