Almost 25 years after the Harry Potter film series cast its first spell on audiences worldwide, the Wizarding World is preparing for a new chapter. HBO’s ambitious reboot will introduce a fresh generation to Hogwarts with an entirely new cast—but what about the original stars who grew up before our eyes in those iconic roles?
Rupert Grint, who spent a decade bringing Ron Weasley to life, has finally addressed the question on every Potterhead’s mind: Would he ever return to the franchise?
A New Generation Takes the Wand
HBO’s reboot is replacing the beloved original trio with young actors ready to make these characters their own. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will step into the robes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley respectively when the series debuts in 2027.
The interest in whether Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint might return in some capacity intensified after Tom Felton—who immortalized the sneering Draco Malfoy—actually reprised his role in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway. Felton’s return to the Wizarding World sparked hope among fans that other original cast members might follow suit.
Grint’s ‘Never Say Never’ Approach
In a recent interview with the BBC, Grint offered a carefully measured response when asked about potentially returning to the Harry Potter universe.
“Maybe in the future,” Grint said thoughtfully. “Never say never, but for now, I think, as much as I loved it, I’m enjoying stepping outside of that world.”
It’s a diplomatic answer that keeps the door open while acknowledging his need for distance from a role that defined his childhood and early adulthood. For Grint, who spent his formative years from age 11 to 21 playing Ron Weasley, the desire to explore other creative territories is understandable.
Despite his personal hesitation, Grint expressed openness to the possibility of his own children appearing in future Harry Potter projects. “I don’t see why not. It was so much fun,” he said, suggesting that while he’s ready to pass the torch, he recognizes the value of the experience.
A Relationship Built on Pride and Acceptance
Grint’s relationship with the Harry Potter legacy is remarkably healthy—a refreshing perspective given how some actors struggle with being typecast or overshadowed by breakout roles.
“It has quite deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now,” Grint reflected. “It’s great. It gives me a lot of pride. It was such a huge thing. I don’t think I’ll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I’m fine with that.”
That last statement is particularly telling. Rather than fighting against being forever associated with Ron Weasley, Grint has made peace with it. He understands that for millions of fans worldwide, he is Ron—and rather than viewing that as a burden, he wears it as a badge of honor.
Passing the Baton to the Next Ron
One of the most touching aspects of this transition is how the original cast has welcomed their successors. Grint recently revealed that he wrote a letter to Alastair Stout, who will take over the role of Ron in the HBO series—mirroring what Radcliffe did for McLaughlin.
“I wrote him a letter, before they started, passing the baton as it were,” Grint explained. “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.”
The gesture speaks volumes about Grint’s character and his genuine affection for the franchise that made him famous. Rather than feeling territorial or resentful about being replaced, he’s enthusiastically supporting the next generation.
Grint added that he “still remember[s] every second of it” and thinks it’s great that the show “is going to be its own thing.” He even joked that he sees some “family resemblance” between himself and Stout—a charming acknowledgment that casting directors clearly have a type when it comes to Ron Weasley.
The HBO Reboot: What We Know
HBO’s Harry Potter series is slated to debut in 2027, though an exact release date hasn’t been announced. What is known is that the network has enormous confidence in the project—so much so that season 2 is reportedly already in early development stages before the first season has even aired.
This ambitious approach suggests HBO is treating the series as a major tentpole property, likely with the budget and production values to match. The decision to reboot rather than continue the story in the original film universe indicates a desire to start fresh, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience Harry’s journey without the baggage of the films.
As of now, details about which (if any) original cast members might return remain scarce. One franchise star is reportedly slated to appear, though their identity hasn’t been publicly confirmed.
Why Grint’s Distance Makes Sense
For anyone who grew up watching the Harry Potter films, it’s easy to forget just how young the cast was when they started. Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint were children when they were cast, and they spent their entire adolescence inhabiting these characters while navigating the pressures of global fame.
The decade Grint spent as Ron Weasley encompassed some of the most formative years of his life—years when most people are figuring out who they are, making mistakes, and exploring different identities. Grint did all of that while being recognized worldwide as a single character.
His desire to “step outside of that world” isn’t a rejection of Harry Potter—it’s a natural human need to define himself on his own terms, to take on roles and projects that challenge him in different ways, and to experience life beyond the Hogwarts castle walls.
The Legacy Lives On
What’s particularly heartwarming about Grint’s comments is his recognition that Harry Potter means something profound to multiple generations. The franchise that defined his youth now means something equally important to people discovering it for the first time in 2024.
“It was such a huge thing,” Grint said, and he’s not wrong. The Harry Potter franchise grossed over $7.7 billion at the global box office, spawned a theme park empire, launched countless careers, and became a cultural touchstone that transcends typical fandom.
For people who grew up with the books and films, Harry Potter represents childhood itself—a magical escape during formative years. For new generations discovering it on streaming platforms or through their parents’ enthusiasm, it’s a window into a richly imagined world that still captivates despite being decades old.
What the Future Holds
While Grint isn’t ruling out a future return to the Wizarding World, it seems unlikely he’ll appear in the HBO reboot’s early seasons. His focus appears to be on other projects that allow him to stretch his creative muscles and build a career independent of Ron Weasley.
But “never say never” leaves the door tantalizingly open. Perhaps years down the line, when the HBO series has established its own identity and Grint has fully explored life beyond Hogwarts, a cameo or special appearance might feel right. Tom Felton’s return to the stage as Draco proves that coming back to the franchise can be done on one’s own terms.
For now, fans can take comfort in Grint’s obvious affection for the series, his support for the next generation of actors, and his willingness to keep that door open—just a crack—for a potential return when the time feels right.
As Ron Weasley himself might say: “Brilliant.”
