The character of Ron Weasley has endeared himself to many a reader/viewer; with his sharp wit, ocassionally filthy mouth, his loyalty to family and friends, and the innate desire to sacrifice himself to save the ones he loves the most. Countless fan-fics have lovingly been written with love, care, and passion. Drawings, paintings, and various other media have been applied to applied to blank canvas, to pay homage to our favorite ginger Weasley. And you’d be hard pressed to NOT find thousands of fan-made videos in every corner of the internet. No matter what variation of Ron that you’ve created inside of your head and world, Ron has made a home inside all of our hearts.

But let’s not forget the man that brought Ron Weasley to life on screen, the man himself, Rupert Grint. We all fell in love with the tiny, ginger-haired 11-year-old boy; with the sweet cherubic face and bright eyes. It would soon become very apparent that this unassuming kid from Hertfordshire, had some major acting chops. Even when the camera wasn’t directly on him, or he wasn’t verbally delivering a line, he was always somewhere in the frame, constantly in character and acting with just his face. Often times than not, Ron’s/Rupert’s lines from the book were either cut or watered down in the movies. Nonetheless, Rupert made do with what he was given and always OWNED Ron. And quoting fellow staffer, and Ron’s fairy godmother, AJ, “He made us give a damn about him!”. Indeed he did; and he did all of that with class, a boat-load of talent, and a sincere passion for his craft.

So, this edition is dedicated to Ron and Rupert, entitled, “In Celebration of Ron Weasley, In Celebration of Rupert Grint,”.

We love you Ron. We love you Rupert.

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To navigate your way around this edition, here are some links to help you!

Rosa’s “Farewell to Ron Weasley” fan video

Aracelli’s Ron/Rupert essay-Ron’s Biggest Wheezy runner-up(essay no. 2)

In Celebration of Ron-Galadriel, Staff Picks-Sam and Karo,

In Celebration of Rupert-Suzanne S., Francaise3/Marite, Staff Picks-Sam, Karo, and Michelle

Poll-Do you plan to visit Harry Potter Wizarding World?

Karo’s crossword puzzle-Ron Weasley puzzle, and answers here.

Michelle’s Spooferific Horoscopes

Question 2: What is your favorite “new” fact that you learned about him this year and why.
Sam: Well, I like seeing him out and about more with “lady friends”.

Question 3: Favorite interview of this year(so far)?

Sam: It’s not from this year, but The Daily Mail interview. It showed a vulnerable side to him we’ve yet to see. Sure, he’s humble, but he’s always been kind of emtionally distant. Having access to him in this way was touching and a little bit heartbreaking. Still, it was good to know a little of what’s going on inside of his head.

Question 4: If you could remake your favorite movie of all time, what would the movie be and what character would Rupert play?

Sam: First, let me say my favorite movie is The War Room, but since that’s a documentary, let’s leave it alone. Although, seeing Rupert as James Carville would be AWESOME. Other than that, it’s hard to say what my favorite movie is. I’d love to see him as Andrew Largemann in Garden State just because Rupert’s never really been melancholy and deadpan. He’d probably make me WEEP in Mysterious Skin. I might die if for some reason they remade that and he was in it. Some fans might not be able to handle him in that film though. I don’t’ want to go into detail, but suffice it to say it would be very heavy. But replacing Elijah Wood’s character in Everything is Illuminated would be so cool! I guess I’d just love to see Rupert play something kind of flat. Rupert’s got that expressive face, so he can say so much with the curve of his mouth, and that is a necessity in roles like this one.

Question 5: Finish the sentence-In the next five years, I want to see Rupert—

Sam: With some respectable, good, and critically acclaimed roles under his belt…well on his way to a prestigious award.

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Question 1: What is the ONE thing that you admire the most about Rupert, above all the other traits that he has. Explain.

Karo: He has never openly talked badly about anyone or anything. How many celebrities can claim the same?

Question 2: What is your favorite “new” fact that you learned about him this year and why.

Karo: He’s excited about playing Eddie the Eagle as his first post-Potter project!

Question 3: Favorite interview of this year(so far)?

Karo: NO Magazine. Raw and honest, and we hadn’t seen that before.

Question 4: If you could remake your favorite movie of all time, what would the movie be and what character would Rupert play? Explain.

Karo: lol, my favorite movie of all times is actually Dumbo (the Disney film with the flying elephant). So, if Rupert were to “play” anyone in it, I’d say he’d play the little mouse.

Question 5: Finish the sentence-In the next five years, I want to see Rupert—

Karo: Filming, filming, filming.

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Question 1: What is the ONE thing that you admire the most about Rupert, above all the other traits that he has. Explain.

Michelle: Rupert has so many traits that I admire, but what I love the most about him is that’s he’s remained completely himself throughout the years. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to be in the business that he’s in, where image is everything. It’s pretty brutal, but Rupert isn’t interested in impressing the press, or anybody else for that matter, by being someone that he’s not. He’s not going to make an interviewers job easier by being instantaneously quippy, talkative, and “sound-bite” ready. He’s not going to make himself uncomfortable at premiers by dressing in something he wouldn’t normally wear. He’s Rupert-what you see is what you get. I love that about him, he’s true to himself.

Question 2: What is your favorite “new” fact that you learned about him this year and why.

Michelle: So many great things that we’ve learned about this year, and it’s only April! But I think that my favorite was in the NO magazine article, see the reason why below in the next question.

Question 3: Favorite interview of this year(so far)?

Michelle: Actually there are three, because I can’t choose! lol One of them is the NO magazine interview. I was ecstatic when he confessed that playing Ron in Harry Potter was kind of holding him back, and he never got to push himself. Most of his fans have always felt this way, so it was comforting to get that  confirmation from the man himself. Another one of my favorites is the interview he and Robert Sheehan did with Empire, for the Cherrybomb press junkets. When they start discussing the fan campaign, just..the look on Rupert’s face is sad, overwhelming, happy, and a bit embarrased all at once. It’s a tiny glimpse of emotional!Rupert. Trust me, look close at about 2:49.   My third one is the radio interview he did with Dermot O’Leary. The whole interview is just fun and brilliant, and I think that Dermot really brought out the best in Rupert, which is what a good interviewer does! Plus, Rupert’s voice on radio is  gorgeous.

Question 4: If you could remake your favorite movie of all time, what would the movie be and what character would Rupert play? Explain.

Michelle: I have a lot of favorites, but I would be the happiest girl in the world if Rupert played Robert DeNiro’s character,Travis Bickle, in the remake of Taxi Driver. The whole story line is really interesting and a little depressing; you watch the Bickle character, who’s a little obsessive and intense to begin with,  slowly start to go crazy. It’s a very character-driven movie, and I think Rupert would be perfect for this type of role. And there’s this  sort of appeal for me, with hearing the characters thoughts in a movie, I find it very interesting and engaging.

Question 5: Finish the sentence-In the next five years, I want to see Rupert—

Michelle: getting a lot of roles that will really challenge him and his talent. He’s got so much to offer, someone just needs to send him an awesome script that will allow him to unleash it.

Sam:  It’s two moments from the “The Prisoner of Azkaban” and “The Deathly Hallows” books, but I think they coincide into one overarching theme:

Ron, however, spoke to Black.
“If you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us too!” he said fiercely,
though the effort of standing upright was draining him of still more
color, and he swayed slightly as he spoke.

An excerpt from The Prisoner of Azkaban

Bellatrix: “Wait. All except…except for the Mudblood.
Ron: “No! You can have me, keep me!

An excerpt from The Deathly Hallows

Sam: Ron will die for the ones he loves, and that is more important than anything else in his character.

Question 2: What is your favorite Ron quote(books and/or movies)?

Sam: Well, I already listed my favorites, but here’s another one I love. It speaks to how humorous Ron is, even in the face of danger and his own overwhelming emotions.

“All’s fair in love and war, and this is a bit of both.”

Movies: Deleted scene: Fist Full of Weasley! HA!

Question 3: Finish this sentence-I’m a Ron fan because-

Sam: He is the reality in the face of fantasy, without taking away from the beauty of the books. My Ron slogan: “Ron Weasley does it anyway”. He’s scared, he’s not anything outwardly remarkable, and yet he becomes remarkable by going into the fray over and over again for those he cares about. He’ll always do it, he just might not be happy about it.

What is your favorite depiction of Ron?

Sam: Because it is the essence of Ron! He is our Knight, Keeper and King.  I do enjoy LeelaStarsky’s Ron, and Really Corking.

Question 5: If you were ever in the same room as the ‘real-life’ Ron, what would you say to him, and why.
Sam: You are brave, you are worth it, and you matter!

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Question 1: What is your favorite Ron moment(books and/or movies)?

Karo: The moment when he destroys the locket. It’s the sum-up of all his fears and him overcoming them, and it’s a turning point for him, since he’s taking charge of everything after wards.

Question 2: What is your favorite Ron quote(books and/or movies)?

Karo: “She really needs to sort out her priorities”. This might seem random, but I like to work on many different things at the same time, and when things get to crazy, I tell myself just that and take a moment to, well, “sort out my priorities” to see what I should focus on first.

Question 3: Finish this sentence-I’m a Ron fan because-

Karo: Because he’s not perfect, and that’s what makes him perfect.

Question 4: What is your favorite depiction of Ron?

Karo: This is just typical Ron. And one of the first pictures I saw almost 10 years ago, so it’s always been one of my favourites.

Question 5: If you were ever in the same room as the ‘real-life’ Ron, what would you say to him, and why.

Karo: I would talk to him about Quidditch. Not only because it’s a cool sport, but it’s he’d be comfortable and would certainly have a lot to say about it.

But it seems that words do not come to me, my inspiration went to the post office to await the long-awaited picture, everyone hovers around me saying things like, “you can do it” “concentration”, “in the future you can write a book, I’ll be your manager”.  I have news for them, it’s not easy!

The only thing I am sure is that I want to participate and will do my best effort …Why keep talking about me when we can talk about two wonderful men? I’ll start with Ron Weasley.   What do we know about him? He is the sixth child of a large family with little money, for that reason he always wears second hand, he eats too much, he’s afraid of spiders, is jealous, grumpy and has a serious problem of insecurity and inferiority.

On the other hand, Rupert Grint is the eldest of five children, suffers from arachnophobia, he never had economic problems, but neither had money in excess, at least before working on Harry Potter. At a very early age, he became famous and is now a recognized/famous young actor. At first glance, Ron and Rupert don’t have things in common outside of the appearance/body, they hate spiders, they were born in the 80s and both share the “R” as initial in their names.

Ron Weasley in all respects, is a guy that you’ll love if he comes  your way. Constantly, he is known for being a good friend, faithful, loyal and courageous, he always support Harry and Hermione, and his smile and joy never disappeared when they were the most needed.

We have seen Ronald grow,  surrounded by people who overcome him in different areas, but after the boy befriends the world’s most famous magician, Harry Potter. And as if that were not enough, Hermione Granger join this group, the most smart girl of the class. That would be enough to unbalance  anyone, but Ron didn’t shows major problems until later, when jealousy emerge or rather, the doubts. In my opinion Ron is angry because Harry is in the tournament. He wonders why Harry didn’t talk about it? He has doubts about the confidence of his friend. But, would we  not feel sad if we believe that our best friend does not trust us?

Rupert and Ron, Ron and Rupert two personalities in one body, which after all, are not so different.  Both are happy with the life they have, they enjoy it, are good friends, are loyal guys with values. I think if a person is declared fan of Rupert maybe that person is not suitable for this job. Even though they are so different, I’m sure that no other actor would have played better,the role of Ron. He is Ron, he won the role with his effort, he and only he deserves to succeed.  I cannot imagine Ron played by another person who is not Rupert Grint.

“I never got to push myself”

Suzanne:  I like to think he never HAD to push himself – he got his character and what was happening without needing to push himself.  Unfortunately, I also understand what he meant.

Question 2: Rupert’s been more candid in 2010 than he’s ever been in the past ten years. What do you think of this and how does it make you feel.

Suzanne: I think this is great and shows how down to earth and “real” he is – not figuring out what will “play best” or sounds “right” or even put him in the best light.   I think he is his own man and says what he thinks.

Question 3: What is your favorite quote about Rupert?

Suzanne:  Alfonso Cuarón saying while directing Prisoner of Azkaban that Grint is “the likely future star out of the Hogwarts trio”.

And of course in a reply to an interview question about this more recently Grint saying that Cuarón was kind of crazy.

Question 4: If you had only one picture of Rupert that you could look at the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why.

Suzanne:  I really liked the picture of him from the London HBP Premier when Maggie Smith kissed him on the cheek.  I just think that is a sweet picture.

Question 5: If Rupert were turned into ice cream, what flavor would he be?

Suzanne: Chocolate with coconut and cherries

Question 6: What is your favorite interview(video or printed) with Rupert?

Craig Ferguson interview in 2007

Question 7: What song or poem reminds you of Rupert and why.

Suzanne:  “Love the one you’re with” Stephen Stills, 1970

He always looks so happy wherever he is and with whomever he is with and I thought of this song.

Question 8: I smile whenever Rupert…

Suzanne:  is in on screen

Marite:  I love that he is opening up and revealing more info about himself. I love to hear his insights on different aspects and how he perceives the things around him. I really hope he keeps this up!

Question 2: If you had only one picture of Rupert that you could look at the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why.

Marite: I would choose this pic from Tribeca shoot. I love the picture because he looks absolutely boyishly happy in it! Like he is enjoying what he is doing and where he is in his life! Adorable! Although, that shirtless sword-fighting Tony pic is in serious competition!

Question 3: Finish this sentence> Being a fan of Rupert, I feel that-

Marite: I will undoubtedly be a witness of great talent and passion for acting in future.

Question 4: Rupert-related horror scenario No. 58>You only have enough money to see ONE of Rupert’s movies(you’ll have to wait for the other one to come out on DVD! *gasp*); which do you choose(CB or WT) and why?

Marite: If I really MUST choose, I would choose WT, because it sounds like my kind of movie! I love British black humour! And I love Tony’s scruffy look!

Question 5: I smile-

Marite: whenever Rupert smiles!

Question 6: What song or poem reminds you of Rupert and why.

Marite: I have the poem recited by Ben in Driving Lessons stickered to my cubicle wall at work, and it always reminds me of Rupert. Especially the last 3 lines. They really communicate that being yourself is ok, and I think Rupert believes it as well.

Some mysteries I will never understand,
The way the Earth rotates around the Sun,
Three minutes shorter every day.
Or the way the dead are gone,
Like putting down a phone, or turning a corner.
The future… that’s another whopper.
We can never know what we can never know,
Except- Whoever you are,
And whoever I am,
You made it alright to be me.

Question 7: Make an acronym out of the letters of Rupert’s name

Rare

Utterly

Perfect

Exceptionally

Real

Talent

Question 7: Caption this!

Aaaaaand.. the Best Rupert fansite award goes to… *pause* ICM!!!!

]]> http://grintasticonline.org/wordpress/2010/04/24/in-celebration-of-rupert-francaise3marite/feed/ 2 http://grintasticonline.org/wordpress/2010/04/22/in-celebration-of-ron-weasley-galadriel/ http://grintasticonline.org/wordpress/2010/04/22/in-celebration-of-ron-weasley-galadriel/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:48:04 +0000 Tao http://grintasticonline.org/wordpress/?p=1814 Question 1: How has reading Harry Potter and getting to know Ron affected your life? Have you learned anything? Got an amazing opportunity that you would not have otherwise had?

Galadriel: I got into HP later in life, therefore I’m not sure if it really has affected my life except for the reading pleasure, joining the online world and getting to know many great people on the internet with who I would not have gotten into contact otherwise. Being able to discuss with all kinds of people from all over the world widens my perspective and I learn and hear from so many things that would have gotten unnoticed otherwise.

Question 2: What is your favorite Ron moment (either in the books or movies) and why?

Galadriel:  The Silver Doe, specifically the destruction of the Locket-Horcrux. It is, for me, the one big, huge, pivotal Ron moment. The moment he finally overcame all his fears, his self-doubts and his insecurities. It was the moment he grew up and matured. It’s the moment in the books when Ron’s character-arc was concluded. And it’s such a wonderful and important friendship moment between him and Harry. In this moment, finally, the two really see and understand each other. They always had this special connection, understanding each other better than others, but there was this small final step to be made to a complete understanding. And that was made when Ron destroyed the locket. And the hug …. oh, man, the hug … Need I say more?

Question 3: What is your favorite Ron picture, or Rupert as Ron picture? *this can be a photoshoot with Rupert as Ron, or a fanmade painting or drawing, made by your or someone ese*

Galadriel: While Rupert does not exactly look like the Ron I have in my head while I am reading, he has certainly influenced my vision of Ron. In a very good way. There are too many great pics of Ronpert to really choose from. I am drawn to those in which he looks badass, or in which he smiles.

Question 4: If you ever met Ron in real life, what would you say to him, or ask him?

Galadriel: I would like to talk to him about his (now overcome) insecurities. Since I do relate to those a bit, I would love to discuss all of that with him. And I would like to tell him how infinitely awesome he is.

Question 5: What is your favorite Ron quote?

Galadriel: There are so many, funny ones, emotional ones, serious ones, it’s almost impossible to choose. If I have to, I would go for one that sums up Ron in a nutshell. There are a couple of those, but for now I go with this one from DH:

“You can have me keep me”

It shows Ron’s loyalty to his friends, his bravery, his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and his love for Hermione.

Question 6: If Ron and Harry were to get into an arm wrestling match, who would win and why?

Galadriel: Duh! Ron of course. While Ron is lanky, Harry isn’t exactly muscle-man either. They both play Quidditch, they both do pretty much the same things, so it’s not that Harry worked out and thus had an advantage over Ron. Ron is taller though and has longer forearms so it would give him an advantage there.

Question 7: What aspects of Ron’s personality do you admire the most and wish you had for yourself

Galadriel: His bravery. I‘m a coward, afraid of everything. Really. What Ron has done in the books, and continues to do in his job as an Auror … Just wow. Admirable. His optimism. I tend to be a cynical negative person, and while Ron can be sarcastic too, he tends to be very cheery and see the good thing in situations.  And I do admire his unshakable loyalty. Even when he falls out with his friends, he still keeps looking out for them and he never goes behind their back. Many people argued Ron’s leaving in DH was disloyalty. I strongly disagree. He didn’t go to Voldemort and his followers telling them what Harry was up to and where he was to find, right? So, he made a stupid mistake, but he still was loyal. I like to think that I’m a loyal person too. Although my friendships have never been under such strain, so I never had to prove it.

Question 8: Do you think that Harry Potter, and the character of Ron, will endure for years to come? Why or not.

Galadriel:  I think it will die down a bit. I think it already has since DH was published. But HP has already become a classic, thus it will always gain new readership, new fans. But, unlike us, who became fans when the series was still in progress and had to wait years for a new book and didn’t know the outcome, new readers will be able to read the series in one go and they will know, or already do before reading, the outcome. I think that would make for a different reading experience. But HP will gain new fans (books and movies). Consequently, Ron will always have fans. Just like now, he will be a fan favorite. Same for the movies. People will watch and like Ron and Rupert as Ron.

However, it doesn’t really bother me when Rupert gets beat by some other random celebrity.  Why?  Because to me, Rupert is an actor, a fantastic one at that, so these polls don’t really prove anything regarding that.  They are simply lists of the latest “flavor of the month,” some of who might end up having decent acting careers. These polls also contain others who are only on the list because they are, well, hot but have very little acting capabilities otherwise; and will probably disappear soon or end up on celebrity game shows because they can’t get any real acting roles.  Is this the company we really want Rupert to be in?  I don’t.

The most important thing to me is that Rupert is considered by casting directors and producers to be a great actor, who has the ability to portray a large range of characters, because this is what is going to get him the roles he deserves to play.  Yes, there are actors out there who have excellent acting skills, get fantastic roles, and who still end up on the “hottest actor” lists (I’m talking to you, Johnny Depp).  It would be great if Rupert were part of this very small circle.  But in film reviews, Depp’s looks don’t get mentioned unless they are an intrinsic part of the role – the only thing that matters is how well he played the part.  If you’re great-looking, but a terrible actor, you’re not going to get very many roles aside from either really small ones, or those which are one-dimensional, or where very little acting is needed.  Sure, Keanu Reeves might be good-looking, but no one is looking to cast him in seriously dramatic roles where he has to show a range of emotions.  When he has, he’s been criticized as being wooden.  Clearly, looks aren’t the main criteria for getting roles – acting skills are.

Take a look at Jim Broadbent, Rupert’s co-star in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and currently one of the best actors out there, who has played every kind of role, from comedy, to drama, to musicals.  Broadbent constantly gets work because of the high quality of his acting skills, but no one is hiring him because he’s hot.  They’re hiring him because they know he’ll nail any role he’s given, which, of course, he does.  I want casting directors and producers to have the same attitude toward Rupert; and, given the roles he’s been recently getting, he’s moving in that direction, which is really something to be happy about!

Don’t mistake me – actors who are both great at their jobs and are good-looking have the most acting opportunities out there, because the world is shallow and viewers like looking at beautiful people.  I believe Rupert falls into this category, even if there are a lot of people out there who don’t see the looks part yet (philistines!).  But for me, it’s far more important that Rupert continues to get parts that show his range, and keeps racking up the fantastic reviews he’s been getting throughout his career.  These factors are going to put him in the same group as the best actors around, not whether he wins a celebrity poll.  So, no, losing a “hottie” poll to Zac Efron doesn’t bother me at all!

In the late 1980s, Eddie had a dream, he wanted to go to the Olympics as a ski jumper. Unlike most of his competitors he had no formal training, no money, and no backing. All he simply had was a dream. This is the kind of story we as human beings thrive on because Eddie went out and accomplished what most of us only dare to dream. I’ve often said that I think Rupert can relate to Eddie in a lot of ways. He too had a dream. He wanted to be an actor and he wanted to be Ron Weasley. Like Eddie, Rupert took a shot, even willing to embarrass himself (a rap video dressed up as his drama teacher?!) to get the part. He got his chance, as did Eddie. The only difference? Eddie’s dream didn’t turn out as well as Rupert’s. We all know Rupert’s story – fame, popularity, a movie career. Eddie got shut out of the ’92 Winter Olympics by the British Olympic Committee who was afraid he was making a mockery out of them.

Eddie was born as Michael Edwards in Cheltenham, England. Eddie was actually an excellent downhill skier and narrowly missed out on being on the Great Britain Olympic team in 1984! He decided to improve his chances to make it to the 1988 Olympic Games by moving to Lake Placid, New York, USA to train but his funds began depleting and Eddie found it easier to switch to ski jumping which would also make it easier to enter the Olympics. Eddie began his training under Chuck Berghorn.

Unfortunately, Eddie had some shortcomings when it came to this switch. His weight came in at 181lbs which is more than 20lbs over what one of his competitors weighed. Eddie was also short-sighted and it required him to wear glasses all of the time. Because of this, his glasses would fog up while skiing. And lastly his financial situation as previously mentioned. Eddie was self-funded. Interestingly, to this day America and Canada teams still have trouble getting financial support, some 20 years later!

Later, Eddie ended up training in Finland after he was finally picked for the Olympics. As noted, Eddie suffered with financial woes and his trainer in Finland invited him to stay at the mental hospital where he worked. He also slept in car parks, corridors, and cowsheds. Eddie even admits to eating scraps of food he scavenged from the trash!

Because of no sponsorship, Eddie claims to have been 7,000 pounds in debt and was a one-man show: Coach, doctor, driver and baggage man. But he admits that because of becoming “Eddie the Eagle” he was able to pay off the debt in one day!

Eddie ended up looking like an “idiot” for so many reasons. Many of which I’ve already mentioned (like the fogging up glasses); but when he first came to Canada, for the whole world to see at the airport, his bag ripped open and all his belongings flew everywhere. To make matters worse, he ended up walking right into a glass wall!

But finally, he got to make his debut at the Olympics. Sadly, it didn’t end as well as he hoped of course. He came in last in the jump, but he did hold the record for British Ski jumping at the time. He was also the world number nine in amateur speed skiing (106.8mph) and the stunt jumping world record holder (10 cars/6 buses).  From there, the British Ski Federation and the  International Olympic Committee made sure that Eddie would never be able to compete again because, as I said, believing that he was making a mockery of the olympics and the ski jumping sport. The rule, which requires Olympic hopefuls to compete in international events and place in the top 30 percent or the top 50 competitors, whichever is the lesser, was dubbed the “Eddie the Eagle” rule. Eddie tried but failed to get into the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Olympics (despite having a five year 5 year sponsorship with Eagle Airlines, which was a small business charter company).

It’s obvious that Eddie is so much more than what some people might think. All the struggles he endured, all the heart he mustered, and yes he came in last, but he was no ‘lovable loser’ but a guy with a dream that didn’t turn into Olympic Gold but did turn into a fascinating story. I am eager to see Rupert playing this. The drama of sleeping in cowsheds and eating out of trash cans. Training hard and having so many shortcomings. And yes the comedy of your bag ripping and your glasses fogging up. And the eventual disappointment of not making it anywhere but last. And of course, the fact that he’ll be the star of the movie. He won’t be starring along side, but the star of it all!

However, there is one other thing that 2009 brought to us Rupert fans that while may not be new, certainly took on a new form and meaning. I am of course, talking about Danpert. Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe’s friendship, AKA Danpert, is something that has been around since they started working together for the Harry Potter series. Throughout the years, we have seen them work and goof off, on and off, the set together. Their friendship is something that everyone can enjoy and find adorable. The pair has always been known as the gigglers of the bunch, but also some of the hardest workers. It has always been easy to see that Rupert and Dan enjoying working and playing together. Yet, by the time Goblet of Fire debuted and definitely after, it seemed that the dynamic duo took a break from their friendship. Some even questioned if they were still friends or just dearly acquainted co-workers. The lack of Harry/Ron friendship time in and after the third Harry Potter movies led to an even stiffer and colder looking Rupert/Dan friendship. For a while, it seemed that the magic and laughter in Danpert was lost; and that growing up and becoming increasingly different would keep them from being able to maintain the strong friendship that they started with.

A love-potioned Ron freaking out Harry in the Half-Blood Prince

However, in 2009, something opened up and changed. Half Blood Prince is the prime and juiciest example that the Danpert love and relationship is, in fact, still alive and kicking. Sure, the movie is about Harry finding out the truth about the half blood prince. It is about the audience finding out what Draco Malfoy was up to. It is about Harry coming to terms with his feelings for Ginny. It’s also about Ron turning up the heat by dating Lavender and making Hermione realize that she in fact fancies him. Conversely, what many fans of the movies/books and critics alike really remember and enjoy about the movie was the Ron/Harry friendship. Rupert and Dan stole the show and turned Half Blood Prince into a brilliantly special and hilarious display of the friendship that exists between Harry and Ron and at the core, Dan and Rupert. Some aspects of their scenes were so obviously Rupert and Dan’s friendship shining through. The two wrestling over the potions book, as well as the love potion scene, are two primary examples that Rupert and Dan’s chemistry was not only back, but also better and stronger than ever. After watching Half Blood Prince, fans could easily see that the magic was still between the two and that they might have been closer than anyone expected.

Rupert and Dan, having a photo op with co-star, Helena Bonham-Carter

The chemistry between them was visible long before HBP premiered. As promotion for the sixth installment went along, more and more Danpert appeared. Then again, it was not just Half Blood Prince promotion that brought out an older, stronger, and sexier Danpert. The two men were also shooting for Deathly Hallows and the behind the scenes photos and interviews brought us amazing Danpert. It seemed that many, if not all, of the behind the scenes shots for the Deathly Hallows movies that involved Rupert and Dan, were of them laughing and talking together. Going through the pictures, it is simple to see that Rupert and Dan are enjoying each other’s company; and that they really are taking into account that this is the last time the two would portray the Dream Team. I am sure they wanted to savor the moment and really enjoy the time they had left together. Yes, it seemed the guys did enjoy each other. The two always had wide grins on their faces and laughter in their eyes. Although they were older, the two still had the twinkle in their eyes when they talked just as they did in the early days.

Reading Festival 2009: Rupert and Dan with The Gallows lead singer, Frank Carter

The amazing Danpert of 2009 was not just limited to their time together on the HP set. The two also spent quite a lot of time together off set. In October of 2009, Rupert and Dan attended a Halloween party together where of course we all remember Rupert in the lovely costume from Clockwork Orange! They also attended the Reading Festival in August and seemed to really enjoy their time there together. Rupert and Dan going out together and enjoying each other’s company really helped undercut the ideas that the two didn’t want to see each other outside of Harry Potter.

Dan tugging on Rupert's fake beard, during a break on The Deathly Hallows set

In 2009, the Danpert was hotter and stronger than ever, but even more importantly, 2009 was the year that Daniel Radcliffe himself opened up and started to be seen as Rupert’s number one fan boy. It appeared that he brought up Rupert in every interview even if the question had nothing to do with Rupert. Dan always had the nicest and sweetest things to say about Rupert, including calling Rupert a “lust symbol” and “very impressive.” He always praised his acting and said he had a bright future ahead of him. Not only did he praise Rupert, but he also tried to boost his confidence. After Rupert’s confession in the Daily Mail interview about him not being sure if he was a good enough actor to make a long lasting career.  Dan came back and said that Rupert basically has no reason to be insecure; and that he is, in fact, a fantastic actor and would surely have a long and lasting career. In Dan’s interview with Alexa Chung for MTV, he was asked a question about if Dan was a good driver. The very  first words out of his mouth were about how Rupert is a great driver and has amazing cars. I doubt that Alexa had any intention to find out if Rupert was a good driver; and yet Dan couldn’t help but bring him up. In Dan’s BD live interview in December, he had so much to say about Rupert. Some of his thoughts on Rupert include that he and Rupert had great fun filming the fight over the book scene in HBP. He said that any excuse to hit each other on screen was welcomed. Dan also called Rupert a “physical comedy genius” and that all his talent is natural. One of the sweetest things that Dan also mentioned in this interview is that he likes to make Rupert laugh because it’s so easy to make him laugh. Dan can’t resist getting a joke in before the take of the scene because when they’re both in that type of mood; everything becomes funny and that’s his favorite moments. Of course, one of the best things Dan had to say about Rupert was when he, Rupert, and Emma were being interviewed about the theme park for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Rupert brought up that he would probably stay away from the Forbidden Forest and the spiders. Dan confidently said that he would hold his hand if he got scared because he knows how afraid of spiders Rupert is. Dan really went above and beyond the call of friendship in 2009. and the bloke could not stop complimenting and loving Rupert. It was beautiful.

However, it was not just Dan who had good things to say about Rupert. Rupert too had nothing but love for Dan. A great example was on the Rove show when Rove asked Rupert about Dan’s magic tricks. Rove poked fun at Dan and tried to get Rupert to go along with it.  But of course, Rupert being sweet and a good friend, stood behind Dan and said that he did not see anything wrong with Dan’s hobbies. He has also expressed how Dan is person he can easily get along with because they have similar senses of humors and how Dan is always full of energy and works very hard.

The love and commitment Rupert and Dan seemed to have was infectious to  and also helped bridge the gap that seemed to develop between the two fan bases over the years. There was so much Danpert love in 2009, that I wanted to know what some other people saw. I asked some fellow members of ICM what they thought of the Danpert of 2009.

“I can honestly say that Dan impressed the hell out of me and really made me take interest in him again. Every word out of his mouth seemed to be about Rupert and it was always caring and honest. He is certainly the poster child of a Rupert fan boy!” – Isaac

“Half Blood Prince really went to the guys this time. Rupert and Dan’s personalities came through and you can tell they have a strong friendship.” – Janine

“I’ve always seen Rupert and Dan as brothers. Rupert is the older and calmer one. He understands Dan and lets him know that he can be as unique as he wants and it’s okay. For Dan, he is certainly someone who looks up to Rupert. He supports him, believes in him, and picks him up when he feels doubtful. It’s a beautiful friendship and really shined through in 2009.” –Donna.

“2009 is all the proof in the world. There is no need to doubt it any longer. Rupert and Dan have and will always be friends and will share an unbreakable and loving bond. It doesn’t matter where life takes them. They will always have each other’s backs. They’re mates for life!” – Alysha

I could not agree more! There are so many different instances of where Danpert shown through a little more and brighter in 2009. It was a surprisingly loving and honest year for them. It was also a treat for us fans! For so long, there was wonder if they would ever be as close as they were when they were young blokes. However, they proved that growing up and going in different directions does not mean that the love or feeling left. No, as young men I believe that their bond is stronger and more secure now.

Therefore, I think that the men have put the rumor to rest. Rupert and Dan are, in fact, friends who have a lasting and loving relationship. No matter what the future holds for Danpert, I think it is clear that nothing will ever take away from all the experiences they have shared together; as well as all the feelings and confidence they have built in each other. Yes, 2009 was The Year of The Grint but it was also The Year of The Danpert!