Rupert Grint is starring in a much more grown-up role which will shocks his fans and, erm, his parents. He reveals film bosses gave him a preview DVD of Cherrybomb, which dad Nigel and mum Joanne were desperate to watch with their famous film star son. What neither of them knew was that it featured Rupert’s first X-rated nude scenes.
“It was agonising. The scene’s quite tastefully done but it’s not the sort of moment you really want to share with your mum and dad. When the scene arrived we all sat there not really saying anything. Afterwards nobody talked about it, which was kind of a relief.”
He explains: “I picked it because my character, Malachy, is a complicated lad with all kinds of teenage emotions and rebellion swirling around inside.”
But he admits he struggled to relate to rebellious, Malachy because of his unusual childhood, growing up in the public eye. “Basically, I was starring in the Potter films, earning a good salary and being recognised in the street – who’d want to rebel against that?” he quips.
“I know some people are going to criticise the use of drugs in the film but, as I get older, I’m naturally going to do more of these adult roles.”
The shoot lasted just four weeks, including rehearsals. The crew filmed 11 scenes a day – compared to just one with the Potter films.
“We’ve been working on the last two parts for more than a year – since February in fact. It’s been a long but fun process but it feels a bit strange now that it’s all coming to an end because it’s been such a massive part of my life.
“I guess none of us ever thought it would really end and packing up the dressing rooms will be weird. But I’m kind of looking forward to moving on and doing different things.”
He reveals: “At the moment I’m being offered a weird variety of roles. I remember once me, Daniel and Emma were offered parts in an Australian remake of The Wizard Of Oz. They wanted me as the Scarecrow, Emma was going to be Dorothy and Dan the Tin Man. I don’t know what happened to that.”
For now, Rupert is looking forward to a carefree summer off, riding around in his ice-cream van. He says excitedly: “I’ve just had it all done up because when I got it, it was a bit rough. “I don’t use it much in the winter but now it’s open season with the weather improving.
“It’s not the most practical vehicle and I’ve stopped playing the music because you get kids running out of their houses trying to buy a Cornetto. It’s basically a kitchen on wheels but I love it. I always wanted one.”
And what if he’s offered another racy sex scene? “Now that I’ve done one, next time I’ll be totally fearless,” he says, smirking. “...Or at least less nervous.”
Rupert: My first sex scene was tough - watching it with my parents was worse
