Daniel Radcliffe Isn’t Sure He’ll Watch HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series, and His Reason Is Relatable

Daniel Radcliffe’s relationship with HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ series has been one of the more charming subplots of the reboot. The actor who played the Boy Who Lived in all 8 Warner Bros. films has repeatedly cheered on the new cast, even as fans compare them to the original stars.

The new show is almost here. HBO is adapting all 7 of J.K. Rowling’s novels, with one season dedicated to each book, and the first season premieres on HBO on December 25. Dominic McLaughlin leads the series as Harry, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron, after the trio emerged from an open casting call of more than 30,000 hopefuls.

Now Radcliffe has revealed he may not actually watch it. Speaking to the Associated Press at the New York premiere of Netflix’s animated film ‘Steps’, he admitted he honestly doesn’t know whether he will check out the series.

His reasons are refreshingly simple. Radcliffe explained that he has already watched and been in plenty of ‘Harry Potter’, and that he doesn’t really watch TV at all. He added that he has never seen ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Mad Men’, and joked that 8 hours of anything is a lot to sit through.

The comment marks a slight shift in tone. Radcliffe previously told ScreenRant that he was excited to show his child HBO’s reboot so his son wouldn’t have to watch him in the role. Radcliffe was also asked whether he had any tips for 12-year-old McLaughlin, and he politely declined. He told the AP that he is firmly committed to not giving McLaughlin advice, insisting the young actor already has it covered.

"He doesn’t need any advice from me": Daniel Radcliffe held back on advising Dominic McLaughlin on his portrayal of Harry Potter in the upcoming TV series. Radcliffe voices the prince in the new animated film "Steps." #DanielRadcliffe #HarryPotter #DominicMcLaughlin https://t.co/lT2IJdD2ST

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2026

His reasoning shows real care for the new star. Radcliffe explained that anything he says would follow McLaughlin into future interviews, with reporters asking about it, and he doesn’t want to haunt the young actor that way. He added that McLaughlin is going to be amazing and that he hopes to meet him someday.

Radcliffe has backed McLaughlin from the start. On ‘Good Morning America’ last year, he revealed that he wrote a letter to McLaughlin after the newcomer was cast. McLaughlin later said receiving Radcliffe’s support felt insane.

New posters for HBO’s ‘HARRY POTTER’ series. Premieres December 25 on HBO. https://t.co/T8xqd9MCND

— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 9, 2026

Radcliffe has also asked the media to give the new cast space. In a February interview with ScreenRant, he urged the press not to keep asking the young actors about him, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. He even predicted that McLaughlin would end up being better in the role than he was, noting that he spent a long time learning how to act while making the films.

The new trailer for the ‘HARRY POTTER’ series has been released. Releasing December 25 on HBO. https://t.co/c0YLmIYbIN

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 2, 2026

Having been a child star himself, Radcliffe’s protectiveness makes sense. He knows better than anyone how much attention comes with playing Harry. The series features plenty of familiar faces beyond its young leads. John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, and Kit Harington has joined the cast as Gilderoy Lockhart.

HBO is clearly planning for the long haul. A second season has already been confirmed, and the goal is to adapt every book in the saga. Radcliffe has plenty on his plate in the meantime.

Along with ‘Steps’, he stars in ‘The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins’, whose episodes are only 22 minutes long, which may be more in line with his viewing habits. Whether or not he tunes in on Christmas Day, Radcliffe’s message is clear. He wants the new Harry to have the chance to make the role his own.

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