Warner Bros. was forced to bargain by offering Radcliffe a two-film contract, with shooting to take place in the UK. Of course, this eventually turned into a contract comprising eight astronomically successful films.
Fast forward two decades and Radcliffe is set to reunite with his co-stars for Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
The reunion special will see the gang return to the set in London for the first time since wrapping Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 more than 10 years ago.
A young, bright-eyed Radcliffe was first discovered by Harry Potter producer David Heyman and writer Steve Kloves sitting in a theatre in London in the summer of 2000.
Despite the fact he wasn't even performing, the duo were immediately captivated by his presence.
"There sitting behind me was this boy with these big blue eyes. It was Dan Radcliffe," Heyman told Los Angeles Times writer Geoff Boucher in 2009.
"I remember my first impressions … He was curious and funny and so energetic. There was real generosity too, and sweetness.
"But at the same time he was really voracious and with hunger for knowledge of whatever kind."
Heyman was thrilled to spot Radcliffe, having been into a seven-month search for his lead without success.
He was far from a household name but Radcliffe had still notched up impressive experience in the 1999 BBC series David Copperfield, in which he played the child years in the title role.
Radcliffe was brought in for his Harry Potter audition and the decision was unanimous, with Rowling declaring at the time: "Having seen Dan Radcliffe screen test, I don't think [director] Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry."
But by the final film, the now 32-year-old pocketed a $26.5 million paycheque – and a worthy spot in blockbuster history.
We think his parents are probably relieved they didn't pass that one up.
