Rupert Grint is returning to the Wizarding World.
The actor spent a decade playing Ron Weasley across all eight Harry Potter films, becoming one of the franchise's three defining young stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.
In the years since the series ended, however, the original cast's relationship with Harry Potter has become increasingly complicated as author JK Rowling has faced sustained backlash over her comments about transgender people.
Now, Grint is set to reprise the role that made him famous — despite previously speaking out against Rowling's position.
Rupert Grint Will Play Ron Weasley Again
According to Deadline, Grint will join the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child beginning February 2, 2027.
His run at New York's Lyric Theatre is currently scheduled to continue through May 30, 2027.
The casting marks Grint's first return to Ron Weasley since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was released in 2011.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues the story after the Deathly Hallows epilogue, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione now adults raising children of their own.
Grint is 38, putting him close to the age of Ron during that portion of the story.
“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. There is something so full-circle and so special about stepping back into Ron's shoes now when we are both fathers; it is somehow both very familiar and completely new. And the joy of being back on Broadway, this time in a role that defined so much of my life is truly exciting.”
“The first time I saw Cursed Child onstage,” he said, “I was blown away and I can’t wait to set foot back on Platform 9 ¾ and pick up where I left off. I am overjoyed to join this exceptional cast and crew at the Lyric Theatre this winter.”
Grint follows fellow original Harry Potter star Tom Felton back into the franchise.
Felton began playing Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production in November 2025. His current stint is due to finish January 3, 2027, meaning the two actors are not presently scheduled to appear together.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender praised Grint's return.
“Rupert Grint’s performance as Ron Weasley in the eight Harry Potter films defined for generations what it meant to be a loyal and brave friend even in the face of adversity and hardship. We, along with all the wizarding world fans around the globe, watched Rupert grow up through his portrayal of Ron while preserving the qualities at the very heart of the character – his humor, his bravery, and of course, that unmistakably cheeky grin – like an invisible thread woven throughout the years.”
The duo added, “Rupert is not simply revisiting a role from his past. He is continuing a journey he began as a child and carrying it forward with all the life and experience he has gained since filming concluded.”
Grint's Rowling Comments Come Back Into Focus
The announcement has also revived scrutiny of Grint's previous comments about Rowling.
In June 2020, Grint publicly expressed support for transgender people after Rowling's views became a growing source of controversy.
“Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
Rowling had already faced criticism before then. In 2018, she was criticized for liking a tweet referring to transgender women as “men in dresses,” which her representative blamed on a “clumsy and middle-aged moment.”
In December 2019, Rowling publicly supported Maya Forstater after the researcher initially lost a preliminary employment tribunal hearing.
Rowling has since repeatedly discussed sex and gender on X and elsewhere, drawing criticism from activists, fans, and several members of the Harry Potter cast.
Radcliffe and Watson have both publicly supported transgender people and have remained comparatively distant from Rowling.
Grint has taken a less definitive position.
Speaking about Rowling in 2022, he compared her to a family member whose views he did not always share.
“I don't necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she's still my auntie,” he said. “It's a tricky one.”
That history has made his Broadway casting controversial among some fans.
“My [apologies] to Tom Felton,” wrote one fan. “It turns out he isn't the only chopped hoe willing to sacrifice his moral for cash.”
Another said, “So desperate & unemployed, he signed on for this mess.”
One wrote, “This was Not on my 2026 bingo card. I stood 10 toes down for him! Wtf!!! Rupert Grint!! How dare you take this role! I am absolutely disgusted! Your character is tainted, and you will face your fans, and it is entirely your fault!!”
the way every main cast member of this series is a spineless flop coward except my beautiful short king daniel radcliffe https://t.co/HTfmnAYGf9
— bele ཐི⋆ཋྀ (@siniysvolk) August 26, 2026
Others specifically questioned whether Grint's return was consistent with his 2020 statement.
“Imagine being clear that you stand against JKR's transphobia and then turning around and doing this.”
Another wrote, “Somehow this feels worse than Tom Felton because of how outspoken Rupert's been against she who shall not be named's transphobic views but is now going into a show that funds her anti-trans crusade.”
Grint had already indicated that he had not completely moved on from Harry Potter.
In 2025, he said he would “never step out of Ron Weasley's shadow” and described himself as “intrigued” by HBO's new television adaptation.
He will not appear in that version of the story, where Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley.
What are your thoughts on Rupert Grint joining Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
