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'Harry Potter' star to reprise fan-favorite role in new production© Murray Close

broadway

'Harry Potter' star to reprise original role in new production after 14 years: 'I just immediately cried'

This is the first time any member of the original 'Harry Potter' film cast steps back into the role


Daniel Neira
Senior Writer
JUNE 5, 2025 2:11 PM EDT

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. 

Tom Felton, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Matthew Lewis attend the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" © D Dipasupil
Tom Felton, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Matthew Lewis attend the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"

“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.

 Tom Felton on the set of the film 'Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire', London, England, 2004© Murray Close
Tom Felton on the set of the film 'Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire', London, England, 2004

“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.”

 Tom Felton attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards © Kate Green
Tom Felton attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards

The 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.

Tom Felton, who stars as Draco Malfoy, arriving for the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.   © Ian Nicholson - PA Images
Tom Felton, who stars as Draco Malfoy, arriving for the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

“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.

 Tom Felton, who portrays Draco Malfoy in the blockbuster Harry Potter film series, visits with the Beauxbatons at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter © Handout
Tom Felton, who portrays Draco Malfoy in the blockbuster Harry Potter film series, visits with the Beauxbatons at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

“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.”

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