Daniel Radcliffe has revealed that he, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were once pitched a remake of The Wizard of Oz while filming the Harry Potter franchise. Speaking on Hot Ones, Radcliffe recalled the unusual proposal, describing it as “one of the worst ideas I’ve ever heard.”
The pitch envisioned Watson as Dorothy, while Radcliffe was cast as a karate‑kicking Cowardly Lion. “I remember I was like 14 or 15 and I was like, ‘I don’t know a lot about the world, but this is a bad idea and it should not be made,’” he said.
Trio’s Potter Fame
Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint rose to global stardom playing Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the eight Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011. Despite their enduring friendship, the trio have never worked together outside the franchise, except for the 2022 reunion special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
The Legacy of The Wizard of Oz
The original 1939 film remains untouched by official remakes, though spin‑offs and reimaginings have appeared over the years. Return to Oz (1985) and Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) explored different aspects of the fantasy world, while the hit stage musical Wicked retold the story from the witches’ perspective. Currently, Black‑ish creator Kenya Barris is developing a modern reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, though details remain under wraps.
Why It Never Happened
Radcliffe’s candid reflection highlights the challenges of capitalizing on young stars’ fame. While the idea of the Potter trio stepping into Oz might have intrigued some, Radcliffe’s instincts proved right — the project never materialized. The anecdote underscores how Hollywood often pitches bold crossover concepts, but not all are destined for success. For fans, it remains a curious “what if” in the careers of three of Britain’s most recognizable actors.
