Berliner Morgenpost

Why is Rupert Grint an Ice Cream Man

Translated by Ivana

The black wizard robe is missing, but the remarkable red hair is easily detected in the lounge of the Berlinale palace: Rupert Grint, the Ron Weasley of the Harry of Potter films, sits there completely relaxed in jeans and T-shirt. He gives interviews about his film Cherrybomb: the male leading role in this Teen drama is his first breakout role. Viktoria Hensler (14) and Laura Külper (17) spoke with Rupert about his image change and his future plans. And about Potter and parties…

Viktoria & Laura: Daniel Radcliffe is to be seen at Broadway in New York, you now play the leading role in Cherrybomb — your first adult role… Was it about time to do something new?

Rupert Grint: Yes. It is quite an adult role and above all, it fit well into my agenda. The role however required of me to be quite fastidious, particularly because of the Irish accent.

Viktoria & Laura: Cherrybomb is completely different from the Harry Potter films, it has a very sad ending. What attracted you to the role of the Malachy?

Rupert Grint: Malachy is really completely different from Ron. I liked the fact that it happens in Belfast. Because of the bomb attacks in the past, the city is still in the development, it still redefines itself. And it is simply a crazy city, which I saw for the first time while shooting the movie. If we were filming it in London, it would surelyhave turned out a completely different film.

Viktoria & Laura: Do you think that your Harry Potter fans will accept you in another role? Or in reverse: Will the Cherrybomb fans accept you again as Ron Weasley, because there are still new Potter films to hit the cinemas?

Rupert Grint: I think that a film such as Cherrybomb will attract a different audience. And, naturally, my [HP] fans have also grown up.

Viktoria & Laura: You have spent many years doing Harry Potter films. Do you think that your role of Ron influenced your personal development from a child to a teenager and to an adult?

Rupert Grint: Now, I will never know this. But probably I experienced quite a few things different than others of my age. Nevertheless I will never regret to have played this role. It has been such a great fun!

Viktoria & Laura: You confessed once that you have some things in common with Ron. Do you think that you are also a little like Malachy?

Rupert Grint: We share our quiet/calm side.

Viktoria & Laura: Do you also like to party?

Rupert Grint: Yeah I do like to go partying and such.

Viktoria & Laura: Cherrybomb has also a romantic side to it. How did you fit in?

Rupert Grint: When it comes to the love scene, that was a bit frightening! There were so many other people in that room. Neither Kimberley nor I have ever filmed such a scene before. But after a while it turned out alright!

Viktoria & Laura: What are your plans for the near future?

Rupert Grint: As soon as I get back home, I start this 14-months long filming for the latest Harry Potter.

Viktoria & Laura: What’s it going to be like for you, when the Harry Potter films are done?

Rupert Grint: That will be really sad, because I have spent half of my life doing these films – I’ve played Ron since I was eleven.

Viktoria & Laura: Are you friends with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in the real life?

Rupert Grint: Of course. We see each other during the shootings every day, for many months, we spend lots of time together. I will miss that very much.

Viktoria & Laura: Do you like Berlin?

Rupert Grint: Unfortunately I did not have much time here. But Berlin seems to be cool.

Viktoria & Laura: You were received so enthusiastically here in Berlin for the premiere. How does that make you feel? 

Rupert Grint: Oh, I was deeply moved! For me, that was perfectly unexpected. It is however great to receive so much support!

Viktoria & Laura: Is it weird to be a dream man of so many teenage girls?

Rupert Grint: (laughs) No, I’m not! It is very amusing, above all because they do not know me privately at all.

Viktoria & Laura: Many fans call you the “Ice Cream Man”. Why is that so?

Rupert Grint: When I was younger, I wanted to become an ice cream man. Last year, after I got my driving licence, I bought an ice cream van. But some children are completely disappointed, when they realise that I don’t really sell ice cream! (laughs)