Rupert Grint has spoken publicly for the first time about HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter television series, admitting the reboot feels "strange" to him even though he fully supports it. Grint played Ron Weasley across all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, and his comments matter because they mark a symbolic handover to the new generation of young actors taking on the roles that defined his career. Speaking at Dream Conventions in France, he said the project offers a chance to draw more from J.K. Rowling's books than the films could.

Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron in the new series, alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry and Arabella Stanton as Hermione, with the show set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max this Christmas. Grint revealed he has written a personal letter to Stout wishing him well, and said he has no interest in returning to the Wizarding World in a different role, such as Arthur Weasley, calling his time as Ron a "life-defining" experience he considers complete. He is, however, set to reprise Ron on stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in New York from early next year.