TORONTO -- Not long ago, Daniel Radcliffe traded in his black-rimmed Harry Potter glasses for a bold acting choice. And he has never looked back.


Now the 24-year-old actor's at the Toronto International Film Festival with three new films, each unique in its own way, and far more mature than the saga of the boy wizard.


While they cover some adult themes like murder and homosexuality, the actor claims his current role selections are not part of some strategy to abandon his past, rather they're about doing what actors do best: "Take chances."


"You have to make films based on your own instincts ... I have to make the kind of films that I would want to see," Radcliffe told The Associated Press on Saturday.


The actor spoke candidly concerning his criteria for selecting movie roles during an interview for his new film, "Horns." It's based on the 2010 novel of the same name, and has Radcliffe in the title role of a man suspected of brutally killing his girlfriend and one morning awakening with a pair of horns on his head.


"It's not so much a process or a strategy. It's about what scripts you get sent. So when I read "Horns," I was immediately passionate about it, and I wanted to play this part and knew I could have an interesting take on it," Radcliffe said.


Radcliffe also stars as poet Allen Ginsberg in "Kill Your Darlings." In that film, he has a graphic sex scene with another man. But the actor isn't at all worried about any negative reactions, including from Potter fans.


"What my fan base wants me to do is not the most effective way of forging a career, or certainly not the most honest way of doing it. You got to remember that I did `Equus' and that was a pretty big deal."


That bold decision came when he was still making "Harry Potter" films. Then 17, Radcliffe portrayed the troubled young man, Alan Strang, in the London and Broadway revivals of Peter Shaffer's award-winning play. The role caused some controversy because the underage actor had to appear naked for part of the second act. His "Horns" co-star, Juno Temple, feels that role helped transform Radcliffe from a child star to an adult actor.


"Whether you were involved in Harry Potter or not, just the bravery of going on stage and doing a play like `Equus' ... those brave moments are really telling as to why these amazing roles are coming your way," Temple said.


She stars as the girlfriend in "Horns" as seen through flashbacks. Temple is the daughter of British film director, Julien Temple.


Radcliffe also stars in the romantic comedy, "The F Word." So while there's a daring departure from child stardom for him, he doesn't feel that he's alienating the Potter audience. In fact, he feels just the opposite.


"What you got to remember about the Potter audience is that they grew up with me, and a lot of them are now my age or older. They want to see dark, challenging material as much as anyone else does," Radcliffe said.


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Follow John Carucci on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jacarucci




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  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actors Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor Daniel Radcliffe arrives at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actors Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Executive Producer Joe Hill, Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Mitchell Kummen and Juno Temple arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actors Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actors Daniel Radcliffe, (L) and Mitchell Kummen arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "Horns" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Mitchell Kummen, Juno Temple and director Alexandre Aja arrive at the 'Horns' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Aaron Harris/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor Jeremy Irvine arrives at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Producer Livia Giuggioli and actor Colin Firth arrive at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "Lucky Them" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Toni Collette arrives at the 'Lucky Them' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Isabel Bader Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Peter Bregg/Getty Images)




  • Michael Fassbender, Steve McQueen


    Michael Fassbender, left, and director Steve McQueen arrive at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Paul Dano


    Paul Dano arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Benedict Cumberbatch


    Benedict Cumberbatch arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Michael Fassbender


    Michael Fassbender arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Michael Fassbender


    Michael Fassbender arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Paul Giamatti


    Paul Giamatti arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Lupita Nyong'o


    Lupita Nyong'o arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • La La Anthony


    La La Anthony arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Adepero Oduye


    Adepero Oduye arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Lupita Nyong'o


    Lupita Nyong'o arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Jeremy Irvine


    Jeremy Irvine arrives at the premiere for "The Railway Man" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)




  • Jason Sudeikis


    CORRECTS SPELLING TO BOOGIE - Jason Sudeikis arrives at Jason Reitman's live reading of "Boogie Nights" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at the Ryerson Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)




  • Dakota Fanning


    CORRECTS SPELLING TO BOOGIE - Dakota Fanning arrives at Jason Reitman's live reading of "Boogie Nights" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at the Ryerson Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Nicole Kidman arrives at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Lupita Nyong'o arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor Paul Dano arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Sarah Paulson arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Alfre Woodard arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Sarah Paulson arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Adepero Oduye arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Nicole Kidman arrives at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Nicole Kidman arrives at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "12 Years A Slave" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actor/ producer Brad Pitt arrives at the '12 Years A Slave' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "The Railway Man" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Nicole Kidman arrives at 'The Railway Man' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • Brad Pitt


    Brad Pitt arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • Brad Pitt


    Brad Pitt arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzelloi/Invision/AP)




  • "Hateship Loveship" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Kristen Wiig arrives at 'Hateship Loveship' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • "Hateship Loveship" Premiere - Arrivals - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 06: Actress Sami Gayle arrives at 'Hateship Loveship' Premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 6, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)




  • Kristen Wiig


    Kristen Wiig, a cast member in "Hateship Loveship," poses at the premiere of the film on day 2 of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)




  • Kristen Wiig


    Kristen Wiig, a cast member in "Hateship Loveship," waves to fans before heading into the theater for the premiere of the film on day 2 of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)




  • "Only Lovers Left Alive" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actress Mia Wasikowska (L) and actor Tom Hiddleston attend the 'Only Lovers Left Alive' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "Only Lovers Left Alive" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: (L-R) Actors Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska and Anton Yelchin attend the 'Only Lovers Left Alive' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "Only Lovers Left Alive" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actress Mia Wasikowska attends the 'Only Lovers Left Alive' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "Only Lovers Left Alive" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actress Mia Wasikowska attends the 'Only Lovers Left Alive' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "All Cheerleaders Die" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actress Caitlin Stasey arrives at the 'All Cheerleaders Die' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)




  • "All Cheerleaders Die" Premiere - 2013 Toronto International Film Festival


    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 05: Actresses Sianoa Smit-McPhee (L) and Reanin Johannink arrive at the 'All Cheerleaders Die' premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 5, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)