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Monday
15Sep2008

Daniel Radliffe: Not Taking 'Equus' Would've Been "Moronic"

DateMonday, September 15, 2008 at 6:40AM
Yes, yes, we all know that Harry Potter goes naked on stage in the revival of Peter Shaffer's difficult Equus. Daniel Radcliffe didn't need to take this role, and that's all the more reason to be impressed with him.

Remember when they trotted out three kids who were ten, eleven years old and showed the world the brand new Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley? You never know exactly what you're getting when you base a franchise of seven (and now eight) films around actors who haven't yet reached puberty. And with the exception of Rupert Grint needing a haircut for the past four years, I'd say the Potter casting experiment has been a huge victory.

Though I think Emma Watson has a little star quality, Radcliffe in particular has grown into a legitimate actor. Think of the talent on those sets, with everyone from the late Richard Harris to Emma Thompson and from Gary Oldman to Ralph Fiennes. Radcliffe more than holds his own, which is no small feat. And tackling Equus poses its own challenges.

If you're not familiar, the play is about a teenager who's sexually fascinated by horses. So, no, it's not exactly The Producers. And there's the nude scene, too, which Radcliffe eagerly embraced. Now as the play is about to bow on Broadway, he tells reporters that there was really no decision to be made when he was offered the role.

"For me, it seemed I would have to be really moronic not to take the part," admits Radcliffe. "The stage is much more a test of nerve (than film) and seeing what you are made of. It would be very easy to do simple stuff. It doesn't really interest me that much."

That's great to hear from a teenager who made $25 million last year. He seems incredibly committed to his craft considering his age and uninterrupted success.

"Every actor has limits. It's sort of testing out where they are. Luckily, I haven't found them yet," he says. "I suppose the thing I've learned is that I think I am more capable than I thought I was. There are a lot of actors who think you can just go on stage and do it - you can't."

Equus officially opens on Broadway on September 25th.

AuthorColin Boyd | | in , , | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Comment1 Comment |

Reader Comments (1)

Glad he has the guts and confidence in his talent to take on the challenge. I hope he keeps his cool and tenacity if it bombs. As for the nude scene, that's part of the gig. At a personal level, if his 'outstanding' physical attributes match his talent then all the little girls that have grown up since the first Harry Potter release will be pleased to see his 'growth' into manhood?

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBKJR53

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