For millions of “Harry Potter” fans worldwide, the name Draco Malfoy conjures images of a sneering, platinum-blonde bully from the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Now, the actor who brought him to life for a generation, Tom Felton, is set to don the Slytherin robes once more, announcing his return to the role for a limited engagement in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This marks a significant moment, as Felton becomes the first original film actor to reprise his character on the stage.
A Return to the Wizarding World, 14 Years Later
It has been over a decade since Felton last portrayed the complex character of Draco Malfoy in the final “Harry Potter” film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. His upcoming 19-week run at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, beginning November 11, 2025, and continuing through March 22, 2026, will see him step into the shoes of an older, adult Draco. This version of the character, a father, is central to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is set 19 years after the events of the original book series.
Broadway Debut
Felton’s involvement is not only a return to a beloved character but also his highly anticipated Broadway debut. Speaking about the opportunity, Felton expressed deep emotion, revealing on the Today show that he “immediately cried” when he put on Draco’s signature platinum wig again. He described it as a “pinch-me situation” and a “full-circle moment,” noting that he will be the exact age Draco is in the play when he begins performances. This personal alignment with the character’s journey as an adult and father adds a unique layer to his reprisal.
Producers emphasized the cultural significance of Felton’s return. In a joint statement, they highlighted how Felton’s presence “bridges generations of fans and breathes new life into a beloved story,” offering a “once-in-a-lifetime excitement” for fans to witness him inhabit the role with the “same depth, gravity, and humanity he has always brought to Draco.” His casting underlines the play’s status as a continuation of the beloved saga, now with an authentic link to its cinematic past.