Rupert Grint, known globally for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, has addressed the increasing prominence of far-right politics in the United Kingdom, following previous public statements regarding J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Grint was questioned on the subject during a press conference at the Berlin International Film Festival, where he is promoting his new horror film, Nightborn.
“Obviously, I’m against it,” Grint responded when asked about the rise of fascism in the UK. “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.”
Grint’s comments come after he publicly voiced support for the transgender community in 2020, alongside his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, in response to Rowling’s social media posts and a subsequent essay on gender identity. At the time, Grint stated in The Sunday Times, “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.” He later explained his decision to speak out as a desire “to get some kindness out there,” adding, “I do think it’s still important to stand up for what you believe in, and for people and communities that need our support and love. That’s why I spoke out last year.”
Rowling’s stance on transgender issues has drawn significant criticism, and in 2024, she indicated a lack of willingness to reconcile with Grint, Radcliffe, or Watson. She wrote, as reported by The Guardian, that “Celebs 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.”
The ongoing tensions between Rowling and the lead actors of the Harry Potter films coincide with plans for a new television adaptation of the book series by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery. The adaptation will dedicate each season to a single book in the series. New child actors have been cast in the leading roles, including Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Grint has confirmed he reached out to Stout, stating, “I wrote him a letter before they started, passing the baton as it were,” and expressing his hope that Stout would have as positive an experience with the role as he did.
“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 said.
