Daniel Radcliffe, known worldwide as the original Harry Potter, has opened up about his personal letter to Dominic McLaughlin, the 11-year-old chosen to lead HBO’s upcoming adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling series. As the new project begins filming, Radcliffe’s gesture highlights his support for the next actor stepping into the iconic role, marking a symbolic handoff of the beloved character.
Having first portrayed Harry at the same age as McLaughlin, Radcliffe’s connection to the new star is both emotional and reflective. During a recent interview on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, Radcliffe discussed his decision to reach out through a heartfelt letter.
“I know a few people that are working on the production. So I wrote to Dominic and I sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back.”
—Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
The Daniel Radcliffe letter to successor contained words of encouragement rather than advice or instructions, focusing on the joy of the experience. Radcliffe emphasized that he wanted McLaughlin and his young castmates to enjoy the journey in their own way, while not feeling overshadowed by the legacy of the original cast.
“I do not want to be a specter in the lives of these children at all.”
—Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Expressing hopes for McLaughlin, Radcliffe shared:
“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.”
—Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Reflections on Youth and the Power of the Franchise
Dominic McLaughlin assumes the role of Harry Potter at the same point in his life when Radcliffe began filming the blockbuster franchise over two decades ago. Now 36, Radcliffe looks back on those formative years with both nostalgia and empathy for the new cast. He confessed that seeing photos of McLaughlin alongside actors Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout—set to play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively—brought back memories of his own early days in the role.
“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.”
—Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Alongside McLaughlin, the new trio forms the heart of the series, mirroring the original cast of Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. The show also introduces a distinguished group of adult actors, with John Lithgow portraying Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. This new ensemble aims to bring a fresh perspective to the well-known magical world created by Rowling and popularized on the big screen by Warner Bros.
Looking to the Future: Radcliffe’s Gratitude and Stepping Back
Since the conclusion of 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Radcliffe has maintained a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences and opportunities the franchise provided. However, he expressed little interest in returning for a cameo or supporting role in HBO’s upcoming series, signifying a deliberate effort to let the new cast make their mark without interference from the original stars.
“I don’t think so. I think they very wisely want to [have] a clean break. And I don’t know if it would work to have us do anything in it.”
—Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Radcliffe’s words, directed to his successor and to the new generation of “kids” stepping into the Wizarding World spotlight, underline the powerful legacy of the character and the franchise as a whole. As the new series prepares to embark on its own journey, the goodwill and encouragement from those who came before echo a spirit of camaraderie and hope. The Daniel Radcliffe letter to successor not only acknowledges the challenges but also celebrates the excitement of creating something new within a story cherished by millions.
