At a press conference in the capital, Rupert Grint clearly positions himself against the shift to the right.
At the Berlinale, Rupert Grint took a clear stance against the increasing shift to the right in Great Britain. The 37-year-old actor, who became world famous for his role as Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films, made his statement unequivocally during a press conference (actually for his new Finnish horror film “Nightborn”): “Of course I’m against it,” said Grint when asked about the rise of fascist tendencies in his home country. He added that he chooses his moments when to speak out, but promised, “You will hear from me.”
The question didn’t come out of nowhere. Grint has already commented on controversial topics in the past – in particular the conflict with “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling. In 2020, together with his fellow actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, he publicly opposed Rowling’s controversial statements on transgender issues. “I stand firmly with the trans community,” Rupert Grint told the Sunday Times at the time. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all have the right to live with love and without judgment.”
The JK Rowling controversy: what’s behind it?
JK Rowling came under massive criticism in June 2020 after she commented on an article on X that talked about “people who menstruate.” Rowling wrote sarcastically: “‘People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for it. Help me, Wumud? Wimpund? Woomud?” The statement was widely interpreted as transphobic because it implied that only women could menstruate and therefore trans women were not “real” women.
In a subsequent essay, Rowling defended her position and stated that she wanted to protect women’s rights. She raised concerns about gender-neutral spaces and the medical transition of young people. For many in the trans community and their supporters, these statements pose a danger because they contribute to the marginalization of trans people. Rowling argued that biological sex is a reality that should not be ignored – a position criticized as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist).
The author has not changed her stance since then, but rather strengthened it. She repeatedly criticized self-determination laws and expressed concern about “the erasure of the concept of gender.” For LGBTQ+ activists and many of their former fans, these positions are incompatible with the inclusive values celebrated in the “Harry Potter” books themselves.
The stars’ reactions
Rowling also received headwind from the former “Harry Potter” cat. Daniel Radcliffe released a statement through LGBTQ+ organization The Trevor Project clarifying: “Transgender women are women. Any statement that claims otherwise erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.” Emma Watson posted on X: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without constant questioning.”
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) also spoke out in support of the trans community, as did Eddie Redmayne, who plays the lead role in the “Fantastic Beasts” films. Redmayne called Rowling’s statements “disagreeing” with his own beliefs. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) tried to strike a mediating tone, but also emphasized the importance of trans rights.
Rupert Grint told Esquire a year after his first statement that he wanted to “bring some kindness into the world.” “I think it’s 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 made it clear that she had no plans to forgive: She wrote that celebrities who had aligned themselves with a movement that sought to undermine hard-won women’s rights could save their apologies for traumatized detransitioners.
The new “Harry Potter” series: Criticism of Rowling’s involvement
As the conflict continues to simmer, HBO and Warner Bros. are working on a new TV adaptation of the “Harry Potter” books. The series will dedicate its own season to each of the seven novels and thus offer significantly more space for the story than the films. Many actors have already been announced: Alastair Stout will play the young Ron Weasley, Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid and Johnny Flynn will play Lucius Malfoy.
However, the project is causing controversy as JK Rowling serves as an executive producer. Critics fear that their involvement could harm the series, as many former fans have distanced themselves from the author. LGBTQ+ organizations and trans activists have already announced that they will boycott the series as long as Rowling is involved. However, Warner Bros. is sticking to the collaboration and argues that Rowling, as the creator of the “Harry Potter” world, is indispensable for the authentic implementation.
Editorial recommendations
The situation presents the production company with a dilemma: on the one hand, the “Harry Potter” brand is one of the most valuable franchises in the entertainment industry, but on the other hand, the controversy surrounding Rowling could deter potential viewers. HBO has not yet commented on the allegations, but is focusing its communication on the creative aspects of the series. Filming began in the summer of 2025, and the series is scheduled to start in early to mid-2027.
Rupert Grint’s career after “Harry Potter”
After the “Harry Potter” films ended in 2011, Rupert Grint deliberately took a different path than his fellow actors. Instead of going for blockbuster roles, he chose smaller, character-driven projects. He starred in independent films such as “Into the White” (2012) and “Moonwalkers” (2015), as well as in the TV series “Sick Note” (2017 to 2018).
Grint celebrated his greatest TV success with the psychological thriller series “Servant” (2019 to 2023), produced by M. Night Shyamalan for Apple TV+. In the series he played a shady private detective for four seasons. The role allowed him to break away from his Ron Weasley image and expand his acting range. At the same time, he appeared in the Agatha Christie adaptation “The ABC Murders” (2018) alongside John Malkovich.
With “Nightborn”, his new Finnish horror film, Grint is now venturing into international genre cinema. The film premiered at the Berlinale. Grint wrote a letter to young Alastair Stout, who will play Ron in the new Harry Potter series, to “pass the baton” to him. “It’s pretty strange that the cycle repeats itself,” Grint said. “I’m really curious to see what it’s going to be like. I think it’s great that it’s something completely new.”
