Why Rupert Grint Found Filming 'Harry Potter' Suffocating

KEY POINTS

Rupert Grint enjoyed working on "Harry Potter" films but admitted to feeling suffocated at times
The actor said it was "heavy going" as he had to be on the films' sets "every day for 10 years"
Despite sharing the screen with the "same people" for a decade, he said it was great

Rupert Grint enjoyed being on the set of the "Harry Potter" films, but he admitted to feeling suffocated at times.

Grint dedicated 10 years of his life to playing Ron Weasley in the film series from 2001 to 2011. He recently recalled his time on the set of the hit movies on Dax Shepard's podcast "Armchair Expert."

"There was a time where it felt quite suffocating, because it was heavy going, because it was every day for 10 years in the end," Grint said.

"It was a great experience. Such a nice kind of family atmosphere. It was always the same crew we kind of grew up with, so it was a great place to be. But sometimes it definitely felt like, ‘I want to do something else. See what else is out there,'" he explained.

When he originally started playing Ron 20 years ago, four books had been published, and he said only two movies were planned.

"It just never ended. Every year, we came back. And it was kind of like Groundhog Day because it was the same sets. It was the same people. But it was great. I loved it," said the 32-year-old.

While some "Harry Potter" fans may have watched the eight films multiple times, Grint said he's seen each movie only once. But he recently watched the first movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," again for a second time.

"It still feels too soon really. I can't detach myself fully. I can't face it," the actor said, noting that even without re-watching them, he can recognize them for the accomplishments they were.

"I've got a very different perspective of it now that a long time has passed. I can appreciate what a feat it was," he added.

Meanwhile, his former "Harry Potter" co-star Tom Felton told Entertainment Tonight Canada that he is “incredibly proud” of the films and will always take time for the fans.

The actor, who played Draco Malfoy in the fantasy films, recently hosted a special watch party on Peacock's TikTok account where he rewatched the "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" with fans across the U.S.

In fact, Felton often treats his fans to throwback photos from the films' sets on Instagram. In one of the photos taken back then, he is seen sitting with co-stars Alfred Enoch and Emma Watson.