What's the one thing Rupert Grint has in common with his "Harry Potter" character, Ron Weasley? Does the star think Ron will survive the final chapter? And does Rupert think Snape is good or evil at heart?
TODAYshow.com caught up with Rupert while he was promoting his new film, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," which hits theaters on July 11, to get all these answers and more.
TODAYshow.com: After a relatively long break between movies four and five, did you notice any big changes in your co-stars?
Rupert: It was quite a big gap, really. It was really good coming back and seeing everyone again, because we don’t really see each other that much. I do see the twins (James and Oliver Phelps, who play Fred and George Weasley) quite a bit because we play golf.
TODAYshow.com: Ron finally makes the Quidditch team this year and Quidditch gets cut from the film. Do you feel slighted?
Rupert: I was pretty disappointed. But it’s such a big book, I sort of understand. Next year they’ll do it. Apparently it’s supposed to be quite painful.
TODAYshow.com: How did you console yourself?
Rupert: There’s quite a few stunts in this one, and with Dumbledore’s Army, and I got to do a big stunt for that.
TODAYshow.com: All of the characters seem more complex in “Order of the Phoenix.” What was your strategy for advancing Ron’s character? Do you feel it was easier to relate to Ron in this film?
Rupert: This one is pretty dark and the story line throughout it pretty intense, and Ron has really grown up — we’ve all really grown up a bit. In the last one, he was a bit all over the place emotionally, with getting jealous of Hermione and falling out with everyone. This one he’s stronger and focused.
I always thought I could relate to him in all aspects. We’ve sort of grown up together, which helps.
TODAYshow.com: What’s scarier — a giant spider or a giant?
Rupert: Definitely a spider. I hate spiders in real life. Most of the people in my family are all [arachnophobics]. It’s not the big ones I’m really scared of. If it was a massive giant spider, I don’t think I'd be so scared of it. It’s more the little ones. A big one can’t really crawl on you like a small one can.
TODAYshow.com: Who do you like better, Fred or George?
Rupert: I can’t remember which one’s which. I like them both the same, really. They’re really different as well, which is funny.
Rupert: I don’t know. It’s quite a complicated, that one. He’s definitely pretty evil, I think.
TODAYshow.com: I’ve seen a lot of theories lately that Ron won’t survive the final Harry Potter installment. What do you think?
Rupert: I heard a lot of rumors on that, but the majority of people reckon Dan [Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter] is going to be the one [who dies]. I think it’s going to be Dan or Voldemort.
I need to know what happens. I’m desperate to know how it’s going to end.
-- Jen Brown for TODAYshow.com