Rupert Grint sends heartfelt letter to new Ron Weasley actor ahead of HBO Harry Potter series

Rupert Grint writes a supportive letter to Alastair Stout as he prepares to take over Ron Weasley in HBO’s reboot

Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley throughout the original eight-film Harry Potter franchise, revealed to the BBC that he reached out to Alastair Stout, the young actor taking over the role in HBO’s upcoming television adaptation. Grint said he wrote Stout a letter ahead of filming, offering encouragement as the new cast stepped into characters made iconic by the film series.

According to Grint, he wanted to “pass the baton” and wish Stout well as production began. He reflected on his own experience joining the wizarding world as a child and said he hopes Stout enjoys portraying Ron just as much. Grint admitted it feels “quite strange to have the cycle happening again,” and said he is curious to see how the new version unfolds. He added that he sees “a bit of family resemblance” between himself and Stout, and believes the series becoming “its own thing” is a positive step for the franchise.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the original films, also contacted the new child actor taking over his role, Dominic McLaughlin. Radcliffe recently shared on Good Morning America that he wrote McLaughlin a letter and received a warm reply. He emphasized that he doesn’t want to influence the new cast’s experience, but wanted to wish them joy as they begin filming. Radcliffe noted that seeing photos of the young actors makes him reflect on how early he began his own journey with the franchise.

Grint acknowledged that he will likely always be associated with Ron Weasley, saying he’s comfortable remaining linked to the character because of the meaningful impact the series has had on fans. He said meeting people for whom the story represents a formative part of childhood continues to bring him pride.

The actor has long supported the idea of new performers taking over the roles. Before HBO confirmed the reboot, Grint told GQ Magazine UK in 2023 that he believed Harry Potter would eventually be reimagined and expressed enthusiasm for a television adaptation.

HBO’s Harry Potter series is expected to debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max.