Daniel Radcliffe begs Harry Potter fans not to put pressure on child actors in new TV series by making comparisons to original cast and says ‘I don’t want to be a weird phantom in their lives’

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Daniel Radcliffe has asked Harry Potter fans to avoid comparing the new TV series’ young actors to the original cast, as he doesn’t want to add unnecessary pressure to them.

In an interview on Tuesday, the 36-year-old actor, known for playing the main character in the film series, explained that he doesn’t want to become a distant figure in his children’s lives.

Oh. My. Gosh! I just found out the casting for the new HBO show and I’m losing it! Dominic McLaughlin is going to be Harry Potter! Can you believe it?! And Arabella Stanton is Hermione! Hermione! She’s perfect, I already know it. And Ron? Alastair Stout is taking on that role! I’m already counting down the days, this is going to be amazing! I’m so obsessed!

Daniel acknowledged that he believes Dominic will surpass him and asked fans to give the new stars space to develop, while addressing worries about the pressures of early fame.

He believes becoming famous at a young age can actually be simpler because the unusual aspects of fame become so integrated with your life that they just feel normal.

There was a lot of concern about taking care of the young actors once they were cast. If that’s what people are worried about, the best thing they can do is respect our privacy and not ask us personal questions.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Daniel expressed his desire to avoid being a haunting presence in his children’s lives and simply allow them to live their own lives without interference.

Things are changing, and a new generation will surpass me. I’m confident someone like Dominic will achieve even greater success than I have.

I figured things out along the way. Looking back, I’m much kinder to my past self, and I don’t cringe at my old mistakes as much anymore.

The actor shared some advice, saying it’s important to enjoy the experience and rely on the film crew. While people might imagine being guided by famous British actors, he explained that they weren’t there to parent or offer life advice – that wasn’t their role.

We became very close with the crew, and they’re still some of my closest friends today.

The HBO series has added Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser – who played Qyburn in Game of Thrones – as Garrick Ollivander to its cast.

Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby were announced the Mr and Mrs Dursley earlier this year. 

Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will play Professor McGonagall, and talented newcomer Paapa Essiedu will take on the challenging role of Severus Snape, previously known for Alan Rickman’s iconic portrayal.

Actor and comedian Nick Frost will play legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper Hagrid in the adaption.

Filming for the Harry Potter series began again in November, with the cast using the beautiful Ashridge Estate as the location for Quidditch scenes.

On the grounds of the Hertfordshire estate, Dominic McLaughlin, who plays the main character, was spotted with Louise Brealey, playing Madam Hooch, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.

As a huge fan, it’s amazing to me that the location they’re using feels like a full-circle moment! It’s the same grounds where they filmed the Quidditch World Cup scenes for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire back in 2005 – it’s like history repeating itself, and it adds such a special layer to everything!

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2026-02-18 12:48