This is a crucial stage in the career of Daniel Radcliffe; if he rests on his laurels now he'll spend the rest of his life joylessly plodding around Harry Potter conventions for cash. But Daniel Radcliffe is lucky to have a bit of foresight.
Because Daniel Radcliffe, you see, is busy zapping around getting any scrap of work that he can to prove his non-Potter acting chops, even if those scraps involve getting naked and blinding a bunch of horses with metal spikes. And now Daniel Radcliffe has signed up for another role – that of Rudyard Kipling's soldier son who died in the First World War. Unfortunately for Radcliffe, Rudyard Kipling's son also happened to be a plucky boy wizard who went on several spooky adventures with his gang of jolly great mates. What are the chances, eh?
Face it, by playing Harry Potter in a load of films Daniel Radcliffe has earnt more money than any of us can dream about in our lousy lives. But, although he could happily spend the rest of his life, after Harry Potter dies, floating on a solid gold lilo in the middle of a temperature-controlled swimming pool the size of Norway while a team of genetic scientists try and create him the perfect wife, Britain's Richest teenager Daniel Radcliffe still insists on working.
There are still three more Harry Potter movies to be released – one with Helena Bonham Carter, another to come out in November 2008 and one that hasn't even been written yet – and after that Daniel Radcliffe won't have the boy wizard to fall back on. That's why he's going to go around stabbing horses in the eyes on a stage and also why he's signed up to play Rudyard Kipling's son John in a two-hour ITV drama version of My Boy Jack. According to This Is London:
The two-hour film, announced at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, is the true story of how the Indian-born British novelist, short story writer and poet, used his influence to get his 17-year-old son a commission with the Irish Guards, despite his terrible eyesight. Kipling's son John, who was known as Jack, never returned from the trenches, and his parents spent years searching for his body.
And Daniel Radcliffe is just as keen as always to show how bloody earnest he is about everything all the time:
"For many people my age, the First World War is just a topic in a history book. But I've always been fascinated by the subject and think it's as relevant today as it ever was, with young men still sacrificing their lives in the name of war. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like in the trenches, living amongst the stench of death and knowing that any moment may be your last. But I think it's important we try to imagine the horrors these young men experienced and to never forget them. I am extremely proud to be part of the production of My Boy Jack and only hope I can do justice to the memory of the men who fought and those who died."
It's unknown if John Kipling had a gormless ginger friend with a range of four distinct facial expressions, but if he did it'd certainly ease Daniel Radcliffe's transition into a proper actor for all the Harry Potter fans.
Read more:
TV War Role For Potter Star – This Is London
[story by Stuart Heritage]
Tania says
It looks like you know nothing about acing, Daniel Radcliffe is very talented and that is why legit and real artist, directors and producers want to work with him, Equus a masterpiece a very artistic
theater work, and now My Boy Jack, a movie produce by Ecosse Film, a production company with Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTAS nominations and awards, the sure did a great choice getting
Daniel Radcliffe to play Jack!
Kartina says
Rupert doesn’t have a 4 distinct facial expression, well many 5, but come on give Rupert (the Ginger mate) some credit.
About Dan, I think you are right, he is not resting on his laurels, I mean he can do it because he is one of the richest kid in UK and can live the rest of his life basically doing nothing, but I am glad he is taking other roles and I am glad he is taking mature roles not the none-sense teenhollywood crappy movies most of the US teen stars take (Lindsay Lohan or Hilary Duff) plus this kid is very professional and take his career very serious, again I don’t want to compare him with Lohan who just a few weeks ago received a reprimand by the producer of her latest movie!
Daniel Radcliffe is a good actor a young actor who is stepping into the right direction.
Tina, I think you need to read the article again, I found nothing wrong with it, maybe a few sarcasms but overall he is saying nothing bad about Dan.
One more thing Mr. Stuart, Equus is a Masterpiece, just so you know!!
Kellie says
Dan is very talented…and Its a very GOOD thing that he has taken on so many different, yet demanding roles… He does need to get away from the Harry Potter universe… And this is the ideal way to do so !!
I think Equus is an amazingly orginal and interesting play. The character of Alan is remarkably disturbing, yet you find yourself very empathetic with him.
I am definatly going to see that in the west-end… And i’m sure it will be fantastic !
Also, My By Jack should be great!! Sounds like an emotionally challenging role… and i wish him the best of luck !
He’s also done an Australian film ‘december boys’ which is due for release soon :)…
I believe he is a charming, enthusiastic, young man, and everyone seems to be wanting to hire him !
kellie
Jacquie says
Given that Peter Shaffer, the writer of “Equus”, watched Dan during a stage workshop for “Equus” and obviously approved, I think any doubts should be stifled, at lesat until tghe reviews come in!!
Nim says
You are all obviously incredible mongs of the highest order. I have watched this Radcliffe cove on a number of occasions, and it is obvious to the most silly of silly moo’s that he has not a molecule of talent in him. Once he has finished the Potter films he will be finished, and no amount of teenage girl’s wet dreams will change this fact.