Daniel Radcliffe has disclosed that he has maintained contact with his former Harry Potter co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as they collectively reflect on the forthcoming television adaptation of the beloved series. The actor, now 36 years old, famously portrayed the titular boy wizard across eight films from 2001 to 2011, alongside Rupert Grint, 37, as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson, 35, as Hermione Granger.
Nostalgic Reflections on a New Generation
In anticipation of the HBO series based on J.K. Rowling's books, Daniel explained that the trio have shared their thoughts about how surreal it feels to witness a new generation embarking on the same magical journey they undertook decades ago. The television production will feature Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton cast as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout taking on the role of Ron Weasley.
Daniel elaborated that while he, Rupert, and Emma haven't engaged in extensive communication specifically about the show, they are all experiencing similar emotions of nostalgia and a protective instinct toward the young actors stepping into these iconic roles. He told PEOPLE magazine: "It's one of those situations where I believe we all intuitively understand how the others feel because we're experiencing it ourselves. When you see photographs of these children, your immediate impulse is to embrace them and offer support. That's the predominant sentiment we share."
Perspective Gained from Fatherhood
Daniel, who was merely eleven years old when he began filming the first Harry Potter movie, added that observing Dominic, Arabella, and Alastair assume these legendary characters has provided him with fresh insight into his own youthful experience. He now recognizes just how remarkably young he was during that period of his life.
"When you're eleven years old and engaged in such an endeavor, you naturally believe you're sufficiently mature—after all, you're the oldest you've ever been," he remarked. "However, encountering eleven-year-olds today makes me think, 'Wow, that seems absolutely extraordinary.' It truly puts everything into perspective."
Now a father to a two-year-old son with his partner Erin Darke, Daniel expressed that this parental role has given him renewed appreciation for his own parents, who guided him through that whirlwind chapter. "Honestly, it increases my admiration for my parents more than I could possibly convey at the time," he stated. "I frequently tell them, 'You successfully navigated me through something utterly insane, and you managed it with tremendous humor.' That was undoubtedly a monumental undertaking."
Passing the Torch with a Personal Letter
The star of The Woman in Black previously revealed how he symbolically passed the torch to Dominic McLaughlin by composing a heartfelt letter of encouragement. Daniel clarified that he had no desire to loom as an intimidating figure over the new cast but was eager to wish Dominic the very best experience in portraying The Boy Who Lived.
Speaking on Good Morning America in November, he recounted: "I wouldn't presume that every future Harry Potter actor needs to reach out. However, since I'm acquainted with several individuals involved in the production, I decided to write to Dominic. I sent him a letter, and he reciprocated with an exceptionally kind note. My intention was simply to convey, 'I hope you have the most wonderful time—perhaps even better than I did, because I genuinely enjoyed myself, but I wish you an even more remarkable experience.' And I sincerely mean that."
Dominic later expressed his exhilaration about receiving correspondence from "the man himself," recalling that he was traveling by train back to Glasgow when his father handed him the letter. "I read it and noticed the signature 'Dan R.' at the bottom," he remembered. "I was absolutely ecstatic but had to maintain my composure since I was on a crowded train. It felt completely surreal."
Controversy Surrounding J.K. Rowling's Views
Nevertheless, the impending HBO adaptation has been clouded by significant controversy due to creator J.K. Rowling's vocal opposition to transgender rights. The author has been labeled a trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) and faced substantial backlash for her statements, which include asserting that trans women are men attempting to infiltrate spaces designated for biological women and declaring she would rather face imprisonment than use a trans person's preferred pronouns.
Her rhetoric has further escalated to target other segments of the LGBTQ+ community, including non-binary individuals and broader queer identities, while also falsely accusing cisgender female Olympian Imane Khelif of being male. In response to these contentious remarks, numerous Harry Potter cast members have publicly distanced themselves from Rowling, with many expressing support for transgender rights.
Cast Members Speak Out in Support
In 2020, Daniel Radcliffe issued a statement through The Trevor Project, emphasizing that despite his personal history with Rowling, he felt obligated to address fans whose connection to the books had been adversely affected by her comments. "To all those who now feel their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am profoundly sorry for the pain these remarks have caused you," he wrote. "Transgender women are women. Any assertion to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender individuals and contradicts all guidance provided by professional healthcare associations, who possess far greater expertise on this subject than either Jo or myself."
He continued: "While Jo is undoubtedly responsible for the trajectory my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to collaborate with and continues to support The Trevor Project over the past decade—and simply as a human being—I feel compelled to speak out at this moment."
In 2024, Daniel revealed that he has had no direct communication with Rowling since the controversy erupted, explaining that he and other cast members have voiced their opinions to demonstrate that the author's views are not universally shared within the Harry Potter universe. "It genuinely saddens me because I reflect on the person I encountered, the moments we shared, the books she authored, and the world she created—all of which strike me as profoundly empathetic," he said.
Additional Cast Responses
Rupert Grint has also spoken up, telling The Times in 2020: "I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment." In March of the following year, he elaborated on his decision to oppose Rowling's comments, noting that while he maintains "huge respect" for the author, he can still disagree with her perspectives.
Emma Watson has been perhaps the most vocal in her condemnation of Rowling's views. She previously posted on social media: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
However, in September, Rowling retaliated against the actress after Emma mentioned that despite their differing opinions, she "still treasures" the author. Rowling suggested on X that Emma's stance on trans rights stemmed from a lack of "real life" experience and accused her of adding fuel to the abuse Rowling had endured.
Wider Support from the Harry Potter Universe
Other Harry Potter stars who have spoken out amid the ongoing divide include Harry Melling, Bonnie Wright, and Eddie Redmayne. Bonnie, who portrays Ginny Weasley, tweeted: "If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x."
Harry Melling, known for playing Dudley Dursley, stated in an interview: "I can only speak for myself, and what I feel, to me, is very simple, which is that transgender women are women and transgender men are men."
Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, who starred in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, issued a message to Variety declaring: "I disagree with Jo's comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it's time to let them do so."
Recent Comments from Stephen Fry and John Lithgow
Stephen Fry, who narrated the Harry Potter audiobooks, has also distanced himself from Rowling, whom he once considered a friend, for inciting hatred against trans people and failing to disavow more extreme remarks. He told The Show People podcast in June last year: "She has been radicalized, I fear, possibly by TERFs but also by the vitriol directed at her. It is unhelpful and only hardens her position. I disagree profoundly with her on this subject. She says things that are inflammatory and contemptuous, mocking and add to a terribly distressing time for trans people."
Most recently, John Lithgow, set to portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO television adaptation, addressed the controversy. The 80-year-old actor revealed that a friend with a transgender child sent him a link to an article titled "An open letter to John Lithgow: Please walk away from Harry Potter," which he admitted made him feel "uncomfortable."
Last month, he remarked: "I take this subject extremely seriously. J.K. Rowling has created this amazing canon for young people—literature that has leaped into society's consciousness. Young and old alike adore Harry Potter and its stories. They revolve around acceptance, good versus evil, and kindness versus cruelty. It's deeply felt. I find it ironic and somewhat inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views."
John continued: "It troubles me when people vehemently oppose my involvement in this project. However, within the Potter canon, you find no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She has crafted a meditation on kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a truly beautiful role to undertake."
