by The moment Radcliffe referred to occurred while filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in 2009. The scene depicts Harry and Ron’s tense escape from the Ministry of Magic after infiltrating it in search of the locket Horcrux. It’s a serious, action-packed sequence – but Radcliffe and Grint struggled to get through it with straight faces.
“We were supposed to be focusing intently on getting out of there alive,” Radcliffe chuckled. “But we took one look at each other and just cracked up. I think it was the adrenaline and nerves getting to us.”
Director David Yates patiently halted filming multiple times to let his stars gather their composure. But they kept distracting each other by pulling silly faces or imitating other characters.
“Rupert did a perfect impression of Alan Rickman’s Snape which set me off again every time,” said Radcliffe. “And there was no stopping me once the giggles started. Poor David must’ve thought he was working with a couple of unruly schoolkids!”
First assistant director Michael Stevenson filled in backstory on the incident. “Daniel and Rupert were actually quite professional most of the time. But they definitely had their schoolboy moments.”
Stevenson recalled similar scenes being delayed because they got the giggles. “You couldn’t be mad at them,” he smiled. “They clearly had such a strong bond and were enjoying working together. And their laughter was rather infectious!”
It seems Radcliffe and Grint’s mischievous sense of humor was a common Harry Potter set occurrence. Castmates described pranks the duo would play, from hiding props to mocking up silly signs. “Those two jokers kept morale high even during the longest, toughest days,” said actor Warwick Davis fondly.
“Laughter and silliness was our way of bonding and dealing with the pressure,” explained Grint. “I’m delighted people are still entertained by our behind the scenes antics after all these years.”
Indeed, fans continue pore over every hilarious tidbit. Radcliffe telling US Weekly his funniest memory was Grint peeing on set when a scene dragged on too long. Grint reminiscing with Vulture about Radcliffe breaking a magically reconstructed set by sitting on it.
One particularly popular video shows bloopers of them repeatedly cracking up as they try to film the famous Seven Potters scene from Deathly Hallows. It seems noacting challenge was too serious for Radcliffe and Grint to undermine with their contagious humor!
But the pair’s long-lasting friendship is no joke. Though both now in their 30s with busy acting careers, they make an effort to stay in touch. “We don’t see each other as much these days but the friendship is still very strong,” said Grint last month.
They enjoy reminiscing about their decade working together on the Harry Potter films whenever they meet up. “That was such a key bonding time for us,” explained Radcliffe. “We’ll always have those wonderful memories.”
And their joint interview anecdotes will forever entertain Potter fans worldwide. Like how they played amandatory game called Ministry of Magic during rehearsals. Participants had to select a magical profession then argue why theirs was most vital.
“Rupert was adamant a wizarding joke shop owner was the most important Ministry role,” laughed Radcliffe. “He was rather offended when I insisted Aurors like Potter took their jobs more seriously!”
Even director David Yates chimed in with his favorite Harry and Ron behind the scenes moment.
“I always think of them racing broomsticks down this beautiful old Victorian corridor. Two young boys just having the time of their lives as wizards. That joy and wonder they constantly inspired really made the films magical to me.”
Indeed, Radcliffe and Grint’s legendary mischievous friendship added inimitable fun and humanity to the acclaimed Harry Potter series. And fans worldwide will forever cherish the hilarity and heart their bromance brought to the beloved films.
So while the exact Ministry escape scene incident may remain a mystery, we can rest assured Radcliffe and Grint’s antics that day resulted in side-splitting laughter all round! Their humor and loyalty continues warming millions of hearts to this day.
