Daniel Radcliffe reveals John Lithgow’s ‘sweet’ verdict on new Harry Potter cast
The original Harry Potter star has shared details of a backstage conversation with the veteran actor playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s forthcoming television adaptation.
Daniel Radcliffe has revealed he recently received an encouraging update on HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation from John Lithgow, who is taking on the role of Albus Dumbledore.
The actor, 36, spoke about the conversation while attending the 79th Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday (07.06.26), with Daniel having played boy wizard Harry Potter across all eight films on the character adapted from J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels.
He said he had recently met with John, 80, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the new television series of the Potter books.
Speaking about John’s stage performance before the Tonys, Daniel told People magazine: “I went to see his show the other day and he's incredible in it.
“And I hope I get to cheer him when he wins tonight.”
The prediction proved correct when John collected his third Tony Award later in the evening.
Daniel said: “I got to go backstage, and he was so lovely.”
The production marks the latest return to Rowling’s Wizarding World franchise, with a new generation of actors preparing to bring the books to the screen.
Daniel was nominated for his Broadway performance in Every Brilliant Thing, while John won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his portrayal of author Roald Dahl in Giant.
The pair also discussed their shared connection to the Harry Potter universe, with Daniel having led the original film franchise and John now preparing to join the television adaptation.
Daniel said: “We didn't really talk about details particularly.
“But he was telling me about how well it's going and how fond he is of the kids.”
The actor added it was reassuring to hear positive reports from the set as production continues on the highly anticipated series.
He said: “It's very, very sweet.
“And it's nice to know it's, you know, all going well.”
The new adaptation will star Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, the role that launched Daniel to international fame more than two decades ago.
Joining him are Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The first season, directed by Mark Mylod, will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first novel in Rowling’s seven-book series.
Interest in the production has remained high since casting announcements were made, with fans recently getting their first glimpses of the series through set photographs and early promotional footage released earlier this year.
John’s casting as Dumbledore has been among the most discussed elements of the adaptation.
Daniel remains closely associated with the Harry Potter films, despite building an extensive post-franchise career that has included performances in Swiss Army Man, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Miracle Workers and numerous stage productions.
His Broadway work has earned critical acclaim, including recent praise for Every Brilliant Thing.
John, meanwhile, is known for a career spanning theatre, film and television, including acclaimed roles in The Crown, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Conclave, as well as his award-winning stage performances.
