Daniel Radcliffe has some advice for everyone buzzing about the new Harry Potter series on HBO. The actor, who famously played ‘The Boy Who Lived’ across eight films, wants fans to stop asking about him, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint whenever the new cast is mentioned.
“It’s important these kids have their own experience,” Radcliffe told ScreenRant. “I’d like not to be a weird spectral phantom in their lives. Let them just get on with it.”
He believes the new series is a chance for a fresh take, separate from the films that enchanted the world two decades ago.
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New faces take over Hogwarts
The cast for HBO’s Harry Potter series has been revealed, and the young actors are already capturing hearts. Dominic McLaughlin steps into Harry’s shoes, Arabella Stanton becomes Hermione, and Alastair Stour takes on the role of Ron.
Radcliffe expressed full faith in their abilities, joking that McLaughlin might even be “better than me and better than I was” in the role.
“It’s going to be new, it’s going to be different,” Radcliffe said. “And I hope the kids have the best time filming it.”
A letter of encouragement
Radcliffe isn’t just offering words to the press. He’s reached out directly. Last year, he sent a personal letter to McLaughlin wishing him well and hoping the young actor enjoys the experience even more than he did.
“I had a great time, but I hope he has an even better time,” Radcliffe revealed.
Radcliffe admitted that seeing photos of the new cast makes him feel both protective and nostalgic. “I just see these pictures of him and the other kids and I just want to hug them,” he told Good Morning America. “They just seem so young. I look at them and think, ‘Oh it’s crazy I was doing that at that age.’ But it’s also incredibly sweet, and I hope they’re having a great time.”