AirLockAlpha.com

Just weeks before he is about to make his stage debut in probably one of the most controversial roles of his career, Daniel Radcliffe -- in an attempt to break out of his "Harry Potter" typecast -- is taking on a very adult role, and new publicity shots from "Equus" show he's not kidding.

The official "Equus" Web site has released several high-resolution publicity shots of a shirtless, very grown up Radcliffe that is being used to promote the London West End play "Equus," in its first major production since 1973. The play has created some controversy for Radcliffe as his character, Alan Strang, appears in the nude for a portion of the play.

Radcliffe will be joined on the Gielgud Theatre stage with actor Richard Griffiths, who will play Martin Dysart. The play itself opens Feb. 27 with previews scheduled for Feb. 16.

Radcliffe, who turns 18 in July, will continue to portray Harry Potter in subsequent movies, however, as he is due to appear in the title role in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" later this year.