Emma Watson Finally Signs For Final 'Harry Potter' Film

Harry Potter actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

Countering widespread speculation, "Harry Potter" actress Emma Watson has decided to reprise her role as girl wizard Hermione Granger in the final films of the hit series, Warner Bros. said on Friday.

Along with Watson, Rupert Grint will return as Harry's friend, Ron Weasley, and as previously announced, Daniel Radcliffe signed up to return as boy wizard Harry in the sixth and seventh instalments of the seven-part series.

"I could never let Hermione go -- she is my hero!," Watson said in a statement from the Warner Bros. film studio. "I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me."

Recent news reports speculated the 16-year-old Watson may not return to the role she originated. Her absence would have been a blow to the millions of fans who love the adventure movies based on the best-selling books by author J.K. Rowling.

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