'Potter' star Radcliffe: 'It's just good fun'

By Jodi Ross
CNN Showbiz Today Reports

Daniel Radcliffe

NEW YORK (CNN) -- As "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" continues to work its magic at the box office, the spell of fame has been cast upon its young star, Daniel Radcliffe.

The 12-year-old actor beat thousands of hopefuls to play the beloved character. But though he's become an overnight name, he wasn't an overnight success. Audiences got their first glimpse of Radcliffe in 1999 when he played the young David Copperfield in the BBC television production of the same name. He made his feature film debut soon after, in 2001's "The Tailor of Panama" opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, Pierce Brosnan and Geoffrey Rush.

Now, he's dealing with Pottermania.

It's a big jump from bit part to leading boy, but director Chris Columbus says this was a role Radcliffe was born to play.

"You get the sense when you talk to him and when he's on screen that this is a kid who's lived a complex and interesting life," observes Columbus. "(It's) shocking because he comes from two very loving parents who support him and who keep him real and keep him grounded." Very grounded -- at first, Radcliffe's elders didn't even want their son to become the boy wizard.

CNN's Jodi Ross sat down with Radcliffe before the film's premiere to get the truth behind the tale.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

CNN: I had read that your parents were hesitant for you to take the part because they knew the role would change your life. Is that true?

Daniel Radcliffe: They only had one concern and that was when I go up for a part, I have a tendency to get my hopes up which I really shouldn't do. I had done it with "David Copperfield" and "The Tailor of Panama," and with "Harry Potter" -- they knew so many boys were gonna be up for the role so they didn't want me to get my hopes up and then be really disappointed.

CNN: What about the day you found you got the part?

Radcliffe: I cried ... I was so happy ... It was unbelievable. I think one of the reasons I actually cried was because with this -- I'd seen films like "Dead Poets Society" -- when I watch films like that, I become very inspired. With this part I've been given a fantastic opportunity to be able to inspire people and I think that's one of the things that made me cry.

CNN: So you take this seriously?

Radcliffe: I think I've gotta take it slightly seriously but at the same time, it's just good fun.

CNN: But the role really could make you a star, people will know your name. Are you ready for that?

Radcliffe: Cool (smiles).

CNN: That's a good thing?

Radcliffe: Yeah.

CNN: Is there pressure (because there are such high expectations for the film)?

Radcliffe: I don't think so. I don't really mind that much about how much money the film makes, I just want people to enjoy it and the people who do go to see it -- I really want them to enjoy it, I think is what I want.

CNN: Are you worried about "The Lord of the Rings" (opening December 19)? That's your direct competition, don't you think?

Radcliffe: I think it's really, really silly the way the press has kind of built up a rivalry between the two films cause really the only likeness is they've both got wizards in 'em. Some of the films this summer weren't as good as I thought they were gonna be and I think we're really lucky to have two really great films out at the same time, because "The Lord of the Rings" I think is fantastic. That's my most awaited film, aside from "Ocean's Eleven."

CNN: There's a doll that looks like you. What do you think about that?

Radcliffe: I actually feel really privileged because how many boys my age get to have an action figure, it's not really of me -- it's of Harry but of a character which they're playing. It's really great.