Why Daniel Radcliffe Keeps ‘Harry Potter’ Fame From Son

The actor explained that although one of his biggest roles was as Harry Potter, he is more interested in being a good father to his son than showing him the world of “Harry Potter.”

Notably, the actor welcomed his first child with his partner, Erin Darke, in 2023. 

During a candid conversation with The New York Times, Radcliffe revealed that his son doesn’t know about his role in the famed franchise. 

He recalled leaving a signed “Harry Potter” DVD lying around the house and asking his son if he recognized the person on the cover. When his son said he didn’t, he felt relieved to know that he hadn’t figured it out yet. 

“He didn’t [recognize me], which is great. For as long as I can just be his dad, and he won’t know me as anything else, I will maintain that for as long as I can,” he recounted. 

Radcliffe also made it clear that he didn’t plan to particularly stop his son from gaining an interest in the books. 

“If he gets into them, I totally will, but I don’t think I’ll nudge him toward them, because I don’t think I’ll need to — he’ll find them eventually,” he added. 

In the event that Radcliffe’s son should develop an interest in the series, the actor would prefer he watch the upcoming HBO series so he “doesn’t have” to watch him in it. 

Radcliffe’s son was born in early 2023. According to The Blast, the actor and his partner, Darke, were spotted strolling with their newborn along the streets of New York City. 

In the photographs, Radcliffe was captured pushing the pram, while Darke walked behind him. They both donned casual clothing and looked comfortable as they took their son out for a stroll.

The actor opted for a casual grey T-shirt, a sweatshirt, sneakers, and slacks, while his partner donned a black shirt, blue denim, a green coat, and orange boots. 

Shortly after Radcliffe welcomed his son into the world, he opened up about being a first-time dad, noting that it was a life-changing experience. He so gushed about how hands-on his wife was with the baby. 

“It’s great. It’s crazy and intense, but he’s wonderful, and Erin is amazing — it’s a real privilege also to have this time with him,” he said, per The Blast.

The British actor also made it clear that he was happy to spend time with his family as they welcomed the newborn.

Despite still reaching for new heights in his career, Radcliffe noted that he plans to prioritize his son moving forward.

Amid his fatherhood journey, the “Harry Potter” star seemed to have been at the receiving end of criticism from creator J.K. Rowling, who took a jab at the stars of the show. 

According to The Blast, the author replied to a post that read, “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” by commenting, “Three guesses… sorry, that was irresistible.”

This seemed to be a direct jab at Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who all star in the famed series. 

Although Rowling didn’t specify who her comment was about, it fueled the speculation that it was a direct jab at the “Harry Potter” series. 

Radcliffe didn’t publicly address Rowling’s comments. However, he did reveal that he was once pitched a “Wizard of Oz” remake, which involved the same trio Rowling seemed to shade. 

The actor admitted that he disliked the pitch because it was “one of the worst ideas” he had ever heard. In the pitch, Watson was portrayed to play Dorothy, while he was supposed to be the Lion, but he didn’t buy into the idea.

“And I remember I was like 14 or 15, and I was like, ‘I don’t know a lot about the world, but this is a bad idea, and it should not be made,’” he said, according to Variety.