In a surprising turn of events, Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, revealed an outlandish pitch for the show’s potential guest star—none other than Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. During an interview with EW’s Around the Table series, Brunson shared her quirky idea of having Radcliffe play the son of the school janitor, Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).
Brunson admits there’s no logical explanation for the suggestion, stating, “There’s no rhyme or reason. It’s so dumb. And not like Daniel Radcliffe as somebody, like Daniel Radcliffe [himself] is Mr. Johnson’s son.”
The unexpected proposal adds a touch of whimsy to the sitcom, showcasing the creative and lighthearted atmosphere behind the scenes of Abbott Elementary. Radcliffe, who previously worked with Brunson, has shown interest in collaborating further, expressing a desire to star in a rom-com with her.
The cast of Abbott Elementary doesn’t shy away from amusing casting ideas. During the interview, suggestions ranged from Solange as a potential family member for Gregory (Tyler James Williams) to Marla Gibbs as Mr. Johnson’s mom. The playful banter also includes discussions about bringing back Ayo Edebiri and Taraji P. Henson for the upcoming season.
“We love them. They love us. They’re both very busy people now. We have definitely have plans to bring them back,” assures Brunson. The creative brainstorming doesn’t stop there, with the cast throwing out names like Joe Pesci, Halle Berry, Pedro Pascal, and even Diana Ross and Meryl Streep for potential roles.
As Abbott Elementary continues to blend humor and heart, the offbeat casting suggestions highlight the camaraderie and fun spirit that defines the show’s dynamic.
