Daniel Radcliffe has made a heartfelt appeal to Harry Potter enthusiasts, urging them to stop quizzing the new young cast members about the original film stars.
The actor, who portrayed the young wizard for a decade, wants Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout to carve out their own identities in HBO’s upcoming television adaptation.
Mr Radcliffe argued that if fans genuinely wish to protect the children taking on the beloved roles, they should refrain from constantly bringing up comparisons with himself, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the original Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley actors.
The 36-year-old expressed confidence in his young successor, predicting that 11-year-old McLaughlin will surpass his own performance as the titular wizard.
Daniel Radcliffe portrayed Harry Potter in the films from 2001 to 2011
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SCREENRANT
Speaking to ScreenRant, Mr Radcliffe explained why he feels so passionately about the subject.
“When these kids got cast, there is a whole thing around the internet being like, ‘We have to look after these kids!'” he said.
“If you really mean that, then one of the things you can do is don’t ask about us me, Emma and Rupert all the time.
“I would like not to be weird spectral phantoms in these children’s lives.”
The cast of the HBO Harry Potter series have been confirmed
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GETTY
He went on to emphasise that supporters should “just let them get on with” the project, which he views as something distinctly separate from the films he became famous for.
HBO’s reimagining of the iconic wizarding world is scheduled to arrive in 2027, with production having commenced last year.
The streaming service plans to dedicate an entire series to each of the seven novels penned by JK Rowling.
McLaughlin has taken on the role of Harry Potter, whilst Stanton will portray Hermione Granger and Stout stars as Ron Weasley.
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout star as Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley
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HBO
The production boasts an impressive roster of talent alongside its young leads.
John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, a role previously held by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, with Janet McTeer taking the role of Minerva McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, whilst Nick Frost takes on Hagrid.
The series will also feature Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
The controversy surrounding Rowling’s gender critical views continues to cast a shadow over the production
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PAMr Radcliffe revealed he has been in contact with his former co-stars Ms Watson and Mr Grint as the new production progresses.
In an interview with PEOPLE, he described their conversations about “how surreal [it is] to watch people starting off on that journey, all those years later.”
Though the original trio haven’t discussed the series extensively, Mr Radcliffe noted they share an unspoken understanding.
“You just see the pictures of these kids, and you just want to grab them and hug them,” he explained.
