Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his portrayal of Harry Potter, recently discussed a rare moment that genuinely amused him with a Harry Potter-related joke, spotlighting just how hard it is to surprise him after decades of wizard-themed humor. During a Monday appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Radcliffe admitted that it takes a truly creative punchline for a Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter joke to land, given his long exposure to quips about the iconic character.
A Joke That Stood Out After Years of Puns
Having played the Boy Who Lived for years, Radcliffe revealed on Seth Meyers’ show that he is no stranger to puns about wizards and magic, having heard virtually every variation possible over the past 25 years. Still, he confessed to Meyers that someone had finally delivered a new take that broke through his well-established comedic defenses.
“It’s very rare that I experience a Harry Potter joke in the wild that makes me truly laugh,”
Daniel Radcliffe said to Seth Meyers, sharing how infrequently these jokes actually amuse him.
“Not because they’re bad, just because I’ve heard all of them! It has to be really good to make me laugh.”
– Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
The Joke That Impressed Radcliffe
During their conversation, Radcliffe explained that when he was previously on the show, Meyers wanted to discuss Radcliffe’s son, born in 2023 with partner Erin Darke. Radcliffe, however, remarked,
“I don’t say his name on TV,”
preferring to keep his son’s identity private.
Jumping in, Seth Meyers recounted the moment backstage with his producers. He remembered,
“I was like, ‘Tell me how old Daniel’s child is,’”
Seth Meyers explained.
“And they were like, ‘Two years old but [Daniel] never says his name publicly. And then my producer Kevin Miller said, ‘Is it Voldemort?’”
– Seth Meyers, TV Host
The reference to Voldemort—Harry Potter’s infamous nemesis whose name is rarely spoken in the series—was clever enough to impress Radcliffe.
“It’s really good. It’s a really good joke.”
– Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Meyers replied, noting the perfect fit for Radcliffe’s situation,
“Obviously you’re the audience for it,”
Meyers said, acknowledging how the joke was tailored to the moment and Radcliffe himself.
Reuniting With Castmates and Confronting Old Roles
Radcliffe also joined his Merrily We Roll Along costars Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez on the show to promote the musical’s live recording, set to debut in theaters soon. The Tony-winning production, which enjoyed a live stage run in 2024, gave the leads a new chance to watch themselves as audience members. However, Radcliffe admitted discomfort with viewing his own performances.
“Dan was in a ball, not wanting to watch himself,”
Lindsay Mendez recounted, describing Radcliffe’s reaction during the premiere screening.
Radcliffe owned up to his unease about seeing his own work, sharing,
“I started watching it and I was like, ‘Oh god,’ but then I watch these guys and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s nice,’ … It was mixed for me. If there could be a cut made of everything I’ve ever done without me in it, I would love watching that.”
– Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Meyers joked about the idea, noting,
“They say the Potter films are not great without Potter,”
poking fun at the central role Radcliffe played in the beloved franchise.
“I mean, I beg to differ,”
Radcliffe replied, adding,
“I think there’s a lot of people doing some really good work.”
– Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Reflecting on Harry Potter and the New Generation
Despite his longstanding distance from the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe soon will see the franchise revived through HBO’s upcoming television adaptation of the series. The production will feature 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin in the lead role, offering a new face for a new generation of fans.
Radcliffe has been vocal about his decision not to participate in the new project, further distancing himself from J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, amid controversy over her public statements, which Radcliffe has repeatedly condemned. He has also made clear he wishes to give space to the next wave of storytellers.
Supporting the Next Harry Potter Star
Even as he moves on from the role, Radcliffe reached out to Dominic McLaughlin to offer encouragement as the young actor prepares for his debut as the legendary wizard.
“I wrote to Dominic and I sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back,”
Radcliffe shared in a recent interview, describing his effort to connect personally. He continued,
“I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did. I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better one.”
– Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
Impact of Radcliffe’s Perspective and What Lies Ahead
Daniel Radcliffe’s openness about his career and personal boundaries—whether responding to a standout Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter joke, reuniting with costars for musical theater, or passing the baton to Dominic McLaughlin—shows a thoughtful and generous approach to his evolving place in pop culture. While he may no longer be revisiting Hogwarts himself, his influence and good wishes continue to echo through the current cast and crew stepping into the magical world.
