Biography

Into The Chamber

Filming of the sequel, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", began a mere three days after the first film was released. Frequently described as "a lot darker, a lot scarier... and a lot funnier" than the first film, "Chamber of Secrets" was more of a straightforward action movie and received generally positive reviews when it was released on 15th November 2002. History repeated itself as the film smashed transatlantic box office records and it is currently the ninth-highest grossing film of all time.

Those who worked with Dan on the film have lavished praise on him. Kenneth Branagh has spoken of his joy in working with such a well-balanced young cast. The special effects team were amazed by Dan’s ability to act convincingly opposite a ball on a stick in the scenes involving Dobby the House Elf, before the CGI creature was added. Chris Columbus, speaking after the release of "Chamber of Secrets", was more precise:

"What used to take eight or nine takes, now we do it in two or three. Particularly Dan. He has almost become a mini action hero. He is really strong and I like that strength about him because Harry Potter needs to develop that strength... He is incredibly focused. I've seen actors twice his age who couldn't give as convincing a performance."

After the promotional whirl of the UK and US, Dan took a little time out from promoting the film to make his West End stage debut in November 2002 in "The Play What I Wrote", directed by Kenneth Branagh. The play, which is a tribute to former top British comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, has a different surprise guest every night and makes them perform a humorous sketch. Says Dan of his experiences:

"It was great fun. I had never been on stage before so it was a little scary at first but it certainly gave me the desire to do more on stage."