Daniel Radcliffe makes heartfelt request to fans ahead of Harry Potter series

Daniel Radcliffe asked fans not to compare the new Harry Potter cast to the original stars.

Daniel Radcliffe is voicing his support for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot, but he has one clear request for fans.

The actor, who famously portrayed the Boy Who Lived in the original film franchise, recently addressed the reboot during an appearance on ScreenRant’s Debunking AI series. While expressing excitement for the new adaptation, Radcliffe asked fans to allow the next generation of actors to step into their roles without constant comparisons to the original trio.

“If everyone really means that” about protecting the new young stars, Radcliffe said, “one of the things you can do for me is not ask about us — me, Emma, Rupert — all the time.” He added that he would prefer not to be “weird spectral phantoms in these children’s lives.”

The HBO series, first announced in late 2022, aims to deliver a more faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels across a planned decade-long run. Francesca Gardiner is set to serve as showrunner.

In May 2025, HBO confirmed that Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively.

Radcliffe said he was moved by seeing fans around the world encourage others to “look after these kids” following the casting announcement. Still, he emphasized that giving the young cast space to interpret the characters on their own terms is just as important.

He has previously shared that he even wrote a letter to the new stars wishing them luck, noting how surreal it feels to watch someone else take on the role that defined his childhood.

The reboot has already faced scrutiny, including backlash toward some cast members. However, supporters from both the original films and the new series have publicly defended the young actors.

For Radcliffe, the message is simple: let the new cast make Harry Potter their own.