Gary Oldman joined the cast of the 2004 film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the Godfather to the boy who lived. And he excelled in his role both on-screen and off-screen. Harry Potter actor, Tom Felton, talks about the connection his co-stars had while working on the franchise and even stated that he felt a bit jealous of their bond.
During the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter, the director of Prisoner of Azkaban, Alfonso Cuarón also reflected on Oldman and Radcliffe’s relationship. He also mentioned that the 64-year-old actor always made sure to take the best care of his godson in the Harry Potter franchise.
Alfonso Cuarón Reflects on Gary Oldman’s Bond With Daniel Radcliffe
Much like his character in the franchise, Daniel Radcliffe was initially intimidated by Gary Oldman when he joined the cast of Harry Potter. However, along with Sirius and Harry’s relationship, their off-screen bond also grew over time. The Lost City actor recalled the conversation he had with Emma Watson before meeting Oldman during HBO Max’s Return to Hogwarts.
He told Watson to be “cool” as Gary Oldman joining them was a “really big deal.” And soon, the whole cast and crew were able to notice the bond both the actors developed while working together. Alfonso Cuaron, the director of the film, also reflected on their bond during the Harry Potter reunion.
He shared that the Guns Akimbo star was “a bit daunted” by Oldman. However, the Mank star “was amazingly generous as a person but also as an actor.”
“He immediately embraced him and included him in the acting process. It was really sweet to see the two of them, and it was almost as if it was mirroring that relationship because, in many ways, Harry has made a totem out of Sirius Black.”
Daniel Radcliffe also admires Gary Oldman as an actor and even said that he was the first person he remembers being starstruck with. And he was devastated after learning about Oldman’s departure from the Harry Potter franchise in Order of the Pheonix.
Daniel Radcliffe Loved Working With Gary Oldman
Daniel Radcliffe worked with Gary Oldman in four Harry Potter films. While the Hannibal actor had brief appearances in most of the films under the franchise, he was able to share a prominent time on screen with Radcliffe in Order of the Pheonix.
And this is the reason the Harry Potter star describes the fifth film in the franchise as his favorite. During his interview with WIRED, he referred to Order of the Pheonix as his favorite Harry Potter film.
“The fifth one, which is not one that most people cite as one of their favorites. But I got to work with Gary Oldman, a bunch in it. And I was sort of a little bit older at that point, so I was able to appreciate that more.”
However, he also mentioned that he would prefer to watch the last film in the franchise, Deathly Hallows Part 2. The Jungle star also credited Oldman for his best performance in the franchise, which he believes only happened when he worked alongside the Léon actor. He said, “I raise the stakes of what I’m doing just because I know he’s involved.”
The Harry Potter franchise is available to stream on HBO Max.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is also available to stream on HBO Max.
Source: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
