Draco Malfoy himself, Tom Felton, is taking on a whole new world as an inventor fighting an oppressive, genetically-divided society in the upcoming sci-fi action flick, 'Altered.' Get ready to see him in a role unlike any other, hitting screens very soon!
TL;DR- Tom Felton stars as Leon, an inventor fighting for justice in a dystopian future where genetically enhanced humans rule.
- Directed by Timo Vuorensola, 'Altered' drops in select US theaters and on VOD starting November 21, 2025.
- Expect high-stakes action, clever gadgets, and a compelling story about social inequality in a cyberpunk-inspired world.
Stepping into a Genetically Divided Future with 'Altered'
Hold onto your wands, folks, because Tom Felton, best known for his iconic role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, is diving headfirst into a gritty, action-packed dystopian sci-fi thriller called 'Altered.' And trust us, this isn't Hogwarts.
Set in an "alternate present" society that has rebuilt itself after a devastating nuclear war, 'Altered' paints a stark picture of a world where humanity has chosen biology over technology. Here, genetically enhanced humans sit at the top of the food chain, living lavishly and dominating society. But what about everyone else? Well, they're called "Specials" – ordinary people without genetic upgrades, often pushed into the underground and marginalized by corrupt politicians exploiting this profound genetic disparity.
Felton takes on the lead role of Leon, a quick-witted design engineer and a "Special" living with a disability. Instead of genetic enhancements, Leon leans on his incredible talent for invention, crafting intricate mechanical devices in his workshop. These gadgets aren't just for fun; they're essential tools that help other unmodified individuals blend in and navigate a world not built for them. His journey into heroism truly kicks off when he decides to take a stand against the oppressive system, risking everything to level the playing field.
Unveiling the Thrilling Plot and Character Journeys
The recently released trailer for 'Altered' gives us a taste of this bleak yet visually striking cyberpunk world. We see neon-lit cityscapes (a VFX-enhanced version of Astana, Kazakhstan, where much of the film was shot) juxtaposed with the grittier reality of the "Specials." The story intensifies after a banquet attack is unjustly blamed on the "Specials," spurring Leon into action.
To clear his community's name and fight for justice, Leon takes a huge gamble: he decides to go undercover, attempting to pass as a "genetic." The trailer showcases a blend of intense combat sequences and moments of clever gadgetry, hinting at the high stakes and inventive solutions Leon brings to the table. We also get glimpses of his "Iron Man-esque" suit, which he uses to battle the bad guys. He's reportedly warned against entering the heavily guarded genetic district but goes anyway, enticed by a triple fee for fixing someone's suit – a decision that quickly spirals into a fight for survival when his community is framed.
Leon also becomes a parental figure to 13-year-old Chloe (played by Elizaveta Bugulova) after the tragic death of her parents, adding an emotional layer to his heroic quest. Together with other brave souls, they embark on a revolution, facing immense costs but driven by the belief that every revolution has its price for true change.
"I’ve always been drawn to science fiction, especially when it offers fresh perspectives on the world we live in. Altered gave me a unique opportunity to explore social issues through a future that feels only a step away. It’s the kind of story that lets us tap into something meaningful, weaving it together with exciting action and emotional depth."
— Timo Vuorensola, DirectorMeet the Talented Cast and Visionary Crew Behind 'Altered'
The film boasts an impressive cast alongside Tom Felton, bringing this dystopian vision to life. Here's who you'll see:
- Tom Felton as Leon
- Elizaveta Bugulova (also known as Liza Bugulova) as Chloe
- Richard Brake
- Aggy K. Adams
- Igor Zhizhikin (also known as Igor Jijikine)
- Daniyar Alshinov
- Sergey Tsyrulnikov
- Aleksey Filimonov
'Altered' is both written and directed by Finnish filmmaker Timo Vuorensola. If that name rings a bell, it's because he's known for his unique genre projects, including the cult sci-fi comedies Iron Sky and its sequel Iron Sky: The Coming Race, as well as the action film 97 Minutes and Jeepers Creepers: Reborn. Vuorensola brings a strong visual style and a knack for exploring social commentary through futuristic lenses to this project.
The film is produced by Andreas Klein, Marko Moellers, Doris Pfardrescher, and Juris Razgulajevs. Its $15 million budget was announced back in May 2024, highlighting the ambition behind this high-stakes production. Vuorensola explained that the inspiration for 'Altered' came from a fascinating alternate history premise: "What if humanity had chosen biology over technology?" and imagining a world where the Cuban Missile Crisis led to a nuclear war, paving the way for advanced genetic advancements.
"Tom is an incredibly powerful actor – I’ve admired him since his Harry Potter days, but it was his recent work that truly convinced me of his versatility and depth. He had everything I was looking for in a protagonist: humor, strength, vulnerability, and charisma. And on top of that, working with him is genuinely a pleasure – which is crucial on a shoot as demanding as ours. It was clear from the beginning that we were a perfect match."
— Timo Vuorensola, Director, on casting Tom FeltonMark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch 'Altered'
Good news! You won't have to wait too long to immerse yourself in this genetically altered world. Well Go USA is set to release Timo Vuorensola's 'Altered' on:
- Date: November 21, 2025
- Availability: Select US theaters and Video-On-Demand (VOD) services
So, whether you prefer the big screen experience or the comfort of your couch, you'll have multiple ways to check out Felton's latest venture. This fall debut promises to attract both hardcore sci-fi enthusiasts and dedicated Tom Felton fans looking for something new.
Tom Felton's Busy November and Beyond: From Dystopia to Draco
This November is turning out to be a whirlwind for Tom Felton! Besides his starring role in 'Altered,' he's also making his Broadway debut. He's reprising his iconic role as Draco Malfoy in the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, kicking off a 26-week run on November 11, just before 'Altered' hits screens.
Felton recently shared his excitement about returning to Draco Malfoy, even crediting an old friend for his support: "My old school chum, Potter, [Daniel] Radcliffe, has done quite a bit of Broadway, so he's holding my hand and certainly helping me through all the things that are hard to learn." He also expressed gratitude for the "amazing community" of Harry Potter fans, noting their gracious and excited support.
Beyond his busy November, Felton has kept a diverse acting career going since his Harry Potter days. Fans might recall his roles in films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Apparition, Ophelia, and A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting. More recently, he starred in the 2023 psychological thriller Some Other Woman, and he's lined up for the 2026 horror film They Will Kill You, alongside a star-studded cast including Zazie Beetz, Myha'la, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. His involvement in 'Altered' further highlights his range and willingness to explore exciting new genres, cementing his status as a versatile actor.
Why 'Altered' Might Be Your Next Must-Watch Sci-Fi Adventure'Altered' isn't just another sci-fi film; it's an intriguing exploration of social issues wrapped in thrilling action. With its compelling premise of genetic disparity, a hero inventor who defies the odds, and a visually rich cyberpunk aesthetic, it promises a thought-provoking and exciting experience. The film's tagline, "Fight the system. Change the world," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of rebellion and hope that drives Leon's mission. If you're a fan of futuristic stories, inventive heroes, and narratives that challenge societal norms, then 'Altered' should definitely be on your radar this fall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Felton's New Sci-Fi FilmWhen exactly does 'Altered' come out in theaters and on demand?
'Altered' is set to release in select US theaters and will be available on Video-On-Demand (VOD) and digital platforms starting November 21, 2025.
Who is the director of 'Altered' and what other films has he directed?
The film is directed and written by Finnish filmmaker Timo Vuorensola. He's known for projects like the Iron Sky movies, 97 Minutes, and Jeepers Creepers: Reborn.
What is the main plot of 'Altered' about?
'Altered' is a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in an alternate future after a nuclear war. Society is divided between genetically enhanced "genetics" and marginalized "Specials." Tom Felton plays Leon, a "Special" inventor who creates a special suit to fight against corrupt politicians and an oppressive system, seeking justice for the unmodified.
Will 'Altered' be available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Max immediately?
The information available states it will be in select US theaters and on VOD/digital platforms. Specific streaming service availability beyond VOD hasn't been announced, but it will likely be available for digital rental or purchase first.
Sources- First Showing (Alex Billington, October 23, 2025)
- CBR (October 23, 2025)
- TMB (October 23, 2025)
- Flickering Myth (Amie Cranswick, October 23, 2025)
- News Helpline (October 24, 2025)
- ScreenRant (October 23, 2025)
- ComingSoon (Anthony Nash, October 23, 2025)