The actor who made "Potter!" iconic is back on stage in The Cursed Child, and his highly-anticipated Broadway debut brought down the house (in the best way possible).
TL;DR:
- Tom Felton made his Broadway debut as an older Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on November 11, 2025.
- His first appearance on stage at the Lyric Theatre was met with such thunderous applause that it halted the performance for several minutes.
- Felton is scheduled to perform through May 10, 2026, offering fans a unique, emotional chance to see him reprise the iconic role.
Imagine the hush that falls over a packed Broadway theater just before a highly anticipated entrance. Then, suddenly, a wave of sound crashes over the stage — not a gentle ripple, but a full-blown tsunami of screams, cheers, and applause. This wasn't just any opening night; this was the moment Tom Felton, beloved worldwide as the original Draco Malfoy, stepped onto the Lyric Theatre stage in New York City for his debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
On November 11, 2025, the audience’s reception was so intense, so emotionally charged, that the play was forced to take a noticeable pause. Felton, ever the professional, remained in character, a subtle grin undoubtedly playing beneath Malfoy’s signature sneer, as he waited for the roar to subside. This electrifying reaction wasn't just a warm welcome; it was a testament to the enduring power of his portrayal and the deep connection fans feel to the Wizarding World. Source: Newsweek, "Tom Felton’s 'Harry Potter' Return Causes Chaos and Halts Broadway Play," James Brizuela.
What Tom Felton's Return as Draco Malfoy Means for the Wizarding World
Felton's return as an older Draco Malfoy marks a truly significant moment. He is the first actor from the original Harry Potter film series to reprise his role in the stage production, which initially opened in London in 2016 and on Broadway in 2018. This isn't just a bit of clever casting; it's a huge deal for fans who have dreamt of seeing the original stars reunite.
For years, after the final book was published in 2007, rumors swirled about The Cursed Child script being adapted into a movie sequel starring the original cast. That never materialized, making Felton's stage appearance the closest fans will likely get to that long-hoped-for continuation on screen. It bridges the gap between the screen magic and the live theatrical experience in a way no other casting could.
Stepping Back Into the Blond Wig: An Emotional Journey for Tom Felton
Reprising a role after more than a decade isn't just about memorizing lines; it's an emotional journey, especially when that role defined a generation. Felton last played Draco Malfoy in 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. He admitted he never thought he’d don the blond wig again, telling People Magazine, "I just never saw myself having blonde hair again and reprising that role." Source: MLive.com, "Tom Felton’s Broadway Debut as Draco Malfoy," Matt Durr.
The experience has been profoundly moving for the actor. He shared that when they put his blond wig on for the theater production, he "immediately cried" because it was "sort of like a blast from the past." While he knows Draco well as a kid, he’s excited to explore him as an adult, especially now that Draco is a father. This personal growth mirrors the character's journey, making Felton, at 38, the exact age Draco Malfoy is in the play. Source: Deadline, "Tom Felton Reprises Draco Malfoy for Cursed Child Broadway Debut," Jake Kanter.
“It’s very, very easy to get emotional. When they put my blond wig on for the theater production, I just immediately cried. It was just sort of like a blast from the past. As much as it is reprising an old role for me, it’s very much treading into new, unfamiliar territory. I know him quite well as a kid. I don’t know him that well as an adult.”
– Tom Felton, on his return to playing Draco Malfoy
Felton also shared a fun tidbit during his rehearsals, mentioning it was almost 25 years between his first table read for Philosopher's Stone and his Cursed Child table read. When asked about his favorite spell to cast, he surprisingly chose Harry Potter's signature spell: Expelliarmus! It seems even a Malfoy can appreciate a good disarming charm. Source: Wizarding World, "Tom Felton Made His Dazzling Broadway Debut As Draco Malfoy In Harry Potter And The Cursed Child," Harry Potter Editorial Team.
A "Meta" Malfoy: Bridging Book and Film Continuities
One fascinating aspect of Felton's return lies in the unique position it creates within the broader Harry Potter universe. The Cursed Child is a canonical sequel to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, not the Movies. While the storylines are incredibly similar, subtle changes were made in the film adaptations, meaning they exist in slightly separate continuities.
However, with Felton stepping into the role on stage, it creates an intriguing meta-narrative. He becomes arguably the only figure to "exist" within the continuity of both the Harry Potter books and the movies, blurring the lines in a really cool way. This might seem like a minor detail, but for hardcore fans who distinguish between the two, it's a powerful convergence.
Now, a counterpoint: some might argue that because it's a stage play and not a film, it doesn't truly bridge the "movie" continuity in a visual sense for casual viewers. While true that it’s not a cinema experience, Felton's physical presence on stage, embodying the character he brought to life on screen, offers a tangible, live-action link that's arguably more immediate and impactful than any hypothetical animated or rebooted sequel. Another limitation is that the play itself has different elements and interpretations than the films. Yet, Felton's portrayal adds a layer of authenticity, acting as a familiar anchor that makes the stage narrative feel like a natural extension, despite any minor creative divergences.
Beyond the Wand: Tom Felton's Rich Career Since Hogwarts
While Draco Malfoy might be his most famous role, Tom Felton's career has flourished since his Hogwarts days. He actually made his screen debut in 1997's The Borrowers, beating out hundreds of other kids for the part. Interestingly, he initially auditioned for Harry and then Ron before ultimately landing the role of Draco for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Source: Broadway.com, "7 Spellbinding Facts About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Star Tom Felton," Jamie Kravitz.
Beyond acting, Felton is a New York Times best-selling author, having released his memoir Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard in October 2022. He also dabbles in music, having released several singles and EPs, and co-founded the record label Six String Productions. He's also been busy with new film projects, including Fackham Hall (out December 5) and the sci-fi film Altered (out November 21). Clearly, he's more than just a one-role wonder.
Practical Takeaways for Every Harry Potter Fan
So, what does Tom Felton's return to the Wizarding World mean for you? Here are a few key points:
- Catch Him Live: If you're in New York City or planning a trip, this is a unique chance to see a film icon reprise his role live on stage. Felton is scheduled to perform as Draco Malfoy through May 10, 2026.
- Experience a Live Sequel: The Cursed Child offers a canonical continuation of the Harry Potter story, set 19 years later. It's a new adventure with familiar characters, reimagined for the stage.
- Witness History: Tom Felton's performance is making waves, not just for its quality but for the sheer impact of his return. It’s an electrifying theatrical event unlike any other.
- Anticipate Future Returns: The overwhelming positive reaction to Felton's casting might just sway creative forces behind the upcoming HBO series to consider bringing back more original film stars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Felton's Broadway Run
How long is Tom Felton playing Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Tom Felton is scheduled to perform as Draco Malfoy on Broadway through May 10, 2026. His run was extended due to high demand. Source: Broadway.com, "7 Spellbinding Facts About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Star Tom Felton," Jamie Kravitz.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child canon to the books? Yes, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a canonical sequel to the Harry Potter books, co-devised by J.K. Rowling. It takes place 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Where can I get tickets to see Tom Felton in The Cursed Child? You can book tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway directly through the official production website or major ticket retailers. Given the demand, it's wise to book in advance!
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a movie? No, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two-part stage play, not a film. While there were rumors of a movie adaptation, it has only ever been available on stage or as a script in book form.
Sources
- Dia Dipasupil/GettyImages. "Tom Felton Makes His Broadway Debut As Draco Malfoy In 'Harry Potter And The Cursed Child'".
- Brizuela, James. "Tom Felton’s 'Harry Potter' Return Causes Chaos and Halts Broadway Play." Newsweek, Movies, November 11, 2025. https://www.newsweek.com/tom-feltons-harry-potter-return-causes-chaos-halts-broadway-play-1981242
- Kanter, Jake. "Tom Felton Reprises Draco Malfoy for Cursed Child Broadway Debut." Deadline, November 12, 2025. https://deadline.com/2025/11/tom-felton-draco-malfoy-harry-potter-cursed-child-broadway-1233630653/
- Kravitz, Jamie. "7 Spellbinding Facts About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Star Tom Felton." Broadway.com, November 10, 2025. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/252985/7-spellbinding-facts-about-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-star-tom-felton/
- Durr, Matt. "Tom Felton’s Broadway Debut as Draco Malfoy in 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'." MLive.com, November 11, 2025. https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/11/tom-felton-reprises-draco-malfoy-role-for-broadway-debut-in-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child.html
- Harry Potter Editorial Team. "TomFeltonmadehisdazzlingBroadwaydebutasDracoMalfoyinHarryPotterandtheCursedChild." Wizarding World, November 11, 2025. https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/tomfeltonmadehisdazzlingbroadwaydebutasdracomalfoyinharrypotterandthecursedchild