The actor also reflected on his experience with Every Brilliant Thing, noting that it was not the type of production he initially expected to pursue
Daniel Radcliffe has said he actively seeks out acting projects that “scare the s*** out of” him, describing it as a deliberate choice to avoid becoming comfortable in his career and to keep challenging himself creatively.
The 36-year-old actor said he tries to take on roles that push him beyond his comfort zone, explaining that periods of ease in a career can lead to complacency. He said choosing difficult or unfamiliar work helps him stay engaged and energised as a performer.
Radcliffe, best known for his role in the Harry Potter film series, is currently involved in the Broadway production Every Brilliant Thing, a one-person show built around audience interaction and themes of human connection. He said the project stood out to him because it combined familiar acting instincts with elements that felt “completely alien” to him.
Speaking about his approach to selecting roles, Radcliffe said there is a “sweet spot” when a character feels close to his natural voice but still contains aspects that are challenging or unfamiliar. He said this balance is what excites him most as an actor and motivates him to take on new work.
The actor also reflected on his experience with Every Brilliant Thing, noting that it was not the type of production he initially expected to pursue. He said he had little interest in performing alone on stage without interaction, but changed his view after realising how much the show relies on engagement with the audience.
Radcliffe described the experience as unique, explaining that before each performance he would spend time speaking with audience members and involving them in the show. He said this level of interaction felt “freeing” compared to how he usually conducts himself in public spaces.
He added that the format allowed him to be more open and spontaneous, saying he enjoyed the process of connecting directly with audiences rather than maintaining distance. The actor said the experience made him feel more present in the room and more connected to the performance.
Radcliffe also noted that the production created a sense of shared experience between performers and audiences, with each show shaped by interaction in real time. He said this collective approach to storytelling made the project feel special and unlike other work he has done.
He concluded that he will “never get to do something like this again” in quite the same way, adding that he would remain grateful for the experience of performing in such an unconventional format.
