Emma Watson didn’t just sign on for a paycheck when she agreed to star in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. “You’ll have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends,” the director Stephen Chbosky promised (via TheCinesthetic), and the Harry Potter star later confirmed,
Everything he said came true.
Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Watson shared a touching memento from Chbosky: a limited edition copy of T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, gifted to mark her Brown University graduation. Watson explained to Vogue, visibly moved:
Actually, this copy has an inscription in it from Steve Chbosky who I did the Perks of Being A Wallflower with.
Chbosky’s words read: “For Emma on her graduation. These words by T.S. Eliot are forever. So is your passion for learning, for living, for literature… You, my dear Sam, are infinite.” Watson, touched, paused mid-read:
He’s just the nicest man in the world. Inscriptions in books is my favorite thing.
The film, based on Chbosky’s 1999 novel, follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) navigating high school life and forming meaningful bonds with Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Watson), making this coming-of-age tale resonate with teens and adults alike.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Controversies Explained
Coming-of-age stories are more than nostalgic trips; they’re mirrors to the intensity of youth. Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower delves into these moments with honesty, capturing both joy and isolation. The novel doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, including s*xual assault, drug abuse, and mental health crises, creating an emotionally immersive experience for readers.
Unfortunately, its unflinching portrayal has made it a lightning rod for censorship. From 2003 to 2023, American schools either restricted or removed it entirely from libraries, citing profanity, s*xual content, drug references, and mentions of homosexuality. Chbosky expressed heartbreak over these bans (via National Coalition Against Censorship):
It’s been so many times [the book bans] that I’ve honestly lost count… I was sad because you publish a book, in part, to end the silence about certain issues. But then certain people object, and they try to censor your book… I know what the book has meant to certain kids because I’ve been getting letters from them for well over a decade.
The 2012 film adaptation mirrored this authenticity. Charlie struggles with post-traumatic stress while navigating high school, forming bonds that are tender yet complicated. Chbosky’s direction ensured the film tackled uncomfortable emotions with nuance. The movie grossed $33.3 million against a $13 million budget and achieved cult status, praised for its heartfelt performances, particularly Watson’s, and for addressing heavy topics without sensationalism.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower 2? Emma Watson’s Possible Return
Emma Watson’s debut beyond Harry Potter remains one of the finest career choices she made. The film sparked conversations about the possibility of a sequel, and Stephen Chbosky hasn’t ruled it out. “I’ve thought about it,” he admitted in 2012 (via E!Online):
And I’ll tell you, honest truth, not in terms of the book, but I love these kids so much that I kind of want to bring them together one more time.
Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller are central to this potential continuation. Chbosky revealed the intensity of adapting his own work:
I think it was probably more stressful because I felt so connected and it was so personal… I would have been very, very sad if I messed it up.
Yet he succeeded, delivering a film that’s both intimate and universal. Looking ahead, Chbosky plans a horror novel adaptation, emphasizing character-driven storytelling:
I like to write characters first… And then find the perfect people to play them.
Fans hoping for another glimpse into Sam’s life, or Watson reprising her role, might just get lucky in the future. Could we see Watson stepping back into Sam’s shoes, or will Chbosky’s horror project mark a thrilling new chapter? Readers, weigh in below and follow FandomWire for the latest updates on Emma Watson and upcoming Chbosky projects!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is streaming on HBO Max.
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