Previously we told you actor Dan Radcliffe was taking on a new film role for a movie based on the life of late photojournalist Dan Eldon. In a new interview with Empire magazine, Dan Radcliffe confirms he is interested in the film, however notes it is not as close to production as various media reports have stated. Dan says:
"There's a lot of stuff flying around about this at the moment," he said. "I am absolutely attached to it and it would be amazing to play that part. But people are making assumptions about when it's going to happen and it won't happen – if indeed it does happen – for a while yet. But basically...Eldon grew up in Africa and discovered a gift and a passion for photography. Eventually he got too caught up in something that lead to his death".
To prepare for the role Radcliffe spoke at length with Eldon's family about his life. "They showed me some of his diaries, which the film will be based on mostly," he continued. "They're incredible. There have got to be 20 books and they're all inches thick, with things sellotaped into them and with wires coming out and everything. He was someone who died very young, but seemed to live as full a life as much as anyone who lived to be a ripe old age. It'll be incredible to play him".
Dan Eldon was a young photographer who was brutally murdered in Somalia in 1993, when he and three other colleagues were stoned to death after an angry mobbed turned on the journalists in the aftermath of a bombing in Mogadishu. You can read more about Dan Eldon here, as well as learn more about journalists who are killed each year while bringing the news, here.
I bet he is going to take an Oscar…whenever this is released.It is surely Academy Award material this movie.I am sure he will do a wonderful job,considering his performance in Equus.
It makes sense to me that this may be a project for a couple of years down the line, post Potter 7. Dan Eldon was 23 when he died and it is more difficult to ‘age up’ for a role than it is to look younger, and Dan is only 19 in July.
I was also wondering how he’d fit it in next year with a long’ish Equus run as well as HP!
dia duit fellow potter obsessors! cnt wait 4 dans new movie! gud tip cian! nice 2 kno dat der is fellow paddys in da potter world! wer bouts u frm? slan abhaile! XOXO
Posted by xXciarapotter2k8moinXx on January 22, 2008, 10:19 PM
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It sounds like a great project for Dan. I am sure that he will play it well. What was more poignant to me in this article was the link to the fallen or missing journalists page. Even though I read the news headlines every day, I had no idea how huge a number it would be representing journalist that have fallen reporting the news. We take free press so much for granted here. The whole issue reminds me so much of the sacrifices made by OotP members in their battle with Voldemort to have good triumph over evil.
Posted by Alison aka NobleBirth Descending on January 22, 2008, 10:25 PM
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I think when it is made Dan will be wonderful in it and I am looking forward to seeing this ,so much.
Dan Eldon’s life was amazing and will make a incredible film,and inspiration
for many who see it.Even those who had not heard of him.
Hope they can work out all the production soon as possible.
I would hate for Dan to not have this role,I think it well be a incredible opportunity
for him .
Do you think Empire could have found a more current picture of Dan? That one must have been taken between CoS and PoA. It would be a very challanging role for him. I am glad this new project isn’t being shoehorned bewteen the end of filming HBP and Equus in NY. It just sounded like too much
And isn’t it sad about Heath Ledger? I pray our Potter Kids continue to keep their heads about them.
I have the feeling Dan will film this movie when the HP movies are finished, right now he has not time with so many proyects. I can not wait to see it!
Yes, Gable, I just heard about it, I still can not believe it… he was so young!
Dan met Heath Ledger once in Australia too, Heath was recieving an award and Dan was the one who gave it to him. And he was playing the Joker in the new Batman movie with Gary Oldman… this is such a small world.
I’m so sorry for his daughter. :(
I am so proud of Dan, Emma, and Rupert for branching out. I just saw parts of Ballet Shoe on youtube…and honestly, I did not think of Hermione at all when I saw Emma portraying Pauline. She did such a fantastic job- and Dan will nail this role as well. I was really worried for them, and I was praying that they wouldnt be stuck with their HP titles for the rest of their careers, but that seems like it wont’ be happening!
Someone already said it, but I agree- this role could definetly be Oscar worthy for Dan! I like how he chooses roles that aren’t exactly run of the mill, but really have some major character depth.
Makes me feel as though I ought to start writing journals!