Harry Potter . . . NUDE???

[Deb in IA]

Well, Daniel Radcliffe, that is. In the play "Equus".

Holy Hogwarts! 'Potter' Kid to Appear Nude in British Play
Daniel Radcliffe to Star in "Equus" in London

LONDON, July 28, 2006 — "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe will strip off for his London stage debut as a psychologically disturbed stable boy in "Equus."

The 17-year-old, currently making the fifth Harry Potter film, will star alongside Richard Griffiths, who plays his grumpy uncle in the wizard sagas.

Radcliffe will play Alan Strang, a stable boy who is interviewed by a psychiatrist after he blinds six horses with a metal spike. In Peter Shaffer's controversial play, the role requires the actor to ride naked on his horse.

"This is an extraordinary play and, yes, there is a scene of nudity in it, but that's not what the play is about," said Radcliffe's publicist Vanessa Davies.

"He finishes shooting 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' in October or November and rehearsals are starting in January," she added. The play is expected to open in March 2007.


A Magical Franchise of Films

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is the fifth J.K. Rowling book to be turned into a film. There are doubts about whether Radcliffe can continue to play the boy wizard until the end of the series.

Rowling is now writing the seventh and final book of the hugely successful series.

The first four "Harry Potter" films have amassed around $3.5 billion worldwide at the box office.

 

[ohiominnie]

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Harry Potter, nudity and 6 blind horses?

Dude, that's just wrong.

 

[Maleficent13]

Good for him for playing against type...but

 

[ilovepcot]

I saw the movie based on this plot and it was a very good film. A *surprising* amount of nudity also.

 

[va32h]

I think the UKs age-of-consent laws are different from ours - so it probably doesn't have the same shock factor over there that it has in the US.

I also wonder how naked is naked? If he's sitting on a horse naked, the audience won't see much. But do they actually put horses on the stage, I wonder?

I certainly hope parents of Harry Potter fans will have enough sense to look at the subject matter of the play and realize that it isn't for children. My daughter is 10 and loves Harry Potter (and Daniel Radcliffe) and I wouldn't dream of taking her to this play.

The kid seems like a talented actor with his head on straight, so to speak. So good for him for expanding his career. He can't be Harry forever, after all.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Definitely NOT a body I would like to see nude.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Radcliffe has been in talks to do this since late winter. I did a Google search back then for Equus and was rather shocked at the plot or theme. It's a brave move - or career-killing, depending on how the HP fans perceive it all. Apparently, the horse is onstage, though I can't recall if the pivotal scene (gory and IMO horrific/disgusting) is actually shown or described.

 

[RC Fan]

Yes, it has been rumored for some time. I guess some pretty famous actors have played the part in the past.

I can't say I find the plot very interesting, but I do love Daniel.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Ooh la la! Nakey Harry...hmm... :
TOV

 

[phisigprincess]

I was weirded out by the teenagers behind me catcalling during the scene with Harry in the bathtub! I don't even want to THINK about that!! I feel like a creepy old lady! LOL!

 

[ead79]

Out of curiosity, the article mentions that there are doubts that Radcliffe can continue to play Harry Potter through the end of the series. Why are there doubts? I think it would be super dumb to have a new actor come in for the remaining 2 films.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Out of curiosity, the article mentions that there are doubts that Radcliffe can continue to play Harry Potter through the end of the series. Why are there doubts? I think it would be super dumb to have a new actor come in for the remaining 2 films.

ITA. It was one thing to replace Dumbledore after the second film out of necessity. But why replace the biggest main character with somebody else? Daniel knew what he was doing (I think) when he signed on for this. I feel he probably KNEW he was signing on for at least a 7 picture deal (if not more). Maybe he's just tired of being Harry and wants to quit. But will they let him?

TOV

 

[phisigprincess]

I think the concern was that the kids might look too old before the series is done. They should have shot them like LOTR.

 

[Keggy]

Yeah, I think the concern is the age. If he is 17 already - by the time they are done - how old do you think they will be? 19/20? or older?

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I can see why there might be a problem, but honestly..if we can believe in actors who are in their mid-late 20s playing HS age kids *That70sShowcoughcough*, why can't we believe Daniel is really only 17-18 in the last 2 movies?

TOV

 

[SueM in MN]

I can see why there might be a problem, but honestly..if we can believe in actors who are in their mid-late 20s playing HS age kids *That70sShowcoughcough*, why can't we believe Daniel is really only 17-18 in the last 2 movies?

TOV

Some of the writers of articles I have seen bring it up don't understand that each book is a different year in school. They seem to think the books are take place at the same time - like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew.

 

[clarabelle]

The Karate kid (Ralph Macchio) was supossed to be 16 I think and Ralph Macchio was 22
I don't think that should stop him from playing HP

 

[Laura]

I think a 20-year-old actor can play a 16-17-year-old character. With the earlier movies, it was more important that they were the correct age.

 

[Kimberly815]

I think a 20-year-old actor can play a 16-17-year-old character. With the earlier movies, it was more important that they were the correct age.

I agree. . there is a lot less in the way of growth and appearance changes from age 17-20 than there is from age 11-14.

I hope that he finishes out the series. They can't replace Harry now.