Rupert Grint Sends Letter to New Ron Weasley Actor

Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series from 2001 to 2011, has written a letter to the young actor set to take over the role in HBO's upcoming television adaptation. The gesture, described by Grint as "passing the baton," comes as production begins on the series, which aims to bring J.K. Rowling's seven books to life over multiple seasons.

Announced by HBO and Warner Bros. in 2023, the project will span a decade, with each season dedicated to one novel. Casting for the lead roles was revealed in late May, following an open call that drew more than 30,000 applicants. Dominic McLaughlin, a newcomer, will play Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton takes on Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout, aged 11, embodies Ron Weasley. Filming started in July at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom, with a premiere targeted for 2027.

In an interview, Grint shared that he contacted Stout before production commenced to wish him well. "I wrote him a letter before they started, passing the baton as it were," Grint 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...