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Daniel Radcliffe Reveals Bizarre 'Harry Potter' Remake Pitch
The actor says he, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were once pitched a 'Wizard of Oz' remake with a twist.
Mar. 1, 2026 at 7:39am
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In a recent interview, Daniel Radcliffe disclosed that he, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were once pitched a bizarre idea to remake the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz.' According to Radcliffe, the proposed concept had Watson playing Dorothy, while he would portray a 'karate-kicking Cowardly Lion.' Radcliffe said he immediately recognized the idea as a 'bad' one and rejected it.
Why it matters
This revelation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the types of unconventional ideas that can emerge in the entertainment industry, even for beloved franchises like 'Harry Potter.' It also highlights the actors' discernment in turning down a concept they felt was ill-advised, despite the potential commercial appeal of reuniting the iconic trio.
The details
Radcliffe shared the details of the pitch during an appearance on the YouTube series 'Hot Ones.' He explained that the idea came up during the 'Harry Potter' era, when he was around 14 or 15 years old. The proposed remake would have cast Watson as Dorothy, with Radcliffe as a 'karate-kicking Cowardly Lion' and Grint in an unspecified role. Radcliffe said he immediately recognized the concept as a 'bad idea' that 'should not be made.'
- The pitch for the 'Wizard of Oz' remake occurred when Radcliffe was around 14 or 15 years old, during the 'Harry Potter' era.
The players
Daniel Radcliffe
The 36-year-old British actor best known for his starring role as Harry Potter in the popular film franchise.
Emma Watson
The British actress who portrayed Hermione Granger in the 'Harry Potter' movies.
Rupert Grint
The British actor who played Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's best friend, in the film series.
What they’re saying
“One of the worst ideas I've ever heard, during Potter, somebody came to us and ... they wanted to cast all three of us, me, Emma and Rupert, in a remake of 'Wizard of Oz,' where Emma was Dorothy.”
— Daniel Radcliffe
“I can't remember what Rupert was, and I just remember that I was gonna be the Lion, but also he knew karate.”
— Daniel Radcliffe
“I was, like, a karate-kicking Cowardly Lion. I remember I was like, 14 or 15, and I was like, 'I don't know a lot about the world, but this is a bad idea, and it should not be made.'”
— Daniel Radcliffe
The takeaway
This story highlights the creative, and sometimes unconventional, ideas that can emerge in the entertainment industry, even for beloved franchises. It also demonstrates the discernment of the 'Harry Potter' trio in recognizing when a concept is ill-advised, despite the potential commercial appeal of reuniting the iconic actors.
