After more than a decade away from the role, Tom Felton is stepping back into the shoes of Draco Malfoy, but this time on Broadway. The actor, known worldwide for his portrayal of the iconic Harry Potter antagonist, will bring the character to life in 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.'
Beginning November 11 at New York City’s Lyric Theatre. Felton, who is now 37, shared with TODAY that reprising Draco feels like a surreal “pinch-me situation.” “I keep thinking I’m dreaming,” he said.
© D Dipasupil“I let go of that character 16 years ago, and now getting a chance to step back into his shoes — as a father this time, in a new story — I get to meet Draco as an adult, which is very exciting," he told the publication.
The play, which first premiered in London in 2016, picks up 19 years after the original Harry Potter saga ended. In this new chapter, Draco and other fan-favorite characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron are now parents, sending their children off to Hogwarts.
© Murray Close“It’s very much a full-circle moment for me,” Felton said in a statement. “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.”
© Kate GreenThe actor admitted to feeling an emotional rush when he put on Draco’s signature platinum blond wig again for the first time. “It was just sort of like a blast from the past... I just immediately cried,” he revealed.
Felton’s return marks the first time any member of the original Harry Potter film cast has joined the Broadway production, which has been running since 2018. He’ll star in a limited 19-week engagement, running through March 22, 2026.
© Ian Nicholson - PA Images“Potter was a massive chunk of my childhood, and now I get to sort of go back whilst also going forward," he added. He also noted the challenge of portraying Draco not as a young antagonist, but as a complex adult navigating new territory.
© Handout“Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.”
