'This is a Bad Idea': Harry Potter Movie Trio Were Pitched a Wizard of Oz Adaptation With Emma Watson as Dorothy and Daniel Radcliffe as the Cowardly Lion

IGN

by Tom Phillips

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Daniel Radcliffe has shared an intriguing story about a peculiar pitch he received during his time starring in the Harry Potter films. While filming *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* at around age 14 or 15, Radcliffe was approached with an unconventional idea: a remake of *The Wizard of Oz* that would reunite him with co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Under this bizarre proposal, Emma would have played Dorothy Gale, Rupert an unspecified role, and Daniel would have taken on the part of the Cowardly Lion, complete with karate skills. Radcliffe immediately dismissed the idea as one of the worst he had ever heard, feeling it was not worth pursuing. The timing of this pitch is interesting, as it came during a period when Radcliffe and his co-stars were still relatively young and gaining acting experience. The proposal’s absurdity likely stemmed from its premise: casting teenage actors in roles originally played by older actresses like Judy Garland. While *The Wizard of Oz* has seen numerous adaptations over the years—including films like *Oz the Great and Powerful* (2013) and the musical prequel *Wicked*—this particular idea never got off the ground, thanks in part to Radcliffe’s quick rejection. Radcliffe’s response highlights the challenges of reimagining classic stories with young actors, particularly when the concept feels mismatched. His honesty about the pitch reflects a broader cautionary tale for filmmakers: not every adaptation is inherently a good idea, and sometimes the best course of action is to abandon projects that lack creative merit or practical feasibility. For readers interested in gaming and pop culture, this story offers insight into how iconic franchises are sometimes mishandled. While adaptations can bring fresh perspectives to beloved stories, they must align with both audience expectations and the strengths of the talent involved. Radcliffe’s anecdote serves as a reminder that even in Hollywood, not every idea—no matter how nostalgic or high-profile—is destined for success. Ultimately, Radcliffe’s dismissal of this ill-conceived proposal underscores the importance of discernment in creative decision-making. Whether in

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Originally published on IGN on 2/20/2026