Daniel Radcliffe To Play Slain Journalist
January 3, 2008 by Jeanne
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has landed the role of Dan Eldon in the upcoming biopic, "Journey." Eldon was a 22-year-old war photographer and was one of four journalists who were stoned to death in July 1993 by a mob in Mogadishu. The work that he left behind has been widely acclaimed. Eldon’s mother got final say in who portrayed her slain son on screen and chose Radcliffe over Orlando Bloom, Heath Ledger, Ryan Phillippe and Joaquin Phoenix. For the full story, including an interview with Eldon’s mother, Kathy, visit The Observer.
Taking on this role will mark an even more pronounced departure from his role as the boy wizard in the "Harry Potter" films. I think this is smart because he will be gaining experience while still have the security of the "Potter" movies and will allow audiences to become comfortable with him in other roles. It’s sad when a young actor gets pigeonholed – look at Mark Hamill who played Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" movies…
That’s gotta be pretty stressful for Daniel, though. I’m sure he’ll do well.
He’s a natural for something like this. I had the opportunity to see him in last year’s production of eter Schaffer’s “Equus” in London’s West End and left everyone speechless with his performance, so I’m glad he’s got a chance to prove himself here with this new role.