Rupert Grint has been questioned about the “rise of fascism” in the UK, given his politically outspoken reaction to J.K. Rowling‘s past “anti-trans” views.
The actor, best known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, has been promoting his new film, the Finnish horror Nightborn, at the Berlin Film Festival, and during a press conference, he was asked about the rise to prominence of far-right politics in his home country in recent years.
“Obviously, I’m against it,” he replied. “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.”
Grint was asked the question as he has in the past chosen to speak out on highly contentious issues. In 2020, alongside his Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, he issued a riposte to Rowling’s social media comments and subsequent essay on the transgender issue that many found to be transphobic.
“I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers,” Grint said in The Sunday Times. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
A year later, he explained that he wanted to “get some kindness out there” with his comments. “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.”
In 2024, Rowling signalled that she was not likely to forgive Grint, Radcliffe or Watson, writing: “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.”
In other news, HBO and Warner Bros. are currently creating a new television adaptation of Harry Potter that will give each book in the series get its own season.
The lead child actors have been confirmed, and Grint has said he has reached out to Alastair Stout, who will be playing Ron.
“I wrote him a letter before they started, passing the baton as it were,” he said. “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…”
“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.”
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