Tom Felton Meets Fans During Harry Potter Reunion
Tom Felton Reprises Role as Draco Malfoy in Broadway Production
Tom Felton made a highly anticipated return to his iconic role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This marked the first time in 14 years that the 38-year-old actor stepped back into the character, bringing a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans.
During his debut performance, Felton entered the stage in a manner reminiscent of Jason Isaacs’ portrayal of Lucius Malfoy, his father in the films. With his hand placed formally on his torso, he immediately captured the attention of the audience. However, as he took the stage as Draco, the crowd erupted into cheers and even screams, causing him to pause for a moment. The emotional reaction was evident as Felton seemed moved by the overwhelming support from the audience, taking a brief moment to absorb the energy before continuing with his performance.
Fans took to social media to express their awe at the moment. One user wrote: “Those screams … I can relate to that, will be doing the same if I were there.” Another shared: “Can’t believe I was there to witness this, what a night.” Many others expressed their deep emotional connection to the moment, with some stating they started crying upon seeing Felton’s reaction. A fan noted: “This clip brought me tears idc what y’all said about him being stuck in the character, THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.”
The Broadway production, co-devised by J.K. Rowling, features Tom playing an older version of Draco, 19 years after the events of the final book. In the play, Ministry of Magic employee Harry Potter and his wife Ginny wave off their youngest son, Albus Severus, to Hogwarts. Rachel Christopher and Daniel Fredrick portray Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively, while Janae Hammond plays their daughter, Rose Granger-Weasley. Felton’s character, Draco, is paired with Aidan Close as his son, Scorpius Malfoy, who becomes friends with young Albus Potter.
The two-part play spans over five hours and follows Albus as he struggles with the weight of his family legacy. He takes extreme measures to correct past mistakes, leading to dangerous consequences. According to the production, Tom is the first actor from the films to reprise their role on stage, marking his Broadway debut.
In a statement, Tom shared his feelings about returning to the role: “Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life. 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. 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.”
Tom made his West End debut in the supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story in 2022. The current production will run for a 26-week limited engagement through May 10, 2026. The cast includes John Skelley as Harry Potter, Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter, and Emmet Smith as their son, Albus Potter.
Since the end of the film franchise, Tom has appeared in several projects, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and recurring roles in TV series such as Murder in the First, The Flash, and Origin. He has also lent his voice to the Harry Potter video games and participated in the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
However, Tom’s decision to take part in J.K. Rowling’s stage play sparked controversy among some fans due to the author’s ongoing transphobia-related issues. During the 2025 Tony Awards, Tom was asked about the impact of the controversy on his decision to return to the franchise. He responded that he was “not really that attuned to it” and praised Rowling for “bringing the world together.”
Other actors involved in the HBO Harry Potter TV show have also faced backlash. The cast includes notable names like John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, and Bel Powey. Meanwhile, Keira Knightly, who voiced Professor Umbridge in an audiobook adaptation, faced criticism for her involvement. She expressed regret and emphasized the need for mutual respect among differing opinions.
