Key Takeaways
- Daniel Radcliffe says it feels “surreal” seeing a new generation cast in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot.
- He’s spoken with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson about watching the franchise begin again.
- Radcliffe admits seeing 11-year-old actors step into the roles brings back powerful memories.
- The new cast includes Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Tout, and Arabella Stanton.
- Radcliffe reflected on child stardom and praised his parents for guiding him through it.
Daniel Radcliffe Reacts to HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot
Daniel Radcliffe is watching the wizarding world begin again — and it’s emotional.
The actor, now 36, recently admitted it feels “surreal” seeing new child stars cast in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series reboot.
Radcliffe first played Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. Over the next decade, he became one of the most recognizable child actors in the world.
Now, more than 20 years later, a new trio is stepping into Hogwarts.
Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Radcliffe shared:
“We’ve been reflecting on how surreal it is to watch people starting off on that journey, all those years later.”
The New Harry, Ron, and Hermione
HBO’s reboot has officially cast:
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
- Alastair Tout as Ron Weasley
- Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
For fans of the original films, seeing new faces in the iconic roles marks a major shift. For Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, it’s deeply personal.
Radcliffe revealed that he and his former co-stars have shared similar reactions:
“You just see pictures of these kids and you just want to grab them and hug them.”
He added:
“It’s one of those where I think we all just know how the others feel, because we’re also feeling it.”
Why It Feels “Surreal”
When Radcliffe was cast, he was just 11 years old. At the time, he didn’t fully grasp how life-changing the role would be.
Looking back, his perspective has completely changed.
“When you’re 11, and you’re doing something, you’re like, ‘Of course, I’m old enough to do this — I’m the oldest I’ve ever been.’”
But today, meeting 11-year-olds feels different.
“Now when I meet 11 year olds, I am like, ‘Whoa, that seems nuts.’ It puts into perspective.”
For actors and families entering the spotlight at such a young age, the scale of the experience is massive — global press tours, fan attention, and years-long commitments.
Reflecting on Child Stardom
Radcliffe has often spoken candidly about growing up in the public eye.
This time, he focused on gratitude — especially toward his parents.
“Honestly, it makes me admire… my parents, more than I was capable of doing at the time. Just going like, ‘Wow, you got me through something crazy.’”
He credits them with helping him navigate fame with humor and stability.
In recent years, conversations about child actors and mental health have become more prominent in Hollywood. From structured on-set protections to guardianship rules and financial safeguards, the industry has evolved since the early 2000s.
Radcliffe’s reflection highlights how critical strong support systems are for young performers.
Life After Harry Potter
Unlike many child stars, Radcliffe successfully transitioned into adult roles.
Since leaving Hogwarts, he has:
- Starred in Broadway and West End productions like Merrily We Roll Along
- Taken on indie films and darker roles
- Appeared in projects like The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
- Built a career focused on creative risks rather than blockbuster repetition
His career path has become a case study in post-franchise reinvention.
The Impact of the Harry Potter Franchise
The original Harry Potter film series:
- Spanned eight movies
- Grossed billions worldwide
- Defined a generation of moviegoers
- Launched multiple acting careers
Now, HBO’s television reboot aims to reintroduce J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to a new audience — this time in long-form storytelling.
For longtime fans, comparisons are inevitable. For the new cast, expectations are high.
What This Means for the New Cast
While Radcliffe hasn’t offered direct advice publicly, his emotional reaction suggests empathy more than anything else.
He understands:
- The pressure of carrying a beloved franchise
- The intensity of global fandom
- The experience of growing up on set
And perhaps most importantly — he knows how quickly childhood can shift when cameras are involved.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Radcliffe’s reaction to the new Harry Potter child stars is equal parts nostalgia and compassion.
Watching a new trio step into Hogwarts reminds him just how young he was when his own journey began.
For audiences, it marks the start of another magical era.
For Radcliffe, it’s a full-circle moment — one that feels both surreal and deeply human.
