Despite being the face of the Harry Potter franchise ever since it hit the big screen almost 25 years ago, Daniel Radcliffe is not going to be part of the new TV series that is currently in the works.
Max are intending to adapt J.K. Rowling's seven novels into a series for their streaming platform, with new actors taking on the roles once played by Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, among others.
Speaking to comicbook.com, Radcliffe, 33 explained, "My understanding is that they're trying to very much start fresh and I'm sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere."
When asked if he wanted to appear, the Woman In Black star replied, "I'm definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world and I'm very excited to have that torch passed. But I don't think it needs me to physically pass it."
Warner.Bros Discovery announced a TV adaptation back in April, billing the project as a "faithful adaptation", with each season reportedly dedicated to a single book.
In a statement, HBO and Max CEO and Chairman Casey Bloys said, "We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.
"In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years."
Rowling is set to be involved as an executive producer, despite multiple recent controversies surrounding her views on trans rights. The author has been involved in several social media storms based on her opinions surrounding trans women, which has seen her labeled as a TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist) and alienate swathes of her followers.
Some Harry Potter fans have threatened to boycott the new Max series over Rowling's involvement as an executive producer. HBO CEO Bloys was questioned on the author's views by Variety, but he dodged the questions that were presented to him.
"I don’t think this is the forum," he said to the outlet. That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we’re going to get into.
"Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority - what’s on screen."