Rupert Grint is facing online criticism from activists opposed to J.K. Rowling after it was announced he will reprise his role as Ron Weasley in the stage production "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway. The 38-year-old actor, known for portraying the wizard in the eight "Harry Potter" films, is scheduled to appear at the Lyric Theatre for a 17-week run beginning February 2. Grint's casting follows that of Tom Felton, who returned as Draco Malfoy and had his role extended.
Grint expressed enthusiasm for returning to the character, stating, "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." However, the announcement was met with disapproval from some who labeled Grint a "hypocrite." These critics pointed to his public stance in June 2020, when he stated, "I firmly stand with the trans community… Trans women are women. Trans men are men." They also recalled his description of Rowling as his "auntie" and his sentiment that he may not agree with everything she says but she remains family.
Online reactions included comments such as, "It took me an embarrassing amount of time to iron my clothes for Bristol and I come back and my reward is Rupert Grint being a f***ing sell out?" and "Another day, another disappointing childhood icon."
Conversely, some users defended Grint, anticipating the backlash and expressing support. Comments included, "Amazing! When will the Harry Potter and JK haters realise you're a very very small but very loud and annoying minority." Others questioned the severity of the criticism, with one user asking if trans activists would now hate Grint for taking the role.
The controversy surrounding Grint's casting comes shortly after actor Nicolas Hoult withdrew from the upcoming HBO "Harry Potter" series remake. Hoult had been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart but cited "scheduling issues" for his departure, a move that followed online backlash from what the source describes as the "trans lobby." Kit Harington will now play the role of Lockhart in the series.
Rowling, the author of the "Harry Potter" series, has been a vocal advocate for women's rights but has also faced accusations of transphobia from some campaigners. The HBO series aims to adapt each of the seven books over a decade, with Dominic McLaughlin set to play Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Filming for the second season of the HBO series is expected to begin this autumn, with the first season scheduled for release on Christmas Day.