Rupert Grint Issues Stark Warning to Harry Potter Fans Over New Film Role
Rupert Grint, best known for his decade-long portrayal of the beloved Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, has issued a clear warning to his fans. The actor emphasises that his upcoming role in the Finnish horror film Nightborn is dramatically different from the warm-hearted character that made him a household name.
A Dark Departure into Horror
In Nightborn, Grint takes on the role of Jon, a father living with his wife Saga, played by Seidi Haarla, in an isolated forest home. The couple is raising their newborn son, but soon discover something deeply unsettling about their child, which strains their marriage to its limits. This film marks Grint's first cinematic project since 2013, and he is acutely aware of the contrast it presents to his past work.
"It does go against the warmth of Ron," Grint stated in an interview with Variety, published on Friday, 13 February 2026. He highlighted the film's intense themes, including the emotional toll of childbirth on mothers and its graphic scenes, which starkly diverge from the family-friendly magic of the Harry Potter series.
Embracing Diverse Roles and Career Pace
Beyond Nightborn, Grint is expanding his repertoire with other varied roles. He is set to portray Bob Cratchit, the overworked and underpaid clerk to Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Johnny Depp, in an upcoming adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This diversification reflects his commitment to exploring different characters and genres.
Grint plans to maintain a steady but selective pace in his acting career, aiming to work on "one thing every year." He acknowledges that this luxury is largely due to the financial security provided by the Harry Potter films. "I'm very aware of that privilege," he told Variety. "It was hard work, but those movies have allowed us to pick and choose, which is just such a gift. Obviously it doesn't mean you're always going to choose the right thing. But I do feel very lucky for that."
Reflections on Harry Potter Legacy
Despite the sacrifices he made as a child actor during the Harry Potter years, Grint expresses no regrets about the experience. "It's a long time, and there are definitely periods where you want to get out of it," he explained. "But I have no regrets. It was a great time and I think they'll have lots of good people around looking after them."
Grint has continued to act in projects like M. Night Shyamalan's thriller Knock at the Cabin in 2023 and the Apple TV+ series Servant from 2019. However, he recognises that he will always be associated with the iconic role of Ron Weasley. In a November interview with the BBC, he shared, "I'm fine with that. I think it's great. I love meeting people who really felt this was a part of their childhood." When asked if he is tired of being linked to a role from decades ago, he firmly replied, "No, absolutely not. I love it."
Grint was just 12 years old when he first appeared as Ron Weasley alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in the initial Harry Potter film. By the time the final instalment premiered in 2011, he had grown into a 22-year-old actor, having spent a formative decade in the spotlight. Now, at 37, he is boldly stepping into darker, more mature roles while cherishing the legacy that continues to define his career.
