Radcliffe’s HP Rewatch Confession: ‘I Was A Cute Kid’!

Thescreescore – More than two decades after first donning the iconic round spectacles, Daniel Radcliffe, the actor synonymous with Harry Potter, is openly contemplating a return to his cinematic origins. As Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (known internationally as The Philosopher’s Stone) approaches its monumental 25th anniversary, the star who brought the Boy Who Lived to life is reflecting on the film that launched his global career, hinting at a potential rewatch that would undoubtedly thrill legions of fans.

During a recent conversation with Liam Crowley of thescreescore.com, held to discuss his latest project, the NBC sports comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Radcliffe touched upon the looming quarter-century milestone for the inaugural Harry Potter film. While initially suggesting he would "just keep living" through the anniversary, the acclaimed actor, a two-time Emmy nominee, acknowledged that "some sort of celebration" is indeed planned. He expressed genuine enthusiasm for the film’s impending theatrical re-release, calling it a "really cool" opportunity for the franchise’s devoted followers to experience the magic anew on the big screen.

The most intriguing revelation, however, came as Radcliffe mused about his own viewing habits. He confessed to a past reluctance to watch his early performances, particularly Sorcerer’s Stone, due to a sense of youthful embarrassment. Yet, with the passage of time, his perspective has softened. "Maybe now that I’m a lot older," Radcliffe pondered, "I never used to watch it because I was so young in it. I found it a bit embarrassing, but now I’d watch it and be like, ‘Oh, I was a cute kid.’ That’s fine. Maybe I’ll watch the first one again at some point." His co-star, Tracy Morgan, chimed in, suggesting such a rewatch "might spark nostalgia" for the actor.

Radcliffe’s evolving relationship with his defining role mirrors the diverse paths taken by his fellow Harry Potter alumni. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, has embraced a variety of genre-driven projects, from the surrealist Swiss Army Man to the psychological horror of Apple TV’s Servant. Emma Watson, Hermione Granger herself, has balanced independent cinema with blockbusters like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, while also stepping back from acting to explore the fashion world, citing a feeling of being "caged" by the profession. Radcliffe, too, has actively sought roles far removed from Hogwarts, tackling everything from the dark fantasy of Horns to the comedic absurdity of Miracle Workers, often speaking about the challenge of separating himself from his wizarding alter-ego, even as he remains profoundly proud of his time in the series – albeit critical of J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments and skeptical about a potential return to the character.

This moment of reflection for Radcliffe arrives amidst a vibrant period for the Harry Potter universe. HBO is currently deep in production on its highly anticipated reboot series, a venture Radcliffe has openly supported, even penning a thoughtful letter to the new Harry actor, Dominic McLaughlin, wishing him well. Concurrently, Tom Felton, beloved for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy, recently reprised his role for the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and shared a heartwarming reunion with Radcliffe at a screening for the latter’s Merrily We Roll Along recording.

While Radcliffe tempered his rewatch tease with a quick "I doubt it," his openness to revisiting Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a poignant gesture that resonates deeply with fans globally. With over nine months remaining until the official 25th anniversary, the film world eagerly awaits whether his original co-stars, particularly Grint and Watson, will also share their own reflections on the enduring magic of their cinematic debut.