LONDON, Nov 23: Rupert Grint has acknowledged that he may never fully escape the shadow of Ron Weasley, the role he played across all eight Harry Potter films, more than 14 years after the release of the franchise’s final installment.

“I’m fine with that. I think it’s great,” the 37-year-old actor told BBC News on Wednesday. “I love meeting people who really felt this was part of their childhood.”

Grint, speaking at a Christmas lights switch-on event at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution in north London, also revealed he has written a letter to Alastair Stout, the child actor set to play Ron in the upcoming HBO series adaptation. “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 experience,” he said.

He described the ongoing cycle of new actors taking on iconic roles as “quite strange” and expressed curiosity about the series. Grint sees “a bit of family resemblance” between himself and Stout and said he is excited for the fresh interpretation the young actor will bring.

Grint, who lives locally with his partner, actress Georgia Groome, and their two daughters, drew a crowd of fans at the Highgate event. He reflected on the lasting impact of his childhood role alongside co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, describing his casting at age 11 as “crazy” and life-changing. “It changed my whole life quite quickly. I was a huge fan of the books, so for me it was like stepping into the books, and that was very special,” he said.

Since the end of the Harry Potter films, Grint has appeared in films including Into the White, the Apple TV series Servant, stage productions, and Ed Sheeran music videos. He hinted at upcoming projects for next year but could not reveal details.

Asked whether he is frustrated by always being associated with Ron, Grint said, “No, absolutely not, I love it. It has quite a deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now. It’s great. It gives me a lot of pride. I don’t think I’ll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I’m fine with that.”

The actor declined to comment on recent controversies surrounding JK Rowling, who faced backlash over her remarks on trans issues, saying nothing when approached by the BBC on Wednesday.

Grint did not rule out a possible return to the wizarding world, noting, “Maybe in the future. Never say never. But for now, I think as much as I loved it, I’m enjoying stepping outside of that world.”

On a lighter note, when asked which Hogwarts house he might be sorted into, Grint admitted, “I think I’m probably more Hufflepuff than Gryffindor. I like the vibe of Hufflepuff, I think. But Gryffindor is a close second.”