Rupert Grint, best known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, recently addressed the growing concern of far-right politics in the UK and revisited his public stance against J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender issues. While promoting his recent Finnish horror film, Nightborn, at the Berlin Film Festival, Grint was asked about the rise of fascism and his previous outspokenness on contentious social issues.
Grint’s response was direct: “Obviously, I’m against it,” he stated, adding that he is selective about when he chooses to speak publicly. “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I consider yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.” This comes after Grint, along with fellow Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, publicly responded to Rowling’s comments and essay on transgender issues in 2020.
In 2020, Grint released a statement to The Sunday Times, affirming his support for the trans community. “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers,” he said. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.” He later explained his motivation for speaking out, stating he wanted to “get some kindness out there” and that it remained critical to support communities in necessitate.
The actor’s previous statements drew a pointed response from Rowling in 2024. According to reports, Rowling indicated she was unlikely to forgive Grint, Radcliffe, or Watson for their public criticism, writing that those who “cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.”
New Harry Potter Series and Passing the Torch
The conversation at the Berlin Film Festival also touched on the upcoming HBO and Warner Bros. Television adaptation of the Harry Potter series, which will dedicate each season to a single book. Grint revealed he has already reached out to Alastair Stout, who has been cast as Ron Weasley in the new series. “I wrote him a letter before they started, passing the baton as it were,” Grint shared. “It was really just wishing him all the best with it. I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience…”
Grint expressed a sense of intrigue about the reboot, noting, “It’s quite strange to have the cycle happening again. I’m really intrigued what it’s going to be like. I think it’s great that it’s a whole new thing. It’s going to be its own thing, and I think that will be fun.”
Grint’s willingness to address both political and social issues, alongside his excitement for the next generation of Harry Potter actors, demonstrates a continued engagement with the world beyond his acting career. His initial support for the trans community, and his recent comments on the rise of fascism, highlight a commitment to using his platform to advocate for his beliefs.
As the new Harry Potter series moves into production, and as political discourse continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Grint continues to engage with these important conversations.
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