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'Harry Potter' Finally Cast
Monday, August 21, 2000 12:00 AM EDT
Daniel Radcliffe, an 11-year-old whose previous acting credits include the title role in the BBC's production of "David Copperfield", will portray Harry Potter in the highly anticipated adaptation of author J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Warner Bros. made the announcement at their website Monday. They also revealed that Rupert Grint, 11, and Emma Watson, 10, will take the roles of Ron and Hermione, respectively. Both Grint and Watson have only performed in school plays previously.
"Having seen Dan Radcliffe screen-test, I don't think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry", Rowling said in a statement posted at the Warner Bros. website.
"I wish Dan, Emma and Rupert the very best of luck and hope that they have as much fun acting the first year at Hogwarts as I had writing it."
The announcement of Radcliffe's selection will come as a surprise to movie buffs who read supposedly authoritative reports suggesting that the Potter part belonged to 13-year-old Gabriel Thomson, who appeared in "The New Adventures Of Pinnocchio". The confusion may stem from Thomson's appearance in another BBC adaptation of a Charles Dickens classic - "Great Expectations".
Radcliffe will also be seen later this year in the John Boorman film "The Tailor of Panama".
"We saw so many enormously talented kids in the search for Harry", said director Chris Columbus, who was beset by rumours suggesting he would cast an American in the title role.
"The process was intense, and there were times when we felt we would never find an individual who embodied the complex spirit and depth of Harry Potter. Then, Dan walked into the room and we all knew we had found Harry. We were equally elated upon meeting Emma and Rupert, who are perfect for the roles of Hermione and Ron. I couldn't be happier to begin work with such talented, inspiring young actors."
Producer David Heyman addressed the subject of rumours surrounding the casting of the film.
"While we have been alternately amused and bemused by the rumours about what we're doing, we are overjoyed to finally put them to rest", Heyman said in the statement.
"These are tremendously talented British kids who will bring so much to the film. We have always been, and continue to be, devoted to remaining true and faithful to the book."
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