Emma Watson’s Life-Changing Promise Behind Wallflower Role

Emma Watson didn’t take on her part in The Perks of Being a Wallflower just for the cash. Director Stephen Chbosky told her she’d have an unforgettable summer and make lifelong mates. Watson later admitted that every word of his promise turned out to be spot on.

Years down the track, in 2023, Watson shared a special gift from Chbosky—a rare edition of T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, given to celebrate her graduation from Brown Uni. She told Vogue, clearly touched, that the book included a personal note from Chbosky:

Actually, this copy has an inscription in it from Steve Chbosky who I did the Perks of Being A Wallflower with.

Chbosky’s message 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, moved by the gesture, paused as she read:

He’s just the nicest man in the world. Inscriptions in books is my favourite thing.

The film, adapted from Chbosky’s 1999 novel, follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he navigates the ups and downs of high school, forming close bonds with Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Watson). The story’s honest look at growing up has struck a chord with both teens and adults.

Controversy and Censorship

Coming-of-age tales often reflect the rawness of youth, and Chbosky’s story doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. The book dives into issues like sexual assault, drug use, and mental health, making it a powerful read for many. But this honesty has also landed it in hot water. From 2003 to 2023, schools across the US either restricted or pulled it from shelves, citing language, sexual themes, drug mentions, and references to homosexuality. Chbosky has said the bans left him gutted:

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 stuck close to the book’s spirit. Charlie’s struggles with trauma and the challenges of high school are handled with care, not sensationalism. The film pulled in $33.3 million at the box office on a $13 million budget and has since become a cult favourite, with Watson’s performance getting plenty of praise.

Sequel Talk and Watson’s Next Steps

Watson’s first big role after Harry Potter turned out to be a top move. The film’s success sparked talk of a follow-up, and Chbosky hasn’t ruled it out. Back in 2012, he admitted:

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, Lerman, and Miller would be key to any sequel. Chbosky has spoken about the pressure 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.

He’s now looking at adapting a horror novel, but says he always puts characters first and then finds the right people to play them:

I like to write characters first… And then find the perfect people to play them.

Fans are still keen to see Watson return as Sam, but for now, they’ll have to wait and see what Chbosky does next. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is currently streaming on HBO Max.