There was always a concern that 25-year-old Daniel Radcliffe would find it hard to break away from the title role he played in the eight-part Harry Potter series of films, the most successful film series of all time, based on J.K. Rowling’s magical novels.
It’s been just over three years since the release of the final Potter film, and What If marks the actor’s first foray into romantic comedy.
As he himself says in the film’s production notes, Radcliffe was very excited about taking on the role.
“Usually when I make a film there is always one scene where my character breaks down and has some terrible thing happen to him, and with this film there wasn’t any of that,” he says.
“It’s a lighter film for me – not necessarily emotionally, but in terms of the depths of pain and agony I have to go to. It’s been very enjoyable – I hope to do more comedies in the future.”
What If charts the blossoming friendship between Wallace (Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan), who meet at a party while reading refrigerator magnet poetry. They find that they have great chemistry as friends and forge a relationship in which they talk about everything, from movies to illnesses to disappointing Christmas presents.
It’s a relationship that may move successfully to the next stage … but there is a slight problem. Chantry has a serious boyfriend.
Screenwriter Elan Mastai based the script on the play Toothpaste and Cigars. “What If is about those undeniable connections you make with people that aren’t always convenient. Timing is such a big part of finding the right person.
It looks like Radcliffe may have succeeded in shedding the mantle of Potter
“I like the idea of trying to write an ethical romantic comedy – people trying to do the right thing. To me the essential theme of the movie is that you can’t lie your way to happiness.”
Word reached Mastai and the film-makers that Radcliffe was interested in the part of Wallace and the actor soon signed on, once he had read the script.
He says he was immediately attracted to the wit and the heart of the story, and the character of Wallace. She is described as quick-witted, warm-hearted, overtly cynical but quietly romantic. He always wants to do the right thing, but he keeps finding himself in these ethically murky situations.
He believes love is not an excuse for acting like a jerk—he’s not a fan of lying and cheating and manipulating and hurting other people.
His heart got broken not too long ago but he’s getting over it – or at least trying. He’s never met anyone he liked talking about anything with more than Chantry. “One of the reasons I was so keen to make this film is in a part in the script.
“Wallace corrects Chantry on her pronunciation of a word. At that point I knew I liked this guy,” says Radcliffe of his character.
“He’s slightly reclusive and not really that social, but he very much wants to be included. He’s a very sweet guy, but a bit misguided in the way he views relationships as black and white.”
“I think Dan’s performance in this movie is really going to blow people’s minds,” says Mastai. “He’s so funny and charming, emotionally open and quick-witted. I’m excited for the audience to see what he can do in this film – it’s such a juggernaut of a comedy performance.”
So, with a successful foray into romantic comedy, his performance in 2012’s The Woman in Black and his commitment to other high-profile projects (including the forthcoming Victor Frankenstein, in which he has been cast as the hunchback Igor), it looks like Radcliffe may have succeeded in shedding the mantle of Potter.