Daniel Radcliffe reacts to Saturday Night Live’s Harry Potter themed Heated Rivalry sketch

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Daniel Radcliffe has responded to the recent Harry Potter-themed “Heated Rivalry” sketch on Saturday Night Live.

The 36-year-old actor recently discussed a comedic sketch from last month’s show, where Finn Wolfhard played Harry and Ben Marshall portrayed Ron Weasley.

The hockey romance novel, “Heated Rivalry,” is getting a lot of attention for its steamy scenes. The story centers on Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two professional hockey players who fall in love in secret.

SNL took on Heated Rivalry conjuring up a romance between Harry and Ron in ‘Heated Wizardry’.

Daniel recently told Rolling Stone that he’d actually met Finn Wolfhard a few weeks earlier, completely by chance, and they’d had a short conversation, which is why the sketch news felt so strange.

He texted me the day before the show aired to let me know they were doing a Harry Potter sketch. I haven’t watched ‘Heated Rivalry’ myself, but my girlfriend is a big fan, so I’ve heard about it.

I probably didn’t catch all the humor, but I found it really funny and heartwarming. I always enjoy seeing different takes on that story – it consistently makes me smile.

The comedy sketch featured Ron and Harry unexpectedly falling in love after a competitive Quidditch rivalry, a storyline that echoed themes from the original series.

A voice announced that the popular Harry Potter universe is coming to television on HBO.

‘With an all new story hastily written after the success of a certain other HBO show…’

In December, Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton, who both starred in the Harry Potter films, came together in New York to attend a screening of Daniel’s latest movie, putting any past disagreements behind them.

The two actors, who starred in all eight films of the popular magical series, seemed genuinely happy to reunite, even though they have different opinions on J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, and her controversial views on transgender rights.

Daniel, known for playing the main character from 2001 to 2011, looked happy while talking with Tom, 38, who famously played Draco Malfoy, Harry’s rival, in the films. They chatted before a special screening of Daniel’s new movie, Merrily We Go Along.

Although the two friends had a warm reunion, they’ve publicly disagreed since Daniel spoke out against, and Tom defended, JK Rowling’s views on gender identity and biological sex. Rowling, 60, has been outspoken against the idea that a person’s gender identity can differ from the sex they were assigned at birth.

In 2020, Daniel joined other actors from the Harry Potter films in publicly criticizing the author’s views on transgender people. However, Tom has continued to support J.K. Rowling, stating he isn’t influenced by her opinions.

The duo appeared to be getting on as famously as ever at the event despite their views. 

J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights have sparked controversy globally, and she’s been labeled a trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) as a result.

In 2020, Daniel Radcliffe publicly affirmed that transgender women are women, and he emphasized that denying this truth disrespects and invalidates transgender identities.

The actor apologized to fans who were upset by J.K. Rowling’s comments and stated his desire to support them.

The author claimed on social media that Daniel and his co-star Emma Watson supported a movement aiming to roll back women’s rights and publicly encouraged gender transition procedures for young people.

Daniel also revealed he has had no direct contact with JK since the controversy.

He expressed deep sadness, reflecting on the person he knew – remembering their encounters, her writing, and the imaginative world she built. He found all of it profoundly moving and empathetic.

I’ve noticed Tom has consistently supported JK, and he’s been careful about publicly sharing his own opinions on the issues she’s involved in. Honestly, I think that’s why he’s still part of the franchise – it seems like staying neutral on this has been important for keeping his role.

Earlier this year, when asked if the debate surrounding J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights influenced his choice to reprise his role in ‘The Cursed Child,’ Tom stated that it hadn’t. He explained he wasn’t particularly aware of the issue.

I always try to remember how fortunate I am to have traveled the world. Being here in New York, I’ve realized nothing unites people quite like J.K. Rowling and her work, and I’m deeply thankful for the connection she’s created.

He has consistently supported and championed J.K. Rowling, continuing to appear at fan conventions and events. He previously shared his reasons for doing so in an interview with The Times.

To be honest, I can’t speak to what anyone else has said. But I often think about how, especially when I’m at Comic Cons, no one has brought more happiness to people of all ages and backgrounds than this person.

Even though I haven’t met her often, I always remember how kind and positive she is, both in her work and as a person. I really appreciate those interactions.

He continued, explaining that he generally avoids taking sides in disagreements. While he wouldn’t go into detail, he likes to remember – and remind others – that he has many close friends who live their lives differently than he does, making choices he doesn’t always share or understand.

‘We should enjoy celebrating each other’s differences.’

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2026-02-15 21:34