“Harry Potter” star Rupert Grint was asked to speak on the rise of fascism and far-right politics during the Berlin Film Festival press conference for his new film “Nightborn,” saying: “Obviously, I’m against it.”
The question follows a trend of celebrities being asked about politics at the festival, with several — including Michelle Yeoh and jury president Wim Wenders — declining to answer, sparking arguably the biggest talking point of the Berlinale so far. On Saturday, a reporter asked Grint if, since he has spoken about about “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views, he would consider speaking out against the rise of the far-right, specifically in the U.K.
“Obviously, I’m against it,” Grint said. “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.”
“Nightborn” will have its world premiere on Saturday night in Berlin. The second feature from Finnish director Hanna Bergolm and shot in Lithuania, the supernatural horror follows a couple, Saga and Jon, who move to an isolated house in the forest. But their marriage starts to crack on the arrival of their newborn son, who only Saga knows has something very wrong with him.
Alongside Grint at the press conference were his co-star Seidi Haarla, director Bergholm, screenwriter Ilja Rautsi, producer Daniel Kuitunen, and composer Eicca Toppinen.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival, Grint discussed HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series and said hearing the news of the incoming trio of young actors set to play Harry, Hermione and Ron made him reminisce about starting on the film franchise himself more than 25 years ago.
“When they were announced, it really took me straight back to ’99,” he said. “Because it was such an exciting time. I do wish them all the best — it’s such a fun journey. But it’s quite strange and surreal. But it really didn’t feel that long ago that we wrapped.”
Grint wrote a letter to Alistair Stout, the youngster playing Ron Weasley in the show, but said the new Potter kids’ experience would likely be very different to his own as he didn’t have social media to worry about.
“It’s a long time, and there are definitely periods where you want to get out it,” he said. “It’s a sacrifice, especially when you’re young. But I have no regrets. It was a great time and I think they’ll have lots of good people around looking after them.”
variety.com
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