At 34 years of age, Daniel Radcliffe boasts of being a household name. The actor’s decade-long stint with the Harry Potter franchise launched him from an aspiring child star to one of the world’s highest-paid actors. However, he is far from done yet and his active career has taken him far and wide with many roles coming off several productions as well as fan casts and theories pitching him right at the gates of the hottest current genre – comic book movies with Marvel and DC fans eyeing him for popular roles.
Contrary to these storming topics around him, the star, however, may have other plans. While he has not spoken out formally about such fan casts, his latest comments could hint at his thoughts. At a time when both the live-action superhero production houses are moving through pivotal phases and locking in actors for key characters, the famed celebrity may be looking at somewhere completely opposite, much to the dismay of fans.
Daniel Radcliffe hints at giving both Marvel and DC a miss
One of the most anticipated movies in recent times, Deadpool & Wolverine, will arrive in theaters shortly, but it has gained sufficient traction for rumors of Daniel Radcliffe appearing in it as a Wolverine variant aka Patch. The fan talks and theories surrounding that possibility have reached the zenith and many have already imaged him getting into the role. Yet, in the June 2024 issue of the Atlantic, the actor hinted at his likelihood of not moving to any other major franchise, as well as his willingness to keep experimenting with multiple roles.
“Harry Potter is going to be the first line of my obituary. I wanted to try as many different things under my belt, knowing that it was going to be the accumulation of all of those things, rather than one thing, that would actually sort of transition me in people’s minds.”
The famed star’s notes for the Harry Potter franchise fade out the probability of him taking on a role like Wolverine or even John Constantine for DC. The reason being the usually long contract period that superhero roles have attached to themselves. Furthermore, in the decade or so of playing the character, an actor becomes inseparable from it, similar to Hugh Jackman for Wolverine or Ryan Reynolds for Deadpool.
Radcliffe taking on such a role would likely have a big impact on his legacy and in some way or form may either stand equal to or even greater than his legacy as the wizard from the Harry Potter franchise. Although his comments may also signify his first appreciation for the role that made him famous in the first place, other subtle hints also point out his preference for not obliging in the superhero genre.
An unconventional career following Harry Potter exit
Daniel Radcliffe first appeared in J.K. Rowling’s magical book adaptations in 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the age of 12 and exited the last role with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows-Part 2 at 21 years of age. After amassing a whopping $110 million fortune, he decided to move his career towards unconventionality and a road full of challenges. Instead of opting to join a franchise, he tried his luck with several movies and series that demanded his versatility as an actor, which he also spoke of in the same interview.
“I’ve realized over the years that if there’s a sweet spot to be found between deeply fucking weird and strange and almost unsettling, and kind of wholesome and earnest and very sincere, then that’s the stuff I really love doing.”
Once again, the comments highlight his interest in staying from long contracts and stereotypes involved with Marvel and DC roles. Additionally, he might also not receive the chance to explore head-on challenges as an actor once after signing on with Marvel and DC. Outings like The Woman in Black, Horns, and Swiss Army Man showcase his relentless pursuit of creativity and thus, also a signal of disappointment for fans of the superhero live-action genre.
