Daniel Radcliffe says new HBO Harry Potter cast feels 'surreal'

Daniel Radcliffe reacts to HBO’s new Harry Potter cast, calling the experience surreal and emotional

Daniel Radcliffe says it feels “surreal” to see a new generation step into the Wizarding World as production begins on HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter adaptation.

In an interview with People, Radcliffe reflected on the experience while promoting his new NBC comedy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins. The actor said that seeing photos of the newly cast child stars has stirred strong emotions among the original trio.

Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively, in the HBO series, which plans to adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels into individual seasons.

Radcliffe shared that he, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have privately discussed the reboot, noting how unusual it feels to watch 11-year-olds embark on the same journey they began more than two decades ago. He added that revisiting those memories has given him a deeper appreciation for his parents’ support during the height of the franchise’s global fame.

Now 36 and a father himself, Radcliffe acknowledged that guiding a child through such an intense spotlight would feel overwhelming. Meanwhile, he continues expanding his career beyond the wizarding role, recently winning a Tony Award and preparing for a return to Broadway.

The HBO Harry Potter series is currently in production, marking a new chapter for the globally successful fantasy franchise.