Harry Potter Does 'Masterpiece Theatre'

Zap2It.com | July 11, 2007

Daniel Radcliffe, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'

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Daniel Radcliffe to star in film for PBS

Daniel Radcliffe will continue his forays into the non-magical world with a starring turn in an upcoming production of "Masterpiece Theatre."

The "Harry Potter" star will take the title role in "My Boy Jack," a production of Britain's ITV that will air as part of PBS' drama showcase in 2008, the network announced Wednesday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. It's scheduled to premiere in the U.K. in November.

"My Boy Jack" is based on a play by actor David Haig (who also wrote the teleplay) and tells the story of famed author Rudyard Kipling (played by Haig) and his wife, who go on a search for their missing son (Radcliffe) during World War I. Brian Kirk ("The Tudors," "The Riches") is set to direct.

Before he became the most famous wizard in the world, Radcliffe had his first exposure to American audiences in a "Masterpiece Theatre" production of "David Copperfield" in 1999, playing the young David. He's also appeared in a handful of other, less magic-based projects, including "The Tailor of Panama," the upcoming film "December Boys" and a much-publicized starring turn in the play "Equus" in London.

The newest Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," opens Wednesday, and he's committed to the final two adaptations of J.K. Rowling's series as well.