Rupert Grint Hates Running but Loves His Role on “Snatch”

While his costars star in blockbuster Hollywood films, Rupert Grint has chosen to stay out of the mainstream spotlight in recent years, taking roles in the miniseriesThe Artist and small French films like Moonwalker.  Now he’s returning to TV in Snatch, a series based on the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name. His character is Charlie Cavendish-Scott, an eccentric young aristocrat who teams up with con man Albert, played by Luke Pasqualino. Charlie’s family is down on their luck and looking for a quick fix to their problems, as Rupert explains:

He’s from this kind of aristocratic background, but his parents have spent all the money. Their beautiful old Georgian house is in complete disrepair and is falling apart. His dad grows marijuana in the basement. His mum has these strange rendezvous with various men. All of the characters, they come from quite dysfunctional backgrounds and are trying to find a family with each other. Charlie is desperate to escape. He doesn’t fit into this world, and it’s not a natural place for him to be, but he’s desperate to prove himself.

Charlie is rather quirky on his own, a trait the directors chose to show with his odd sense of fashion. Rupert chose to use this costuming choice to delve into Charlie’s character:

Alex wanted it to feel like a different world, because I don’t think many people in reality dress like that. I got the rough end of the deal with my costume. A lot of tweed. He kind of looks a bit like an antique dealer. I struggled to tap into him, because he’s almost from a different time. I don’t think I’ve ever met anything like him…It really helps you immerse yourself in the character when you’re wearing these crazy things.

The show is reportedly a thrilling adventure, full of action and chase scenes. However, Rupert says his character isn’t one for violence:

There’s a lot of very choreographed setpieces [sic], a lot of guns. My character mainly just runs. And running is something that’s like a stunt for me. So definitely more running.

Acting isn’t Rupert’s only job on the Snatch set – he’s also the executive producer. The experience is a new one for him, but he says he’s got some fantastic mentors:

It was an interesting perspective; it’s something I always wanted to do. I was involved quite early on with Alex, before there was a script. I didn’t throw my weight around; I wasn’t making huge decisions and making a scene. But it was great to learn that aspect of things, and it’s definitely something I’d like to do more of in the future.

We’re so glad to see Rupert expanding his range and taking on roles behind the camera! Snatch’s second season returns in 2018.