The upcoming “CBGB” may be about the titular NYC rock club of yore, but it’s also providing “Harry Potter” fans with a partial reunion.
It was announced earlier that Professor Snape himself, Alan Rickman, was playing Hilly Kristal, the founder of the punk-era venue CBGB, which helped launch the careers of the nascent ’70s acts The Ramones, Blondie, The Misfits, Patti Smith and others.
Now, according to Variety, Rupert Grint — who played Harry’s best pal Ron Weasley — is joining the cast as Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Crome, who’s just about the polar opposite of Ron.
Meanwhile, actress Malin Akerman has also signed on, transferring her from the hair metal ’80s of the upcoming “Rock of Ages” to the ’70s punk of “CBGB.” In a slightly more predictable casting move, she’ll play Debbie Harry, the stunning lead vocalist of punk-disco pioneers Blondie.
No word on who will play Smith or members of The Ramones, Television or The Talking Heads.
“CBGB” written by Randall Miller and Jody Savin (“Bottle Shock”), and is being produced by Kristal’s daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman. Miller will direct. Shooting is scheduled to begin next week in New York.