It was quite suffocating: Rupert Grint on playing Ron Weasley in Harry Potter

Los Angeles: Rupert Grint opened up about his experience of starring as Ron Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise for over a decade and how he wanted a break ‘to reflect on everything’.

The British star, who played Ron from ages 11 to 22, spoke at length about the career-defining franchise, which comprises eight films based on author JK Rowling’s fantasy novel series.

“In the movies, we merged into one. By the end of it, I was playing myself. The lines were blurred,” Grint told the online American women’s magazine ‘Bustle’.

He added, “ ‘Potter’ was so full on - (filming) all year, then we’d promote the rest of the time. It was quite suffocating. I wanted a break and to reflect on everything. It was an out-of-body experience for a while, but I think we finished at the right time. If we continued, it could’ve gone downhill.”

The 34-year-old actor said even today if someone calls him Ron, he answers. “It’s my second name.”

Last year, the ‘Harry Potter’ cast reunited for HBO Max’s ‘Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts’, which Grint described as a ‘good opportunity’ to look back.

“It was happening. I didn’t really have a say. Being in ‘Harry Potter’ films was a really unique experience only our core group really know, so it’s nice to see them. It was a good opportunity to reflect on everything and just say how crazy it was. It’s always nice to look back,” he said.

With age and time, Grint's work choices have become darker. He is part of M Night Shyamalan’s psychological horror series ‘Servant’ on ‘Apple TV’ and his upcoming apocalyptic psychological horror movie ‘Knock at the Cabin’.