Daniel Radcliffe: A down-to-earth megastar

Palmer, an Australian actress, had no idea who Radcliffe was prior to shooting because she had never seen any of the Potter films or read the books. It didn’t take her long to find out. It was hard for him to hide even in the Outback.

“I used to holiday in the town we were in shooting and no one was ever there,” Palmer said. “Suddenly it was like one of the most populated places on the planet because word got out that Daniel was there.”

Radcliffe is certainly accustomed to people stopping him on the street and asking him to sign their iPhones, but it’s something he still can’t grasp the concept of fame.

“It’s very peculiar,” he said. “I mean, of course, I don’t understand it because I’m me, so it’s really hard for me to figure out why it is, but I sure do appreciate it obviously because the Potter empire is huge. So, I can see why that might intimidate people but I’m not very intimidating, you know. I’m all of 5-foot-5.”

Radcliffe says being a part of a franchise as huge as Potter has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the perks is that he has an opportunity to refine his character and “bring something new” to the table with each film. He also likes the fact that Harry grows with each film so that he’s not stuck playing a 12-year-old for eight years.

“The disadvantage is maybe the time factor — of having to fit in these other things around Potter and things like that,” Radcliffe said. “But, you know, so far that hasn’t been a major problem. Like I managed to do ‘December Boys,’ I did ‘Equus,’ I did with each film and bring something new.”

MORE FROM MOVIE INTERVIEWS

Comedian Mo’Nique gets serious in ‘Precious’

Comedian Mo’Nique gets serious in ‘Precious’   Richard Gere on ‘Amelia’ role Newsweek: A chat with the 'Wild Things' creators Carey Mulligan gets ‘An Education’ on the ’60s Barrymore wheels into directing with ‘Whip It’   Add Movie interviews headlines to your news reader: