Daniel Radcliffe has confirmed that he personally sent a supportive letter to Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor set to play Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming television reboot. Speaking on Good Morning America, Radcliffe said he wanted to encourage the new cast as production for the series continues in the UK. The exchange marks the first direct communication between the original franchise star and the next generation of actors. Radcliffe, who originated the role at age 11, emphasized that his intention was to reassure the newcomers during the early stages of filming. The message further highlights Radcliffe’s ongoing connection to the legacy of the character.
Daniel Radcliffe, best known for portraying Harry Potter in the 2001–2011 Warner Bros. film series, revealed that he privately reached out to Dominic McLaughlin, the 11-year-old cast as the new Harry Potter in HBO’s long-form adaptation. The new series, now filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden near Watford, will retell J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga over a planned 10-year production cycle.
Radcliffe said he wanted to offer encouragement as McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), and Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) begin work on the first season. More than 30,000 children auditioned before HBO selected the new trio, who are considered promising newcomers.
Quotes & Reactions
Daniel Radcliffe explained his motivation during his interview:
“I don’t want to be a specter in the life of these children, but I wanted him to know that I hope he has the best time possible. I had a great experience, and I genuinely wish an even better one for them.”
He added that he felt protective when he saw early images of the young actors, describing them as “incredibly sweet” and “so young.”
McLaughlin reportedly sent Radcliffe a “very sweet note back,” acknowledging the veteran actor’s encouragement.
Industry analysts say Radcliffe’s support sets a positive tone for the reboot, which has drawn intense global attention.
Television critic Martin Reeves noted:
“For Radcliffe to step in with genuine encouragement helps bridge the gap between the original film era and the new adaptation. It’s a respectful passing of the torch.”
What It Means for the Franchise
Radcliffe’s outreach reinforces public confidence in HBO’s ambitious plan. The involvement of legacy cast members, even informally, strengthens interest in the adaptation while reducing fan skepticism. The new cast includes Lox Pratt (Draco Malfoy), Alessia Leoni (Parvati Patil), Leo Earley (Seamus Finnigan), Rory Wilmot (Neville Longbottom), and Amos Kitson (Dudley Dursley). Adult roles feature John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
The reboot aims to provide a book-accurate version of the story, a key selling point for long-time fans. Radcliffe’s support may help unify fans of the original films with viewers eager for a more expansive adaptation.
What’s Next
Filming for Season 1 is underway and the series is scheduled to debut in 2027. With production spanning a decade, Warner Bros. received permission earlier this year to build an on-site school for the child actors. Additional casting updates and behind-the-scenes features are expected throughout 2026 as the project progresses.
Daniel Radcliffe’s gesture signals goodwill toward the new generation, underscoring the enduring cultural impact of Harry Potter and its evolving legacy.
Sources
BBC
HBO
Warner Bros. Television
Good Morning America
Variety
Deadline
