The Harry Potter universe is in the midst of a transformation. With an HBO reboot on the horizon and a new generation of actors stepping into the iconic roles, longtime fans have had mixed emotions about the franchise’s evolving future. While controversy continues to cast a shadow over its creator, Warner Bros. is quietly finding new ways to tap into nostalgia, without reigniting old conflicts.
The original film cast—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—have distanced themselves from the franchise’s creator in recent years. Each actor publicly condemned J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people, with Radcliffe penning an open letter in support of trans youth. In turn, Rowling has made multiple veiled references online that appear to criticize the trio’s stance.
These tensions have seemingly ruled out any reunion film, particularly one based on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the acclaimed stage sequel set years after the original saga. But now, a fan favorite from the original cast is stepping back into the wizarding world—this time, live on stage.
Felton Returns as an Older Draco
Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy across all eight Harry Potter films, will join the Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child this fall. Felton will begin performances at New York’s Lyric Theatre on November 11, 2025, and remain in the role through March 22, 2026.
“Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Felton said in a statement. “Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.”
Felton added, “It’s surreal to be stepping back into his shoes—and of course his iconic platinum blond hair—and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world.”
A First for the Franchise
Felton’s casting marks the first time a member of the original film ensemble will appear in the stage production. Though the play has been running in various cities since its 2016 debut, this announcement introduces a new layer of authenticity that longtime fans are eager to embrace.
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On Instagram, Felton shared a short clip revealing his return. With his familiar slicked-back hair and signature smirk, he looked into the camera and asked a familiar question: “Scared, Potter?”
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender celebrated the news in a joint statement. “It’s not lost on us that this is a cultural moment charged with nostalgia, evolution, and emotion,” they said. “Tom’s return to Hogwarts bridges generations of fans and breathes new life into a beloved story.”
Felton’s Broadway run may signal a new phase for the franchise—one rooted less in spectacle and more in meaningful reconnections. For fans who grew up alongside Draco Malfoy, it’s a rare opportunity to see an old rival reimagined with new depth, live and in person.
How do you feel about Tom Felton’s return as Draco Malfoy?
