Daniel Radcliffe played the titular character in the eight Harry Potter films, yet he doesn’t believe he was very good in several films. Radcliffe continued acting since the films ended in 2011, doing several independent films and also stage work on Broadway.

During an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers to promote his new Broadway show, Merrily We Roll Along, the actor also opened up about his role in the fan-favorite franchise Harry Potter. Seth Meyers brought up his children’s newfound passion for Harry Potter, and the actor clarified one Harry Potter scene, addressed having the fandom come watch him on Broadway, and also his performance in the movies. Similar to other interviews before, Radcliffe insists that he didn’t feel like he was putting his strongest performance in Harry Potter. 

Meyers told Radcliffe that he didn’t initially see the films, but that he’s watching them with his children, noting, “I just want to say you’re very good.” To which, the former Harry Potter actor replied, “That’s not true, but thank you.”

Despite Meyers’ praise, Radcliffe continued, “I mean, thank you. I disagree with you about many of my performances in many of the films, but I thank you for that. That’s very kind.” Meyers continued to say he offered his children the chance to come meet him, but they refused. Radcliffe explained that children usually are disappointed when meeting him because he’s not in character and is “old.”

This isn’t the first time Daniel Radcliffe has criticized his performances in the films. Despite being one of the highest-grossing franchises to date, Radcliffe felt like he could’ve done so much better. Although the actor has never criticized the series, he has mentioned several times he didn’t like his acting.

The actor was often praised for his portrayal of Harry Potter, and most fans think he was perfectly cast. Although Radcliffe doesn’t physically resemble his character 100% (who has green eyes), Radcliffe’s performances improve with every film, making him the perfect Harry. In a 2014 interview with The Daily Mail, Radcliffe revealed that he dislikes himself in one particular film the most.

“It’s hard to watch a film like Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, because I’m just not very good in it. I hate it,” the actor told the outlet. “My acting is very one note and I can see I got complacent and what I was trying to do just didn’t come across.” He continued that, “It’s more important for me to be self-critical. Because I’ve grown up in an atmosphere where everyone is always wanting to be nice to me.”

Addressing the Potterheads who come to see his stage work because they are Harry Potter fans, Radcliffe showed nothing but gratitude. “That’s always been a really nice offshoot thing about my career. I remember when I did Equus, people would be like, ‘Do you feel weird about people coming to see the show just because you’re Harry Potter?’ I mean, not really, because they’re going to see Equus eventually. With that, with Swiss Army Man, absolutely with this show [Merrily We Roll Along], it’s really cool to bring some people who might not otherwise have wanted to see a show to see that show.”

Daniel Radcliffe One Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Scene

Daniel Radcliffe continued to talk about Harry Potter with Seth Meyers, and even clarified one scene from the first film. Meyers explained that his son had a “logic issue” with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, “he literally came to me in the middle of the night, ‘When they show up [at Hogwarts], they’re wearing the cloaks. But the Sorting Hat hasn’t picked the house yet. So, how are they wearing the Gryffindor cloaks later? When do they get the new cloaks?”

“I think if I remember, and it was a while ago, I think we are in sort of neutral cloaks when we first come in. And then, you know, magic.” The Sorting Hat scene has the First Year students wearing dark cloaks with a tie with Hogwarts’ symbol on them. The next day, each student wears his House’s uniform, which includes a different cloak, tie, and sweater with the house’s logo.