Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter in the upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, revealed his intense response to receiving a personal note from Daniel Radcliffe. The Daniel Radcliffe letter reaction has attracted considerable interest, providing insight into the connection between the original star and the next generation of wizarding talent.
Dominic McLaughlin describes his response to Radcliffe’s letter
Dominic McLaughlin, the actor stepping into the role of Harry Potter, recently spoke about the moment he received a letter from Daniel Radcliffe, the original screen Harry. McLaughlin was on a train returning to Glasgow with his family when he was given the note, which made the experience feel even more surreal and memorable.
He explained that learning it was from Radcliffe left him stunned. After reading the letter and noticing the signature, “Dan R,” at the bottom, it dawned on him just how significant the gesture was. Even in public, he worked to maintain his composure and not draw attention to the emotional moment.
I read it and then I got to the bottom, and it said, ‘Dan R’. I was going mad, but I had to keep it cool. I was on the train.
– Dominic McLaughlin, Actor
Daniel Radcliffe offers encouragement to his successor
Daniel Radcliffe, known to millions as the original film Harry Potter, explained his motivation for reaching out to McLaughlin. He shared during a recent interview that he wanted to send a message of support, hoping McLaughlin and his fellow cast members would find their own joy and adventure in the new adaptation. According to Radcliffe, he didn’t want to overshadow the new cast but wanted to wish them well as they started this major chapter in their lives.
I just see these pictures of him and the other kids, and I just want to hug them. They just seem so young. I do look at them and say, ‘Oh, it’s crazy 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
The new adaptation: cast members and returning stars
The cast of the upcoming series will feature Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, with John Lithgow taking on the role of Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu playing Severus Snape, and Nick Frost cast as Rubeus Hagrid. This new iteration of the franchise blends established names with fresh faces to reimagine the world crafted by J.K. Rowling.
Longtime fans of the film series will recognize Warwick Davis, who will return once again as Professor Filius Flitwick. Maintaining the connection to the original films, Davis’s presence adds continuity for longtime viewers, while also offering familiarity for a new audience.
JK Rowling and ongoing controversy
J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter universe, has faced criticism in recent years for her public comments and writings regarding transgender rights. In 2020, she released a statement expressing her views on sex and gender, leading to backlash from LGBTQ+ charities such as Stonewall. Her subsequent posts on platforms like X in 2024, where she stated “there are no trans kids” and questioned the idea of being “born in the wrong body,” have continued to stir debate.
In May 2025, Rowling established the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which states its purpose as offering financial support to
individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights
. This move has sparked ongoing conversations about gender, rights, and representation in the public sphere.
Divergent responses from Harry Potter alumni
Various actors from the original movies have addressed Rowling’s comments in different ways. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are among those who have publicly distanced themselves from her remarks, voicing their support for the transgender community. At the same time, others such as Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jim Broadbent have expressed support or defended Rowling amid the controversy.
The future of Harry Potter on screen
This new adaptation brings together a new cast and creative team as they reinterpret Rowling’s iconic world for television. With Daniel Radcliffe offering encouragement and the involvement of actors like John Lithgow and Warwick Davis, the production has drawn attention across generations of fans.
The broader discussion around Rowling’s views continues, with key figures in the franchise staking distinct positions. As the show moves forward, its cast and the original stars will shape both its reception and the evolving cultural conversation surrounding the wizarding series.
