Compared to Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, Rupert seems to be more quiet and quirky when interviewed, “Just like Ron”, says Emma about this red-head guy who has a big family in real-life. Rupert has also just wrapped up making another film that has nothing to do with Harry Potter, which is Driving Lessons. This film is set to be released next year.

Q : Fourth year at Hogwarts doesn’t seem to be a happy year for Harry Potter, how about Ron?
A : Ron’s not too far off, he’s also going through his teenage awkwardness, with lots of problems. Though his problems are a lot different from what Harry’s going through, this year is still the hardest for him too.

Q : Is it because of love?
A : Not all of it, but in a way, yeah love is a part of his problems. Ron is still
searching for his identity, being the 6th child in his family doesn’t help either.
Everyone compares him with his older brothers. And love… Well that plays a big part too, the Yule Ball gives him new problems like getting dates. Growing into adulthood is really hard and strange.

Q : Oh the Yule Ball! How did you feel about the Yule Ball?
A : To be honest, dancing isn’t one of my favourite things. And the Yule Ball was the worst for me. I had to dance with Maggie Smith, that was scary and awkward enough.

Q : In the film, Ron has a fall out with Harry, they fight. Why is that?
A : Yeah, well… I think Ron’s fed-up with Harry. He becomes very moody, just like any other teenager, he’s sick of being just a spectator and a ‘follower’, he becomes more angry towards Harry, and other people too, he’s very sensitive and easier to be annoyed. He’s also jealous of Harry because Harry gets chosen to be a champion for the Triwizard Tournament. He’s also jealous with Hermione, because he realizes that he has developed feelings for her.

Q : Speaking of Hermione, you’ve said before that you hope there won’t be any love relationships between Ron and Hermione…
A : Yes, I really, really hope there won’t be. But it seems Ron does feel
something. But luckily they haven’t kissed or anything like that.

Q : Is it because you don’t like Hermione or Emma?
A : No, nothing like that. It’s Ron who doesn’t like Hermione, or so he wishes. I don’t have a problem with Hermione, nor with Emma, she’s a great girl.

[Cinemags, 18 Nov, 2005 || Original scan found here]