It’s dangerous to be a boy wizard these days. Several media outlets are reporting that there has been a very credible and serious threat made against the life of “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe. The threat is serious enough that Radcliffe is now being guarded by former Special Air Service army guards. They’re going all-out in his security plan and even having Daniel switch cars multiple times during a trip.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “There is a real concern for Daniel’s welfare. No one has said what has been going on. It’s all hush-hush – but security has been massively ramped up. Daniel has the four guards with him at all times.”

The 18-year-old star is filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and although the nature of the threat – which was received via Warner Bros. who are producing the movie – is unclear, bosses aren’t prepared to take any chances.

The actor switched cars three times on Saturday night as we went to and from the film set. His regular driver – used by the star for seven years and considered “part of the family” – has been temporarily replaced. Daniel has now been given a “chase car” which follows the vehicle in which he is travelling in case of emergency. The source said of the SAS guards: “They are all experts in evasive driving, threat assessment and close protection. This isn’t about keeping an eye out for the paparazzi – these guys are looking for something far more sinister.”

[From the Herald Sun]

This is the same kind of protection given to Prince William and Prince Harry. Which means Daniel is either some kind of national treasure, or whatever threat they’re worried about is pretty serious. I don’t want to be a jerk, but I’m not sure starring in a movie is worth risking your life. “Harry Potter” is great and all, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to risk life and limb to be in it. It’s good that no one’s taking any chances with Daniel’s safety, but it sure makes you wonder who on earth would threaten his life, and why? I’m guessing it has something to do with some kind of dark force, some magic, and some freaky trees in the woods. Seriously though, I hope they figure out who’s making this threat and lock them up, no one should have to live like that.