Radcliffe on life after Potter

By JOE WILLIAMS
McCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

As the boy wizard in a billion-dollar movie franchise, Daniel Radcliffe grew up before our eyes. But a decade after entering Hogwarts, the actor, now 22, has graduated from Harry Potter to adult roles.

Most notably, he starred in a stage production of “Equus” in his native London and New York for which he flashed his physique. Soon he’ll begin work on “Kill Your Darlings,” a true-life murder story in which he co-stars as poet Allen Ginsberg. And he’s promoting the Gothic horror movie “The Woman in Black,” which opens today.

Q: Although this movie is your first adult role, it isn’t the first time you’ve worn Victorian garb. When are you going to do a whole movie in blue jeans?
A: I know! I hope that at some point in my life, I’ll do something contemporary. But I’m not complaining, because I love that steampunk aesthetic and those old costumes. If I could wear them every day without getting beat up, I would.

Q: You’ve been making movies since you were a child, so when you watch movies as a consumer, can you still be scared by them, or do you notice all the tricks?
A: When I first start making films, I was obsessed with how special effects were achieved. I remember watching the brilliant opening battle sequence of “Gladiator” and thinking: That must have taken ages to make, and a lot of money. But now I can just sit back and enjoy things like everyone else.

Q: Now that the Potter series is over, do you have more time for your own amusements?
A: Not really. After the last Potter film, I had about a month and a half break, but I spent it preparing for this film and for my role (on Broadway) in “How to Succeed in Business.” I’ve always found time to go to the cinema, but I literally cannot remember the last time I was able to go to a club and see a band, although I’ve been to the Reading music festival several times.

Q: When you’re out in public, does it still astonish you to see your own image on billboards or magazine covers?
A: I’m used to it by now, but I do enjoy the effect that it has on other people. A fellow from “How to Succeed” went on holiday in the Caribbean and he said that the first thing he saw when he got to the hotel was a cardboard cut-out of me. And I thought: Welcome to my world.