Columbus had wanted Radcliffe for the role since he saw him in the BBC's production of David Copperfield, before the open casting sessions had taken place, but had been told by Figgis that Radcliffe's protective parents would not allow their son to take the part.
Columbus menginginkan Radcliffe karena ia melihatnya saat produksi David Copperfield, sebelum berlangsungnya audisi terbuka, tetapi diberitahu oleh Figgis bahwa orang tua Radcliffe yang protektif tidak akan membiarkan anak mereka untuk ambil bagian. .