Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2010

With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 opening around the world simultaneously, the series’ youthful stars fanned out on publicity tours. Japan played host to Rupert Grint (who portrays Ron Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood). During their visit, the trio made stage appearances and greeted supporters in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. “Japanese fans are great,” said Grint, 22. “I couldn’t believe they came to give us gifts when we arrived at the airport.” The stars, of course, are no longer children, and the subject matter of the final installment, divided into two parts, reflects that. “This film definitely has an adult feel since we are not at school anymore,” said Grint. “My character experiences jealousy and paranoia.” Lynch, 19, said the decision to make the final book into two films was a brave but correct one, because “it gives us room to explore all the relationships between the characters.” The trio said they felt sad to be at the end of a journey that began nearly 10 years ago. “It’s hard to remember life before Harry Potter,” said Grint. “I think next July, when Part 2 comes out, is when it will really hit us that it is all over.” Wright, 19, said she had learned a great deal about acting, having started at age 9. “The Harry Potter experience has inspired me for the next phase of my life.”