Tom Felton Takes Broadway by Storm as Draco Malfoy in "Cursed Child"

Prepare for some serious magic: Tom Felton, beloved for his film portrayal of Draco Malfoy, has officially made his Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and fans are absolutely losing their minds.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Draco's Broadway Return

• Tom Felton, the original film Draco Malfoy, made his Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on November 11, 2025.
• His opening night was met with thunderous applause, momentarily halting the performance as an emotional Felton took the stage.
• Initially scheduled for 19 weeks, high demand has extended his run by seven weeks, now through May 10, 2026.

Imagine the scene: The lights dim at Broadway's Lyric Theatre. An expectant hush falls over the packed house. Then, a familiar flash of platinum blond hair appears, and a wave of sound, a truly thunderous roar of cheering and applause, sweeps through the auditorium. That's precisely what happened on November 11, 2025, when Tom Felton, the actor who brought Draco Malfoy to life across eight Harry Potter films, stepped onto the Broadway stage for the first time. The reaction was so immense, so utterly chaotic, it reportedly halted the performance for a good 30 seconds, perhaps even several minutes, as Felton visibly struggled to hold back a smile or tears before delivering his first line: "I need a favor." It was a moment nearly 15 years in the making, and it clearly resonated deeply with the audience.

A Magical Full-Circle Moment for Draco Malfoy (and Tom Felton)

Felton's return isn't just a nostalgic casting choice; it's a remarkably poignant "full-circle" moment for the actor and the character. When he began performances, Felton was the exact age Draco Malfoy is depicted in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a play that picks up 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This unique alignment adds another layer of depth to his reprisal.

Before his debut, Felton expressed his excitement: "Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play." He continued, emphasizing the surreal nature of the experience: "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. I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community."

"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

Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender echoed this sentiment, highlighting Draco's complex journey. "Tom Felton’s performance as a young Draco Malfoy on screen left an indelible impression on Harry Potter fans around the world," they stated. "His role as Draco undeniably shaped one of the canon’s most nuanced characters. More than just a foil to Harry, Draco was a portrait of parental pressure, internal conflict, and reluctant vulnerability. Over the years, this character arc has become a symbol of how people can grow beyond the choices one was raised to make." They added that they felt "incredibly fortunate" to welcome him and offer fans a "once-in-a-lifetime excitement" to see him reprise the role on stage.

Broadway Debut and an Extended Stay Due to Overwhelming Demand

Despite a robust acting career spanning films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and West End appearances such as 2:22 A Ghost Story, this marks Felton's official Broadway debut. He's also the very first actor from the original Harry Potter film series to reprise their role in the stage production, making his involvement truly unprecedented.

Initially, Felton's engagement was set for a 19-week limited run, concluding on March 22, 2026. However, the sheer volume of excitement and ticket sales quickly demonstrated that 19 weeks wouldn't be enough. Due to "high demand," his run has now been extended an additional seven weeks, meaning fans can catch him as Draco Malfoy at the Lyric Theatre through May 10, 2026. This extension underscores just how potent the enduring appeal of the wizarding world, and its original stars, remains.

A Talented Ensemble Joins and Continues the Magic on Broadway

While Felton's return captures many headlines, he's not the only new face gracing the Broadway production. Several other talented actors joined the cast on November 11, breathing fresh life into the beloved characters. Many of these performers are transitioning directly from the North American tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing their experience to the New York stage.

New principal cast members include:

• John Skelley as Harry Potter (a member of the original Broadway company and acclaimed for originating the role in San Francisco).
• Emmet Smith as Albus Potter (making his Broadway debut).
• Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy (making his Broadway debut).
• Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter (having previously played the role in Canadian and North American touring productions).
• Janae Hammond stepping into the role of Rose Granger-Weasley.

Additionally, a new cohort of ensemble members, including Logan Becker, Darby Breedlove, Dani Goldberg, Alexis Gordon, Caleb Hafen, Samaria Nixon-Fleming, Kiaya Scott, and Maren Searle, are making their Broadway debuts. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Daniel Fredrick as Ron Weasley, Rachel Christopher as Hermione Granger, and Kristen Martin as Delphi Diggory continue their acclaimed performances, ensuring a strong and consistent core for the show.

"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child": A Broadway Phenomenon

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child itself has a rich history as a theatrical powerhouse. Following its world premiere in London in July 2016, it opened on Broadway as a two-part experience on April 22, 2018. The production quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning 10 Tony Award nominations and winning five, including the coveted Best Play award.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, a condensed, one-part version of the production debuted at the Lyric Theatre on December 7, 2021. This streamlined iteration, which received a new, shorter update in November 2024, has allowed more audiences to experience the magic in a single sitting. The play, based on a new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, and penned by Thorne and directed by Tiffany, has become the third longest-running Broadway non-musical play, a testament to its enduring appeal and innovative stagecraft.

Beyond the Wand: Felton's Other Endeavors

While Draco Malfoy might be his most iconic role, Tom Felton's career stretches far beyond the wizarding world. His filmography includes a variety of projects, from blockbusters like Rise of the Planet of the Apes to independent films such as Fackham Hall and Altered, both released this year. He also made his West End debut in 2022 in the supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story and starred in Gareth Farr's play A Child of Science in 2024.

In 2022, Felton became a New York Times best-selling author with his memoir, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard. The book offered fans an intimate look at his life growing up on the Harry Potter sets. He also dabbles in music, having released several singles and EPs, and is a co-founder of Six String Productions. Off-screen, he's a proud dog dad to two Labradors, Willow and Forrest, often sharing glimpses of his furry companions with his social media followers.

Example: Imagine a long-time fan, Sarah, who grew up watching the Harry Potter films. She's always wanted to see Felton perform live but never had the chance. The news of his extended Broadway run means she can now realistically plan a trip to New York in the spring of 2026, combining her love for Broadway with a chance to see a piece of her childhood brought to life by the original actor. This extended opportunity allows more fans like Sarah to finally witness this special return.

What Tom Felton's Return Means for the Wizarding World's Future

The overwhelming reception to Felton's Broadway debut sends a clear message: fans are deeply invested in the original actors who brought these characters to life. While there's an upcoming HBO series reboot of Harry Potter, separate from this play, the massive positive reaction to Felton's return could potentially influence future casting decisions. It highlights a strong desire among the fanbase to see familiar faces, even in new adaptations or forms.

However, it's also important to note that the stage production of Cursed Child is its own distinct entity, offering a unique continuation of the story. While Felton's involvement generates buzz, the play itself stands as a Tony-winning achievement, captivating audiences with its intricate plot, stunning illusions, and powerful performances. His presence simply amplifies an already magical experience.

Practical Takeaways for Fellow Wizarding World Fans

• Act Fast for Tickets: Tom Felton's run is extended until May 10, 2026, but high demand means tickets will likely go quickly. Book sooner rather than later!
• Experience the One-Part Play: The current Broadway production is a condensed, single-show experience, making it easier to see in one sitting.
• Broadway Debut for Many: Beyond Felton, several new cast members are making their Broadway debuts, adding fresh talent to the stage.
• A Unique Story: The play offers a canonical continuation of the Harry Potter saga, focusing on the children of Harry, Draco, and Hermione.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Answered How long will Tom Felton be performing as Draco Malfoy? Due to popular demand, Tom Felton's engagement has been extended, and he is now scheduled to perform as Draco Malfoy through May 10, 2026, at Broadway's Lyric Theatre. Where can I see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? The primary location to see this production with Tom Felton is on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in New York City. Tickets can be booked via the official Harry Potter and the Cursed Child website or other reputable ticketing platforms. Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child one play or two? The Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been presented as a condensed, one-part experience since December 7, 2021, and received a further update in November 2024 to streamline it. This differs from its original two-part format. What is the story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child about? Set 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the story follows Harry Potter, now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. It primarily focuses on Harry's youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, and his unexpected friendship with Draco Malfoy's son, Scorpius Malfoy, as they navigate Hogwarts and new magical adventures.

Sources:

• Playbill.com - "Get a 1st Look at Harry Potter Film Star Tom Felton in Broadway's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by Andrew Gans, November 12, 2025.
• WizardingWorld.com - "Tom Felton made his dazzling Broadway debut as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by The Harry Potter Editorial Team, November 11, 2025.
• Newsweek.com - "Tom Felton Made His Return as Draco Malfoy in 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'" by James Brizuela, November 12, 2025.
• Independent.co.uk - "Tom Felton receives standing applause as he reprises Draco Malfoy role" November 11, 2025.
• Deadline.com - "Tom Felton Gets Rapturous Reception As He Reprises Draco Malfoy Role In Broadway’s ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’" by Jake Kanter, November 12, 2025.
• BroadwayWorld.com - "Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 13, 2025- Tom Felton Joins HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD And More" November 13, 2025.
• Broadway.com - "7 Spellbinding Facts About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Star Tom Felton" by Jamie Kravitz, November 10, 2025.
• Alara Entertainment - "Tom Felton’s Return as Draco Malfoy on Broadway" November 13, 2025.