Asked whether he planned to watch HBO’s new Harry Potter series, Daniel Radcliffe had no firm answer. “I don’t know if I will,” said the actor who first played the young wizard.
The 37-year-old discussed the adaptation with the Associated Press at the November 8 world premiere of Steps in New York City. He also explained why he has avoided giving public advice to his successor, Dominic McLaughlin.
Radcliffe was 11 when filming began on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He went on to play the character in eight movies released between 2001 and 2011, growing up alongside the franchise’s audience.
His latest role takes him into another familiar story. In Steps, a new take on Cinderella, he voices the Prince. The animated film arrives on Netflix on November 20.
Radcliffe Says He Hasn’t Even Watched Breaking Bad or Mad Men
Radcliffe’s uncertainty comes partly from his viewing habits. He said he doesn’t watch television and has never seen Breaking Bad or Mad Men, despite their reputations as modern classics. “Eight hours is a lot of anything to watch,” he told the Associated Press, according to Variety.
He had previously entertained the idea of watching the adaptation with his son. During a February 2026 interview with ScreenRant, Radcliffe suggested that might be more enjoyable than showing his child the original films, explaining that he generally dislikes watching himself on screen.
He Wants Dominic McLaughlin to Avoid an Endless Round of Advice Questions
Radcliffe’s concern about offering guidance to McLaughlin, 12, is what would happen afterward. Anything he recommended could become something the younger actor was repeatedly asked to discuss in his own interviews.
“I don’t want to haunt this poor child through interviews,” Radcliffe said. He expressed confidence that McLaughlin would be excellent as Harry and said he looked forward to meeting him someday.
The two have already exchanged letters. During a November 2025 appearance on Good Morning America, Radcliffe revealed that he had contacted McLaughlin through people he knew on the production.
His message wished McLaughlin an even better experience than the one he had enjoyed. The younger actor sent a warm reply, and Radcliffe spoke about how moving it was to see photographs of the new cast beginning at such a young age.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Premieres on December 25
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone begins December 25 on HBO and HBO Max, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. The eight-episode first season opens a new adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels.
Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger, while Alastair Stout takes on Ron Weasley. The Hogwarts staff includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
One familiar performer is returning. Warwick Davis reprises Professor Filius Flitwick, whom he played in the films. Francesca Gardiner serves as writer, showrunner and executive producer. Mark Mylod also executive produces and directs multiple episodes.