The Woman In Blackmarks a few firsts.

Ad content continues below

Also, Janes writing (Jane Goldman, screenwriter) is kind of amazing.

I dont think thats going to happen, but I think it will start that.

So I missed out on that one, and I never read the book at AS level either.

I read the book, obviously, once Id finished the script and knew I was meeting James.

I still havent seen the play.

Youve a link to the TV movie ofThe Woman In Blacktoo havent you?

Adrian Rawlins who played my dad inPotterplayed my part in the originalThe Woman In BlackTV movie.

I like the idea that the Potter family has the monopoly on this character.

Thankfully Ive never been bereaved.

Its something that youre never going to fully be able to imagine yourself into that mind-set.

Would there be resentment there?

The answer I got was a definitive yes.

What direction do you want to take next?

Jack Huston is playing Jack Kerouac, and Elizabeth Olsen is playing Edie Parker.

Its very exciting,The Women In Blackwas James second film, and this is John Krokidas first feature.

I think thats very exciting, to be working with young hungry directors.

Oh no absolutely not.

If that means auditioning then fine, Ill audition.

Did the notion thatThe Woman In Blackwas going to be made by Hammer appeal to you?

I felt I wanted to be fulfilling what I regard as the Peter Cushing role.

I promise its not false modesty though.

So theres a long way to go before were at that stage.

Did you have lots of different scripts sent to you when you were finishing Harry Potter?

There were a few around the end.

It was the best, most complete film script that I read.

Was there anything that stands out you had to say No to?

One of them was a comedy.

I dont think theres anything that I would really balk at doing on screen.

I have got certain pet peeves about writing.

Were you taken aback by the massive amount of affection that the lastPotterfilm generated?

I remember it very clearly.

I remember seeing Lizo Mzimba there and thinking, oh my god!

Lizo is here, hes offNewsround, Im really excited.

It was bizarre, I remember Rupert and Emma being really sweet to me.

I look back on that day with great affection.

[NB: Interview took place before the 2012 Oscar nominations were announced.]

I feel very strongly about Alan [Rickman].

Obviously, there are a lot of other actors too Christopher Plummer particularly inBeginnersgives an amazing performance.

I thought he just did it wonderfully.

In terms of the rest of it… Do I think were the best picture of the year?

No, probably not.

Do I think were a great movie?

Absolutely.How much of a pat on the back do we really want?

Weve made $6 billion worldwide at this point.

Obviously an Oscar would be lovely, but were not desperately in need of it.

Im just not sure.

Im always going to be very proud of Potter and what it has done for me.

Theres no way I would be doingThe Woman In Blackor would have got to Broadway without it.

I kind of dont know where they came from, I think its bizarre.

I havent seen the context yet, I do have to say that.

Also he cant just offer a decree unless hes going to offer some incentive.

But hey, hes a politician so he must be right.

Down the line, absolutely.

I would love to self-generate films, I think it would be amazing.

Directing is more what I would like to get into eventually.

I would like to do that as a director definitely.

He wrote that himself, directed it himself, got the financing and produced it.

I think thats the way to do it.

How self-critical are you?

Very critical, I hate watching myself.

Its not an enjoyable experience watching yourself.

I hate it less than I used to, but I still dont enjoy it.

I am critical but I try not to get to a point where…

Being self-critical is good, begin self-hating is destructive.

Theres a very fine line there somewhere, and I walk it carefully.

Do you ever Google yourself?

Do you know why I Google myself?

Thats always very amusing.

But you try not to pay too much attention to it because its generally not constructive.

I dont read articles but occasionally somebody will say, This has come out.

Just so you know, youll probably get asked about this so read it!

but generally speaking you just let it wash over you.

Youre often asked to mock yourself and your career on TV, what withExtrasand your recentSaturday Night Liveperformance.

Not at all, no.

Especially with thePottersketches onSNL most of the people writing that are massivePotterfans, so its all done with love.

I dont ever see it as taking the piss.

But also Ive had some great references.

Do you have any more plans for theatre?

Absolutely, thats my next mission, to find a play to do in England.

Thats what I want to do.

Do you thinkPotterwould work on stage?

Erm… [makes a horrified face].

I dont think Jo would sanction that either, Im pleased to say.

Daniel Radcliffe, thank you very much.

The Woman In Black comes out in the UK this Friday.