British actor Rupert Grint says he does not expect to ever fully “step out” of the shadow of Ron Weasley, the character he played for a decade in the Harry Potter films, and he is perfectly comfortable with that.

Speaking to BBC News at a community event in Highgate, north London, Grint said he still enjoys meeting fans who grew up with the franchise. “I’m fine with that. I think it’s great,” said the 37-year-old, who appeared in all eight films.

Grint also said he has written a letter to Alastair Stout, the young actor who will portray Ron in HBO’s upcoming series based on JK Rowling’s books. Calling the experience “strange” and “cyclical,” he said he wanted to wish Stout well as filming begins.

Grint, who lives in the area with partner Georgia Groome and their two daughters, drew a crowd at the Christmas light-switching ceremony hosted by local volunteers and community groups.

He recalled being 11 when he was cast alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, calling the sudden fame “crazy” and “life-changing.” The Harry Potter films were released between 2001 and 2011, turning the trio into global stars.

Since the series ended, Grint has appeared in films, on stage, in Ed Sheeran music videos and most recently in Apple TV’s Servant. He said he has several projects lined up for next year but cannot disclose details yet.

Asked whether the constant association with Ron ever bothers him, Grint said he still feels pride in the role. “It has a deep meaning to a lot of people,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I’m fine with that.”

He added that he sees “a bit of family resemblance” with Stout, and said the new series will be “its own thing,” which he believes will be “fun.”

Grint said he would not discourage his own children from acting in the future and noted that his elder daughter has already enjoyed watching short clips from the films, though she finds the full movies “a little too scary.”

The actor declined to comment on the ongoing tensions surrounding Rowling’s views on transgender rights, which several cast members, including Grint, have previously distanced themselves from.

Asked whether he might revisit the wizarding world someday — as co-star Tom Felton recently did on Broadway — Grint replied: “Maybe in the future. Never say never.”

He added with a laugh that he sees himself more as a Hufflepuff than a Gryffindor these days.

Source: BBC