Just goes to show the difference between movie magic and behind the scenes
The first images of Daniel Radcliffe as “Weird Al” Yankovic have been released and it’s fair to say that people are divided over the recreation of his iconic look.
The comic singer, musician and actor shared a set photo from his own Twitter account on Tuesday, revealing the first real look we’ve had at the Harry Potter star with the famous curly hair and familiar specs “Weird Al” was known for back in the 70s and 80s.
SHOOT DAY #8: It never fails – we’re trying to shoot a movie here, and this cosplayer weirdo tries to crash our set. Ugh! I mean, I love my fans, but… boundaries, people! Don’t worry, we had security throw him out. #WEIRDTheAlYankovicStory @TheRokuChannel pic.twitter.com/XdHZBlrsPM
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) February 22, 2022
This first glance certainly looks intriguing, with the low lighting and atmospheric nature almost reminiscent of Nirvana’s iconic “Smell Like Teens Spirit” – in truth, that couldn’t be further away from the comedy-led genre “Weird Al” has worked in for more than four decades (unless this is a grunge parody we don’t know about).
However, as first reported by People magazine, behind the scenes photos from on-set were also leaked on Sunday, February 20 and let’s just say there’s no production value dressing up this particular snap:
IM GOING TO EXPLODE AT THESE PICTURES OF DANIEL RADCLIFFE AS WEIRD AL. pic.twitter.com/6BX3kqkVUc
— Ronnie Gross (@ronniegrossjr) February 19, 2022
As you can see, these photos look less like an unrecognisable transformation and more like a bloke who’s just pulled on a wig to go with his fake moustache and glasses for a Halloween party.
When it comes to Radcliffe as “Weird Al” Yankovic, most people tend to be leaning towards the same opinion:
Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al kinda just looks like if Hogwarts hired a pizza maker pic.twitter.com/4XvszW1UWV
— Dan LaMorte (@DanLaMorte) February 21, 2022
“Weird Al”, 61, is best known for putting comedic spins on popular songs such as “White and Nerdy” (Chamillionaire’s “Ridin” dirty), “Amish Paradise” (Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”) and, of course, “Trapped In The Drive-Thru“. If this is the first time you’re stumbling upon him, you’re welcome.
Here’s Radcliffe, 32, with the big man himself:
Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al, hangin with Weird Al pic.twitter.com/heu9fbDxaL
— Pop.Don't.Stopp (@PopDontStopp) February 23, 2022
Although many on social media wrote along the lines of “Omfg this is great”, with some even declaring his look as “my new gender”, it’s fair to say there’s quite the contrast between the two images.
This caption produced the most audible of nose exhalations:
A first look at Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al who unironically looks like me that time we raided the school theater prop closet and attempted to buy Butterscotch Schnapps. pic.twitter.com/bmEGzvuZC0
— CHAD: A Fallout 76 Podcast 🎙️ 🏳️🌈 900K Listens (@fchadfallout76) February 23, 2022
It would also seem we’ve stumbled on to a select subculture of Radcliffe fandom too, as it isn’t the first time a meme-worthy set photo garnered similar reactions.
It can’t be denied, the man has range.
don’t forget these either pic.twitter.com/MBPDKiC0Yy
— Joshua Gynther (@joshuagynther) February 19, 2022
While we understand part of movie magic is selling performers as entirely different characters, the consensus seems to be that this film either needs a killer script or is guaranteed to be at least unintentionally funny simply because of images like this.
The film itself doesn’t yet have a release date and all we know so far is it’s going to be airing on the Roku TV streaming platform. Regardless, we’d tune in to see Harry Potter play “Weird Al” Yankovic any day.
Related links:
- Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire recreate iconic Spider-Man meme
- WATCH: Weird Al Yankovic finds the perfect home for his 2015 Grammy in this ‘unboxing’ clip
- New version of The Office ‘in the works’ with Australian female boss
