Daniel Radcliffe recently opened up about a frightening on-set experience while filming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — one that nearly turned dangerous during the movie’s extensive underwater sequences.
Appearing on Hot Ones, Radcliffe was asked to share a “close call” from his time working on the Harry Potter franchise. The actor revealed that he came alarmingly close to drowning while learning essential diving techniques for the film’s Triwizard Tournament scenes.
He explained that part of the training involved mask-clearing exercises — a basic but crucial step for underwater diving. The technique requires removing the breathing regulator, holding a breath, and then blowing air out upon reinserting it to clear water from the mask.
However, during one such exercise, Radcliffe realised he had removed the regulator without taking a breath beforehand. With no air to exhale once it was back in place, he quickly signaled distress.
He recalled making the hand gesture used to indicate an emergency underwater, prompting immediate assistance from the stunt coordinator. With help, he was safely brought out of the situation.
The moment left a lasting impression. Radcliffe remembered receiving a stern look from the coordinator — along with a clear warning not to repeat the mistake.
Filming the underwater sequences proved to be a demanding process overall. According to Radcliffe, production spent six weeks capturing those scenes, often yielding only about five seconds of usable footage per day.
Reflecting on the experience, he admitted it was not something he would willingly repeat.
Radcliffe portrayed the titular wizard across the Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, alongside Emma Watson as Hermione Granger and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
Meanwhile, the wizarding world is preparing for a new chapter. A television adaptation is set to arrive on HBO, introducing a fresh cast that includes Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton as Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively. The series is currently scheduled for a 2027 premiere.
Radcliffe was most recently seen in NBC’s comedy The Fall & Rise Of Reggie Dinkins, alongside Tracy Morgan.