Rupert Grint on Living in Ron Weasley’s Shadow and Passing the Baton
Rupert Grint, 37, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, says he will likely never step out of the character’s shadow but welcomes the enduring connection with fans. Speaking at a Highgate Christmas lights event, Grint reflected on his childhood role and shared thoughts on the new HBO Harry Potter series.
Embracing an Iconic Role
Grint, who portrayed Ron in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, described the experience as “crazy” and transformative. Cast at the age of 11, he called stepping into the wizarding world “very special,” as he had been a devoted fan of J.K. Rowling’s books.
“It changed my whole life quite quickly,” he told BBC News. “I love meeting people who really felt this was part of their childhood.”
While Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have frequently received media attention for their post-Potter careers, Grint says he has no regrets about remaining associated with Ron.
“No, absolutely not, I love it,” he said. “It has a deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations discovering it now. It gives me pride.”
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
Grint has written a letter to Alastair Stout, who will portray Ron in the upcoming HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter series.
“It was really just wishing him all the best,” Grint explained. “I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience.”
He said seeing the new actors brought back memories of his own casting process. “I still remember every second of it,” he noted. He also mentioned seeing a “bit of family resemblance” between himself and Stout.
Radcliffe, meanwhile, sent a similar letter to Dominic McLaughlin, the new Harry Potter. Grint believes the HBO series will be “its own thing” and looks forward to its unique interpretation.
Career Beyond Hogwarts
Since the Harry Potter films, Grint has appeared in projects such as Into the White and Apple TV’s Servant, along with stage productions and music videos, including collaborations with Ed Sheeran.
He teased upcoming projects for next year but declined to provide details. Compared with his co-stars, he acknowledges it has been harder to fully step out of his Potter persona.
“I don’t think I’ll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I’m fine with that,” he said.
Family Life and Personal Reflections
Grint lives in Highgate, north London, with actress partner Georgia Groome and their two daughters. At the Christmas lights event, he attracted a crowd of local fans.
Asked whether he would discourage his children from acting in the HBO adaptation, Grint said, “I don’t see why not. It was so much fun.” He noted that his five-year-old daughter, Wednesday, finds the films “still a little bit too scary,” though she enjoys clips he has shown her.
Grint also reflected humorously on his Hogwarts house, identifying with Hufflepuff but naming Gryffindor as a close second.
Navigating the Rowling Controversy
Grint has largely remained private regarding the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s remarks on trans issues, which divided some of the original cast. Watson has publicly expressed continued admiration for Rowling, while the author criticized her response as “ignorant.”
Grint declined to comment directly on the matter, focusing instead on his own experiences and career trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he might return to the wizarding world, Grint said, “Maybe in the future. Never say never.” He emphasized enjoying projects outside the Potter universe while acknowledging that Ron Weasley will always remain central to his identity.
“I’m enjoying stepping outside of that world,” he said, “even as Ron’s shadow looms large.”
Source: BBC – Rupert Grint: ‘I’ll never step out of Ron Weasley’s shadow’
