In a world where silence can be deafening, one question looms large: Can celebrities afford to stay neutral in the face of rising fascism? This was the dilemma posed to Rupert Grint, the beloved star of the Harry Potter franchise, during the Berlin Film Festival. Grint, known for his role as Ron Weasley, found himself at the center of a growing trend: celebrities being pressed to address political issues on global stages. But here's where it gets controversial—while some stars, like Michelle Yeoh and Wim Wenders, have chosen to remain silent, Grint didn't hesitate. When asked about the rise of far-right politics, particularly in the U.K., his response was clear: 'Obviously, I'm against it.' But he didn't stop there. Grint added, 'I choose my moments when to speak. But I think, yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.' This measured yet firm stance raises a thought-provoking question: Do public figures have a moral obligation to use their platform for political advocacy?
The conversation didn't end with Grint. At the press conference for his new film, Nightborn, director Hannah Bergholm was questioned about her watermelon pin, a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. Her response was both powerful and poignant: 'As grown-up human beings, I think we have a responsibility to speak up against violence and injustice.' She emphasized the importance of not silencing artists who choose to voice their opinions. Screenwriter Ilja Rautsi echoed this sentiment, stating, 'Art is all about empathy. We need to shine a light on the issues we face, whether it’s the wrongs in Ukraine or the genocide in Palestine.' And this is the part most people miss—art and politics are inextricably linked, and creators often feel compelled to address the world's injustices through their work.
Nightborn, a chilling supernatural horror film directed by Bergholm, premiered at the festival to much anticipation. The story follows a couple, Saga (Seida Haarla) and Jon (Grint), whose marriage is tested after the birth of their son, who Saga suspects is not quite human. Shot in Lithuania, the film explores themes of isolation, fear, and the fragility of family bonds. The press conference also featured producer Daniel Kuitunen and composer Eicca Toppinen, further highlighting the collaborative effort behind this haunting tale.
In a separate interview with Variety, Grint reflected on the upcoming Harry Potter TV series and the announcement of the new actors playing Harry, Hermione, and Ron. 'When they were announced, it really took me straight back to ’99,' he said. '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. It really didn’t feel that long ago that we wrapped.' Grint even wrote a letter to Alistair Stout, the young actor playing Ron Weasley, offering advice and support. However, he noted that the new cast’s experience will likely differ from his own, given the absence of social media during his early years in the spotlight. 'It’s a sacrifice, especially when you’re young,' he admitted. 'But I have no regrets. It was a great time, and I think they’ll have lots of good people around looking after them.'
As the conversation around celebrities and political activism continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Rupert Grint and his Nightborn colleagues are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. But the question remains: Should all celebrities feel compelled to speak out, or is it fair to let them focus solely on their art? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. After all, in a world grappling with division and injustice, every voice—whether from a wizarding hero or a horror film director—matters.
