Rupert Grint, beloved for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, recently stirred excitement among fans with his latest comments about the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, set to span a decade and conclude in 2037. The 36-year-old actor, who brought the loyal and quick-witted Ron to life across eight films from 2001 to 2011, spoke candidly about the newly cast child actor, Alastair Stout, who will portray a young Ron Weasley in the highly anticipated reboot. Grint’s remarks, made during a promotional interview for his latest project, also touched on his feelings about the ambitious 10-year plan to adapt J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, offering a mix of nostalgia, protectiveness, and cautious optimism about the Wizarding World’s next chapter.

The HBO series, announced as a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s books with each season covering one novel, has already sparked intense discussion, particularly with the casting of its new Golden Trio: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Stout as Ron. Grint, who was 11 when he was cast in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, reacted to a recently released image of Stout, noting the young actor’s striking resemblance to his own younger self. “Seeing Alastair’s photo was surreal,” Grint told Entertainment Weekly at a London event. “He’s got that same awkward charm I tried to bring to Ron. It’s like looking in a mirror from 25 years ago.” Grint’s approval carries weight, given his deep connection to the character, which he has described as merging with his own identity during his decade-long tenure in the role.

Grint’s comments come as HBO’s series prepares to enter production in 2025, with a reported 30,000 child actors auditioning for the lead roles. The casting of Stout, a newcomer with a background in British theater, has been praised for aligning closely with Ron’s book description—red hair, freckles, and a lanky frame. Grint, who famously auditioned by sending a rap video to casting directors, expressed admiration for the young talent. “I feel protective of Ron,” he said. “He was my childhood, and I want this kid to have the same joy I did. But it’s strange seeing someone else step into those shoes.” His words echo sentiments from a 2023 GQ UK interview where he discussed passing the baton, saying, “I’m proud of what we did, but I think a new Ron could work, especially in a TV format.”

The announcement that the series will run for 10 years, concluding in 2037, also drew a reflective response from Grint. Speaking on This Morning, he acknowledged the challenges of such a long commitment, drawing from his own experience. “Ten years is intense, especially for kids,” he noted. “We were filming and promoting nonstop—it was suffocating at times. I hope they pace it better for these young actors.” Grint’s candor about the grueling Harry Potter schedule, which he previously called “suffocating” in a 2023 Bustle interview, underscores his concern for the new cast. He recalled his own struggles, including chronic tonsillitis during Goblet of Fire, which he couldn’t address until the franchise ended due to the relentless filming schedule.

Despite his reservations, Grint expressed enthusiasm for the TV format, which he believes suits the depth of Rowling’s books. “A series gives you room to breathe, to explore Ron’s humor and heart in ways the films couldn’t,” he said. Grint has long supported a TV adaptation, telling GQ UK in 2023, “I’d love to see Harry Potter as a TV show. It would really work.” His comments align with fan excitement on X, where users have lauded the potential for deeper character arcs, with one post stating, “A 10-year Harry Potter series with Ron’s full book story? Count me in!”

Grint’s openness to the reboot contrasts with his reluctance to reprise Ron himself, a topic he addressed on This Morning earlier this year. He stated he’d consider returning only “if the timing was right and everyone was coming back,” emphasizing the importance of a reunion with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. However, with Radcliffe and Watson focusing on other projects—Radcliffe in theater and Watson in producing—Grint seems content to let new talent take the stage. His recent roles in M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin and Apple TV+’s Servant show his shift toward darker, more complex characters, a far cry from Ron’s comedic warmth.

As the HBO series approaches, Grint’s reflections highlight the bittersweet nature of passing the Harry Potter legacy to a new generation. His support for Stout and the 10-year vision suggests a willingness to embrace change while cherishing the role that defined his career. “Ron’s always going to be a part of me,” he said. “I’m excited to see where this new journey takes him.” With production looming and fan anticipation building, Grint’s words offer a bridge between the original films and the Wizarding World’s next decade, promising a fresh yet faithful return to Hogwarts.