Why do you think so many people can identify with Harry Potter?
Because, other than the fact that he's a wizard, he's really a normal person. And he goes from being nothing to being something really huge and important in the wizard world. I think he's inspired a lot of people--including me.
Is there anything in particular that you can relate to in him?
The way that he's very loyal to all of his friends. I think that's one of the most important things you can be, and that's what Harry is.
Were you fond of the book before you got the part, and did you ever think, "Hey, this Potter guy looks a lot like me?"
No. I never thought that, but I always enjoyed reading the books.
This isn't your first acting gig. How does this experience compare to "David Copperfield"?
It's similar, but on a much bigger scale. "Copperfield" was great fun, but this had more stunts, which was very cool.
What have your parents said to help you prepare for worldwide fame?
I have such a normal life. Apart from the times when I'm on set, I see my friends regularly and I do the same schoolwork my classmates do. For me it's been pretty easy, because, actually, I rarely get recognized.
But isn't there a part of you that wants to be recognized? That wants to be famous?
I think I do want to be famous, but I still want a normal life--like seeing my friends and doing my schoolwork. At the same time, I've been inspired by a lot of famous people to do as well as they have done.
I understand that in the beginning your parents weren't all that crazy about the idea of you auditioning for this. Can you tell me how that changed?
They were not really reluctant about me playing Harry. I've auditioned for things before and I always get my hopes up really high. They knew that there were thousands of boys auditioning, so they didn't want me to get my hopes up too high.
The stunts and special effects look amazing in this movie. Can you tell me about working under those crazy conditions?
It was very surreal. We went so fast on those broomsticks!
Where were you when you actually found out you got the part?
I was in the bath when my dad came up and told me. I just cried.
Of all Harry's magical powers, which one would you wish to have in real life?
I've got two: the invisibility, because it would be so cool to go anywhere without people knowing, and the other one would be Fluffy, the three-headed dog, because then nobody would try to fight me.
Did you believe in magic before the books and this movie?
I've always believed in magic, like, 100 percent, and I've always been fascinated by it.
What's your fondest memory from filming this movie?
The people I worked with. They made the last year of my life fantastic, exciting and inspirational. What about your older co-stars? Was it at all intimidating working with Robbie Coltrane or Richard Harris?
No. The both have a very dry sense of humor and they're both very funny. Robbie's really got a great sense of humor, because at one point I changed the language on his mobile phone to Turkish!