Tom Felton, renowned for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, is set to reprise his iconic role on Broadway. Felton will join the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre starting November 11, marking his Broadway debut. This engagement will run for 19 weeks, concluding on March 22, 2026.
The play, which unfolds 19 years after the events of the original series, presents Draco as a father, alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione, all of whom are now sending their children off to Hogwarts. Felton’s participation marks the first time a member of the original film cast has joined the stage production, adding a layer of authenticity and excitement for fans.
Felton’s Journey from Screen to Stage
While Felton is best known for his role in the Harry Potter films, his career has been diverse. Recently, he appeared in the films They Will Kill You, alongside Zazie Beetz and Patricia Arquette, and Fackham Hall, with Thomasin MacKenzie and Damian Lewis. In 2022, he made his West End debut in the lead role of Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story. He continued to showcase his theatrical prowess in 2024 by playing Bob Edwards in Gareth Farr’s play A Child of Science at Bristol Old Vic.
“Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Felton expressed. “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. 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.”
The Legacy of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, with the script penned by Thorne and direction by Tiffany. The production has been a fixture on Broadway since April 2018. Initially presented in two parts with a runtime exceeding five hours, the play has since been revised to a single part, now running under three hours.
The announcement of Felton’s involvement is expected to invigorate the production, drawing both die-hard fans and new audiences to the theatre. The play’s enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact of the Harry Potter universe, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
Felton’s move to Broadway is not just a personal milestone but also a significant cultural moment. It highlights the fluidity between film and theatre, offering actors opportunities to explore different facets of their craft. This crossover could inspire other film actors to consider stage roles, enriching the theatrical landscape with diverse talents.
The return of a beloved character like Draco Malfoy, portrayed by the original actor, is likely to reignite interest in the Harry Potter franchise. It may also set a precedent for future collaborations between film and stage productions, potentially leading to more original cast members joining theatrical adaptations.
As Felton prepares to step onto the Broadway stage, audiences eagerly anticipate the magic he will bring to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This moment not only celebrates the legacy of the films but also ushers in a new chapter for the beloved series.
