Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, is set to return to the character on Broadway in
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Beginning November 11, Felton will embark on a 26-week run as Malfoy, marking the first time a Harry Potter film actor has reprised their role in the stage adaptations. This opportunity comes nearly two decades after the first Harry Potter movie was released in 2001, launching Felton’s career and expanding the franchise’s reach on stage.
Daniel Radcliffe Offers Guidance for Broadway Transition
While the original Harry Potter movies featured familiar faces across the eight films, the West End and Broadway productions for
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
initially introduced entirely new casts. Felton’s involvement breaks that pattern, and he has revealed that Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter in all eight movies, has been a key source of support. Radcliffe, with extensive theater experience, has been advising Felton as he prepares to tackle the challenges of performing live on Broadway.
Felton explained the importance of Radcliffe’s mentorship:
My old school chum, Potter, 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.
Daniel Radcliffe’s stage career began while he was still starring in the films, making his West End debut in 2007 followed by his Broadway debut in 2008 in the play “Equus.” Since then, Radcliffe has taken part in multiple notable productions, including
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,”
“The Cripple of Inishmaan,” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” His role in “Merrily We Roll Along” recently earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, underscoring his theatrical prowess that he now shares with Felton.
Tom Felton Embraces Broadway’s Connected Community
Beyond receiving guidance from Radcliffe, Felton expressed enthusiasm for joining the Broadway community and the dedicated fan base surrounding
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
He described the atmosphere as welcoming and supportive, heightening his excitement for this next chapter in his career.
But from what I gather, it’s an amazing community of people. The fans are really, really gracious and excited. So I’m just thrilled to be part of it.
This stage role marks a significant transition for Felton, who previously appeared in only one other theatrical production, the West End play “2:22 A Ghost Story.” His filmography includes projects like “From The Rough,” “Ophelia,” “Get Him To The Greek,” and
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes,”
showcasing his versatile acting background before fully committing to the theatrical realm.
The Story and Cast of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
is set 19 years after the events of
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
The narrative centers on the next generation, including the children of the original characters—Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco Malfoy. Adult versions of iconic characters also make appearances throughout the story, providing a bridge between the familiar and new elements of the franchise.
Felton will perform alongside John Skelley, Emmet Smith, Rachel Christopher, Daniel Fredrick, Janae Hammond, and Kristen Martin in this production, joining a vibrant ensemble that brings the magical world to life for theater audiences.
First Harry Potter Film Actor to Return on Stage, with More Ahead
Felton holds the distinction of being the inaugural Harry Potter film actor to return to the franchise on stage, setting a precedent for others. Warwick Davis, known for his role as Professor Flitwick in the films, has already been announced to reprise his character in the upcoming Harry Potter television series, signaling the continued involvement of original cast members in expanded franchise projects.
The Expanding Legacy of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter franchise began with an orphaned boy discovering his identity and magical heritage at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The films follow Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as they mature, navigate school challenges, and confront Voldemort’s return to power. This rich narrative has evolved beyond books and movies, spawning video games, spin-offs like the “Fantastic Beasts” series, and immersive experiences at Universal Studios.
Tom Felton’s return to Broadway represents a new phase in the ongoing story of Harry Potter, bridging the cinematic world with the vibrant theatrical productions and inspiring a fresh wave of fans to engage with the beloved universe.
