LONDON — In a shocking turn of events, Rupert Grint, best known for his iconic role as Ron Weasley in the beloved 'Harry Potter' film saga, is facing a hefty tax bill of $2.3 million. This comes after a protracted legal skirmish with the U.K. tax authority, H.M. Revenue and Customs (HMRC), surrounding his tax classification.

The legal issues date back to a tax return from 2012, which the authorities scrutinized thoroughly. The problem arose when Grint incorrectly categorized $5.7 million in income from residuals—funds generated from DVD sales, TV syndication, streaming rights, and other revenue streams—as a capital asset. This classification misstep meant he faced a much steeper tax burden, as capital gains are taxed at lower rates compared to regular income.

Despite Grint's legal team appealing the decision, their efforts were thwarted this week when Judge Harriet Morgan delivered a decisive ruling, stating that the money "derived substantially the whole of its value from the activities of Mr. Grint" and therefore should be taxed as income.

The 36-year-old actor captured hearts worldwide during his tenure in the Harry Potter universe from 2001 to 2011, reportedly earning around $30 million throughout the franchise. Grint's other ventures include television series like 'Snatch' and his role in the Apple TV+ show 'Servant,' but it's clear that this financial burden is a significant blow to his finances.

This is not the first tax-related setback for Grint; he previously fought for a $1.2 million refund in another court battle in 2019, which he ultimately lost. As he navigates these turbulent waters, many fans are left wondering how the boy wizard's best friend will weather the storm of legal and financial turmoil.

Stay tuned, as this unfolding saga may just conjure up more surprises!