Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe has revealed the words of encouragement he's passed down given to Dominic McLaughlin, the young star of HBO's upcoming TV series adaptation.
Radcliffe, now 36, was the same age as 11-year-old McLaughlin when he began filming the original Harry Potter film series 25 years ago. Now, the Wizarding World veteran has said he contacted his successor to wish him well.
"I know a few people that are working on the [TV series] production," Radcliffe revealed during an appearance on Good Morning America. "So I wrote to Dominic — and I sent him a letter and he sent me a very sweet note back."
"I just want to say, I do not want to be a specter in the lives of these children at all," Radcliffe acknowledged. "But I just wanted to say, 'I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did. I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better one.'"
"And I do," he continued. "I just see those pictures of him and all the other kids and I just want to hug them. They just seem so young. I do look at them and I go, 'Oh, it's crazy that I was doing that at that age.' But it's also incredibly sweet, and I hope they're having a great time."
As part of the same interview, Radcliffe expressed admiration and support for his fellow Potter movie co-star Tom Felton, who has just reprised his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter sequel play The Cursed Child. "I'm so happy," Radcliffe said. "I'm super excited he's in this, he's on Broadway and in this show."
Earlier this year, Sophie Turner, who began playing Sansa Stark on HBO's Game of Thrones aged just 13, offered some words of warning for McLaughlin — as well as Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, who will play Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively — after saying that growing up in the spotlight "almost destroyed" her.
Other previously-confirmed cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essidu as Severus Snape and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. Sherlock actress Louise Brealey has now been spotted as Quidditch teacher Madam Rolanda Hooch, while Game of Thrones' Anton Lesser portrays legendary wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. Alongside all the new faces, one familiar actor will return: Star Wars and Willow actor Warwick Davies is back as Professor Flitwick.
Filming is now well underway, with various glimpses spotted by fans including work on fresh scenes not from the prior movies or books. The Harry Potter TV series is expected to debut on HBO in early 2027, with an eight-episode first season.
Image credit: John Lamparski/Getty Images
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
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