Tom Felton Reacts To J.K. Rowling’s Transphobic Comments After Joining Harry Potter’s Cursed Child Play

Tom Felton is returning to the world of Harry Potter, but this time, he’s stepping onto the Broadway stage. The actor, known for his iconic role as Draco Malfoy in all eight films of the beloved franchise, has officially joined the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He’ll be playing a grown-up Draco in a special 19-week engagement at New York’s Lyric Theatre, starting November 11, 2025.

Tom Felton On Jk Rowling

Tom Felton’s casting marks a major milestone for the production, as he’s the first actor from the original films to take on a role in the stage adaptation. Speaking to Variety at the 2025 Tony Awards, Felton admitted he once thought the excitement around Harry Potter might have faded over time, but seeing the enduring love from fans has clearly proved otherwise.

What excites him most, though, is performing live. Reflecting on his film experience, he noted how long it took to shoot a single movie, and said he’s looking forward to the energy and immediacy of theatre. “It’s compact, it’s emotional, and this time, I even get to play a dad,” he shared, referring to Draco’s role in the play.

Of course, any return to the Harry Potter universe today comes with complex conversations, particularly those surrounding author J.K. Rowling and her widely criticized comments on gender identity. When asked if this ongoing controversy impacts his relationship with the franchise, Felton responded carefully.

He said that while he isn’t deeply engaged with the online debates, the magic of Harry Potter remains unchanged for him. He spoke about how the series has brought people together across the globe, and acknowledged Rowling’s role in creating that world, expressing continued gratitude for her storytelling. His comments suggest a desire to focus on the unifying spirit of the story, rather than the divisive headlines.
As he prepares for his Broadway debut, Felton is getting familiar with the ins and outs of live stage magic, quite a shift from green screens and CGI.

Also Read: Who Is Dominic McLaughlin? The Actor Cast To Play Harry Potter In HBO’s Upcoming Reboot

During early rehearsals, he was told he’d need to learn exactly how the illusions are pulled off, since they’ll be happening right in front of the audience every night. Though he initially wanted to keep the magic a mystery, he’s now fully immersed in the technical side, and excited for the challenge.

Also Read: JK Rowling Approves Harry Potter’s New Cast For HBO Series

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