Daniel Radcliffe reveals why he may never watch new Harry Potter series
The former boy wizard has admitted he is in no hurry to revisit Hogwarts as HBO prepares to introduce a new cast, including 12-year-old Dominic McLaughlin, in its ambitious television adaptation.
Daniel Radcliffe has admitted he may never watch the new Harry Potter television series – revealing he has a long list of acclaimed shows to catch up on before revisiting the wizarding world.
The actor, 37, who became a global star playing Harry Potter across eight blockbuster films, has ruled out making the forthcoming HBO adaptation a viewing priority.
The new series, which is expected to premiere next month, will introduce a new generation of Hogwarts pupils, led by Dominic McLaughlin, 12, who is taking over the title role made famous by Daniel.
He said: “I don’t know if I will [watch], honestly.”
Daniel added: “I’ve been in a lot of Harry Potter already… and also I don’t watch any TV.”
The actor revealed several of television’s most celebrated dramas remain unwatched in his household, despite their popularity with audiences.
He said: “I haven’t seen Breaking Bad. I haven’t seen Mad Men.
“I haven’t seen some of the like the real classics. So, you know, eight hours is a lot of anything to watch.”
Daniel, who first appeared as Harry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, played the character for a decade before the film franchise concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011.
He starred alongside Rupert Grint, 38, as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson, 36, as Hermione Granger, with the eight films becoming one of cinema’s most successful franchises.
Despite his reluctance to watch the new adaptation, Daniel has spoken positively about Dominic, who will portray the young wizard in HBO’s retelling of the original novels.
Daniel said the young actor “doesn’t need any advice”, explaining he did not want remarks made during interviews to “haunt” his successor throughout his career.
He also said Dominic “will be amazing” and expressed hope that the pair might meet in the future.
Dominic will appear alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, forming the central trio in the new television adaptation.
Filming began last year at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, where the original Harry Potter films were also produced.
The series is being developed as a “faithful adaptation” of the seven novels written by JK Rowling, 61, who is serving as an executive producer.
The author has remained a prominent figure in public debate over her views on transgender rights, while continuing to be involved in the development of the television adaptation.
The production has assembled a cast of established British and international actors, including John Lithgow, 81, as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.
Janet McTeer, 65, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Nick Frost, 54, best known for Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Spaced, takes over the role of Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Paapa Essiedu, 36, whose television credits include I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, will portray Professor Severus Snape, a character previously played by the late Alan Rickman.
Johnny Flynn, 43, will play Lucius Malfoy, replacing Jason Isaacs, 63, who portrayed the character in the original films and more recently appeared in the acclaimed HBO drama The White Lotus.
Other cast members include Louise Brealey, 47, as flying instructor Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser, 74, as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.
Rory Wilmot will portray Neville Longbottom, while Amos Kitson has been cast as Harry’s cousin Dudley Dursley.
