"I hope you have the best time" - Daniel Radcliffe writes a letter to HBO's Harry Potter series' Dominic McLaughlin

Daniel Radcliffe reveals that he wrote a personal letter to Dominic McLaughlin, who is set to play the titular character in HBO's Harry Potter series.

The actor explains on Good Morning America that he reached out shortly after McLaughlin’s casting was announced. He shares that the letter contains words of support and a simple message: he hopes the new Harry Potter actor enjoys the experience even more than he did.

"I just wanted to write to him to say, ‘I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did. I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time,'" Radcliffe shared.

McLaughlin, set to lead HBO's Harry Potter series for the next decade, responded with what Radcliffe describes as a “very sweet note.” As the production prepares for its long-term filming schedule, Radcliffe’s gesture marks a symbolic exchange between two generations of the franchise’s lead character.

Why did Daniel Radcliffe write to Dominic McLaughlin?

Radcliffe said that he doesn't think any future Harry Potter actors will get in touch with him. But he chooses to write to McLaughlin because he is acquainted with a few people who work on HBO's Harry Potter series. He says he wants to support the young cast without becoming too much of a presence in their lives.

He writes in his letter that he hopes McLaughlin has the "best time" playing the titular character. Radcliffe also talks about how young the new trio looks in early production images, which makes him reminisce how he felt when he started the film franchise in 2001.

Moreover, Radcliffe makes it clear that his message is basic and helpful. He doesn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He does say, though, that taking on the post is a long-term commitment.

Specifically, McLaughlin is likely to stay in the role for a long time, like Radcliffe did for 10 years, because HBO's Harry Potter series aims to make one season for each book.

Who is involved in HBO's Harry Potter series?

Alongside McLaughlin is Arabella Stanton who plays Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The other cast members are:

Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil
Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

As the young performers are slated to work on the series for over a decade, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has erected a temporary school on-site. The cast can continue their education while they film.

HBO's Harry Potter series will adapt one of J.K. Rowling's books each season. Rowling is also an executive producer on the show. HBO execs say that the show will try to stay true to the source material. It will be on HBO and HBO Max for the first time in 2027.

With a planned release schedule of ten years, this is one of the most ambitious television adaptations the network has ever announced.

How does Daniel Radcliffe view the reboot?

Daniel Radcliffe keeps a polite distance from HBO's Harry Potter series. He has stated in past interviews that he does not intend to appear in the reboot. He believes that the new creative team should make a clear distinction from the old film franchise.

While he feels linked to the character's heritage, he underlines the need of the relaunch having its own personality. Radcliffe's complimentary letter exemplifies this approach. He avoids influencing manufacturing decisions or providing direction.

Instead, he recognizes McLaughlin's path and wishes the young cast well.

With its scheduled 2027 premiere, HBO's Harry Potter series introduces a new generation to the story while maintaining ties to the franchise’s history. Radcliffe’s gesture highlights that transition, marking a moment of continuity as the series prepares for its next chapter.

Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez