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What will Hermione say, Harry?
Last updated at 12:37pm on 31.01.07Divested of his clothes, not to mention the lightning scar on his forehead, this is Harry Potter a million miles from Hogwarts.
Between filming the fifth and sixth Potter movies, 17-year-old Daniel Radcliffe is appearing on the West End stage in a revival of Peter Shaffer's controversial play Equus.
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He plays troubled stablehand Alan Strang and is involved in a lengthy nude sex scene with former Holby City actress Joanna Christie.
Radcliffe was clearly keen to impress with his physique, pumping up his slender frame in the gym for seven hours a week.
But whether his young fans will be impressed by his transition from Hermione Granger's boy wizard friend to hunky sex symbol remains to be seen.
Websites were receiving e-mails from parents worried about Radcliffe's appearance in the play, which will be open to children despite its explicit adult content.
One said: 'We as parents feel Daniel should not appear nude. Our nine-year-old son looks up to him as a role model. We are very disappointed and will avoid the future movies he makes.'
Another wrote: 'I am curious as to how and why his parents said this was okay.'
The play opens at the Gielgud Theatre on February 27 and has already attracted advance bookings worth £1million.
Radcliffe has been rehearsing his nude scene for a week with his female co-star and although he was 'a little hesitant and shy' at first, he had overcome his embarrassment, said producer David Pugh.
He added: 'Equus is on the school syllabus and I would never stipulate what age people should be to see it.'
Radcliffe's spokesman Vanessa Davies said: 'Daniel does not want to step away from Harry Potter but he does want to show he is an rounded actor capable of very different and diverse roles.
'He has tremendous support from Harry Potter fans.'
Equus opened in the West End in 1973 to huge controversy. It was followed in 1977 by a movie version in which Peter Firth played Alan and Jenny Agutter played his girlfriend Jill, both appearing full frontally nude.
Miss Agutter also features in the 2007 version - as a judge with her clothes on.
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Reader views (23)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
The notion that children somehow are adversely affected by nudity is just a myth made popular by misinformed, prudish adults. This myth largely originated from Christianity. Children are taught and conditioned that nudity isn't acceptable.
I fully support Harry Potter & do not agree with your religious bias saying nudity is explicit adult content.
- Az, Tucson, Arizona
He's grown up people. He only has 2 more Harry Potter movies left. He's got to expand his career. We can't expect him to be the teenage boy wizard he's been for the past 5 movies. He has his fan's support including mine. Good luck Dan and you have my full support.
- Zl, Corona, California, United States
Hermione has nothing to do with this. He never hooks up with her.
- S, Liverpool, England
I think it is wonderful that he is and all rounded person. He has only two more movies to make of Harry Potter, and he needs to expand out on his career. He is very smart looking for work in other places. I am very proud of him. Daniel keep up the good work and I will be there to see you finish off the rest of Harry Potter films.
- Sonja Frazier, Atlanta, Georgia United States
I think people should just see the play and look at Daniel's maturity. He's growing up for God sakes. We can't expect him to be the boy wizard forever. There are like only 7 HP books to date.
- Geli, Philippines
I just wonder when nudity became a step up?
- Don Venable, Ada, OK USA
At one time, nudity was also artistic and not just pornographic and obscene. I doubt he is doing this just to be naked and scare children. It is up to parents to censor what they want their children to see and not actors and actresses. If you don't take your child to see "Harry Potter" naked, they won't see him naked.
- Jennifer, Columbus, GA
Good JOB!
- Alena, Red Bluff, California
(clapping) It's about time someone with talent take a step up. I was wondering about what will/would happen to Daniel/Harry after Harry Potter. These actor/actress are all very talented and to get such a lucky break to commit to so many novel/chaptered movies, is wonderful. But I didn't want this to be last thing they ever did. Hopefully we will be not only seeing Daniel in movies, but maybe even Emma and .....dang it.....what's his name....for gosh sake.....Ron! Well done Daniel!
- Alena, Red Bluff, California
I find it amazing that Harry Potter fans don't want the actor, Daniel Radcliffe to find other acting jobs that would allow him to show off his range of talent. He's an actor, not Harry Potter. The public has a way of typecasting actors and bully for him for not allowing that to happen. Good luck to him!!
- Christine, Milford, Connecticut USA
I think Daniel's making a bold statement and showing his diversity as an actor. Too many child actors rarely become known for anything other than the character that made them famous. Nudity? What's the big concern over that? I appreciate Daniel's stepping away from "Harry' to a more adult role.
- Ronda, Sacramento, CA
It's a tough role.......... Hell, any time as an actor you have a dramatic personel time on stage in the nude is a tough item for a young actor. The fact it's the guy who has been playing Harry Potter just adds to the strain. I applaud him. as an actor who is growing. Personally at that age I'd have gone with something else. Oh, well. as an actor he is in good career helping hands.
DR should not fret himself stuck in the role of "the-grown-up-who-used-to-play-Hary Potter." Watching him and indeed the whole child ensamble, reminds me of gleeful, extremely talented young actors who could be called the "not rat pack", "not brat pack", but the best of them all "The Harry Pack"
- John P. Smith, burbank, california, usa
Bravo! Equus is an actor's 10-foot hurdle! The part is meant to be played by someone around his age, it's perfect! And he's walking the path to the Pantheon of brilliant actors by taking this on so young. I'd love to fly to London just to watch this chilling piece of theatre.
- Brian, San Francisco, CA
Umm, this just all seems so wrong. Maybe later on, after he's all done with Potter, but not now. Finish the one thing before scampering around trying this and that.
- Peter, Virgin Islands
Though this may not be the "best" way to divert from Harry, it certainly will be the quickest way to change our view of him.
I have more respect for him as an actor of his age to be so bold. I only hope this won't be the last attempt at a great story.
- Sandra, Rome, Georgia
The kid is an actor. Let him act. Equus is a classic.
- Myra, West Palm Beach, Fla. USA
Dan Radcliffe is a successful young actor who obviously wants to stretch. Leave him alone and let him do his thing.
- Steve, Atlanta, GA
Well said Jenna. Exactly what I was going to say.
- Mike, North Carolina
Daniel Radcliffe is not Harry Potter; he portrays the character of Harry Potter in films. It's not his responsibility to monitor what other people's children watch or don't watch. He's an actor doing his job.
Besides, Equus is a classic of literature and any actor would love the opportunity to take on such a great role.
- Robert, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I agree with Jenna but as an adult I admit I was rather shocked by these pictures of someone I still think of as a kid! I suppose we are not used to seeing 'Harry' in pictures like this which don't leave much to the imagination! Each to their own though, if this is what he wants to do, fair enough.
- Isabel, Woking, England
Hmmm..... while I do understand how the parents could have a problem with this, not wanting to expose their children to nudity, there is weight to Radcliffe's side. He is growing up, in more ways than one and with that comes the desire for greater self expression. That and he is wisely seeking to distance himself from the Harry Potter franchise in order to preserve his career when the movies finish. What better way to do this than to show off his greatly matured body? Which, if I may say, is quite tantalizing...if the desired effect is to enlarge his fan base, especially among young women, I do believe he has succeeded. I mean, look at those abs!
- Rose´Hale, New York, USA
I agree with Jenna. For heaven sake, let the guy work. If your kid doesn't get it, you're not communicating with him/her. It's not Radcliffe's responsibility to keep your child well-adjusted.
- Paul, Austin, Texas
As a mom to a HUGE 6-year-old Harry Potter fan, I think the parents who are against this job for Radcliffe are very unfair. It is THEIR responsibility to control what their children see.
Radcliffe is an actor. First and foremost. He should not be pigeon-holed into a role for the rest of his life for fear that he will "offend."
Equus is a wonderful play and a powerful story. Good for him for taking advantage of his youth and "going for it!"
- Jenna, Texas
