Daniel Radcliffe recently offered heartfelt advice to his former Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton as Felton prepared for his Broadway debut in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Radcliffe, 36, shared his insights during an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, highlighting the unique phenomenon of entrance applause that is typically absent from UK theater.
“I said to him, ‘They are going to go insane when you get out on that stage for the first time,’” Radcliffe explained regarding the overwhelming reception Felton could expect from the audience. Acknowledging that he wanted to ensure Felton was fully prepared for this aspect of live theater, Radcliffe sent him a voice note to emphasize the importance of not being thrown off by the audience’s enthusiastic reaction.
While Radcliffe and Felton couldn’t meet before Felton’s debut, they managed to reconnect during the Cinema Society screening of “Merrily We Roll Along,” a film in which Radcliffe stars alongside Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez. The reunion marked 24 years since the duo first appeared together in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and celebrated their journey through the Harry Potter film series.
Felton described stepping back into the role of Draco Malfoy as a surreal experience, expressing excitement about portraying the character as an adult in a new narrative. “It’s very much a pinch me situation. I keep thinking I’m dreaming,” he told Today’s Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin.
Radcliffe, who has an expansive background in theater, reflected fondly on his time at the Hudson Theatre, where “Merrily We Roll Along” has been showing since October 2023. He emphasized the warmth and welcoming nature of the venue, noting how quickly it felt like home. Alongside his stage roles, Radcliffe’s performance in “Merrily” will be showcased in film form, set to hit theaters on December 5.
He shared a mix of emotions about the film adaptation, noting the thrill for audiences who have not yet seen the play while acknowledging feelings of bittersweet nostalgia for the multiple performances the cast experienced. Radcliffe expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s release, hoping that it offers enjoyment both for those who missed the live performances and for fans wishing to relive the experience.
“Merrily We Roll Along” is poised to captivate audiences when it opens in theaters, adding to the legacy of both Radcliffe and Felton as cherished figures from their shared past in the world of Harry Potter.