Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has revealed he’s reprising his role of Ron Weasley and will make his debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway next year
Rupert Grint divided fans(Image: © Warner Brothers Pictures)
A Harry Potter star has divided fans by returning to the franchise. Rupert Grint said it was “so special” as he revealed he’s returning to his role of Ron Weasley in the Broadway adaptation of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
The 38-year-old rose to fame in 2001 after starring in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone as the loyal and accident-prone red-headed wizard. He returned to the role for all eight films in the franchise, based on the JK Rowling fantasy novels, opposite Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.
Grint will return to the role nearly two decades after the release of the last film to play the beloved character for a 17-week run at the Lyric Theatre in New York City.
He said: “Ron Weasley has been a part of me since I was 11 years old, and I can’t wait to meet him again in this stage of life. There is something so full-circle and so special about stepping back into Ron’s shoes now when we are both fathers; it is somehow both very familiar and completely new.
“And the joy of being back on Broadway, this time in a role that defined so much of my life is truly exciting. The first time I saw Cursed Child onstage, I was blown away and I can’t wait to set foot back on Platform nine and three-quarters and pick up where I left off. I am overjoyed to join this exceptional cast and crew at the Lyric Theatre this winter.”
He’ll be part of the Broadway show for 17 weeks, running from February 2, until May 30 next year. Rupert follows in the footsteps of former co-star, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, who is currently appearing in the Broadway show until January 30.
In a joint statement, producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender said of Rupert’s return: “We, along with all the wizarding world fans around the globe, watched Rupert grow up through his portrayal of Ron while preserving the qualities at the very heart of the character – his humour, his bravery, and of course, that unmistakably cheeky grin – like an invisible thread woven throughout the years.
“His return creates a powerful bridge between the story audiences first fell in love with and the story of family, legacy and the passage of time that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child carries forward.”
However, the news of Rupert’s decision to join the production has been met with a mixed response from fans. “Too bad it’s after Tom leaves. Would have been cool to see them together again,” said one commenter.
A second added: “No I am not ok! This is insane!” “Tom Felton if you can hear me pls extend again,” wrote another. Meanwhile, others were left feeling “disappointed” by Rupert, writing: “Ah well that’s disappointing.” “This really is disappointing,” said a second. “Disappointing,” penned a third.
But some were quick to defend Rupert, writing: “Rupert can be a trans ally AND be an actor at the same time. Welcome back, Mr. Weasley, you’re brilliant!” “All the negative comments, give me a break,” said a second.
Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, has faced criticism for her views on gender politics. The author has denied being transphobic and previously said she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them”.
The author has said she believes biological sex is immutable and has been critical of self-declared gender identity, calling it “quasi-religious” and “anti-science”.
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