Once known almost exclusively as Draco Malfoy, the actor is stepping back into the role that defined his youth — but this time, it’s not in front of a camera.
After nearly 15 years away from the wizarding world, Tom Felton finally stepped onto a Broadway stage in November 2025, bringing Malfoy to life once again in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Felton is reprising the role of Malfoy — the very character that catapulted him to international stardom. Only now, he’s doing it live, on stage, as a grown man and a father in the story’s timeline.
“It’s very much a pinch-me situation,” he confessed in an interview with TODAY. “I keep thinking I’m dreaming. I let go of that character 16 years ago, and now I get to step back into his shoes, as a father this time, in a new story.”
Felton’s path to Broadway stardom traces back to Epsom, Surrey, where he was born to Sharon and Peter Felton. The youngest of four boys, the actor never aimed for the spotlight — he was more interested in becoming a fisherman and only joined drama club to tag along with friends.
By six, he had already starred in his first commercial. At the age of eight, at the suggestion of a family friend, he signed with an agent and won a major international campaign after auditioning alongside more than 400 children.
The early days of his career were shaped by long hours and his mother’s sacrifices — she worked multiple jobs and traveled across the globe with him for acting gigs, including his early role alongside Jodie Foster in “Anna and the King.” Everything changed when he was 12.
When Felton first walked into the “Harry Potter” auditions, he hadn’t even opened the books. He ended up trying out for both Potter and Ron Weasley before finally landing the role of Draco Malfoy. In the end, he won over casting directors with his cool detachment, saying he was “nonchalant” and had “no idea what anyone was on about.”
From that moment, life was never the same. He carried Malfoy through all eight “Harry Potter” films, balancing life on set with school. Fame came along for the ride, but it wasn’t as dazzling as most might imagine.
Following the end of the “Harry Potter” franchise, Felton didn’t disappear. He took on a wide variety of roles in films such as “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “From the Rough,” and “The Disappeared.” Still, no matter where his career went, Malfoy lingered in the public’s imagination.
His most recent return to the role is perhaps the boldest yet — a live performance every night. But Felton is no stranger to the stage. In 2022, he made his West End debut in “2:22: A Ghost Story,” an intense experience that reminded him just how raw and demanding live theatre can be.
Leaping Broadway hasn’t been a solo journey. Felton’s longtime friend and co-star Daniel Radcliffe has been a significant support system. “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,” Felton told People.
Devoted fans have followed Felton’s journey every step of the way — and they have noticed his transformation. “He’s More Handsome now,” one admirer wrote. Another praised his evolution as “the best of the child actors by miles.” Looking back, one fan reflected on the passage of time, “24 years later…we all grew up with him.”
Some pointed to the irony of his character arc, with one writing, “Played the villain but turns out he’s the good guy,” and another adding, “The Villian [sic] becomes the Hero.”
Felton never imagined he’d continue acting this far into adulthood — and yet, here he is, the only original film cast member to join the Broadway adaptation. Beginning November 11 this year, he took the stage at New York’s Lyric Theatre in the role of adult Malfoy — and as a parent — through March 22, 2026.
After years spent redefining himself, Felton’s return to the character that started it all feels both nostalgic and triumphant. Here’s a look at Felton through the years:
2001
Tom Felton arrives at the British Academy Children’s Film & Television Awards with youthful confidence, his blond hair and sharp suit radiating boyish charm, a loosened tie and easy smile hinting at a night of celebration.
2003
Emma Watson and Tom Felton beam as they hold the Disney Channel Kids Award, celebrating “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and a magical moment in their early careers.
2004
Tom Felton steps onto the red carpet in a relaxed suit, his easy grin reflecting his youthful charm. Surrounded by the buzz of the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” premiere, he exudes confidence and enjoys every moment of the magical evening.
2005
Tom Felton arrives at the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” aftershow party in a pinstripe suit and soft yellow shirt, a poppy pin adding a subtle touch. With a relaxed smile and hands in his pockets, he radiates the easy going confidence of a rising star.
2006
David Bradley, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, and Josh Herdman peek around a stone pillar, their expressions ranging from sly to suspicious. The moment captures their on-set camaraderie and playful villainy on “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
2007
Tom Felton stands under a clear umbrella, rain-speckled and smiling as if the storm were part of the event’s charm. His suit bears the marks of London’s drizzle, yet he carries himself with easy confidence and good humor. It’s a quintessentially British premiere moment and the magic goes on.
2009
Tom Felton stands with an easy grin, his undone bow tie adding a relaxed, post-premiere charm. His silver-toned outfit mirrors the film’s moody magic, blending ease with a hint of Draco Malfoy mischief.
2010
Tom Felton steps out for the “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows” premiere in a sharply tailored suit, a poppy on his lapel adding a subtle touch. Against the film’s dramatic backdrop, he exudes quiet confidence at the dawn of the saga’s final chapter.
2011
Tom Felton steps onto the red carpet in a sleek navy suit, exuding understated charm amid the Hollywood buzz. Against the bold “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” backdrop, he stands poised between elegance and excitement.
2012
Tom Felton steps onto the black carpet in a relaxed, earth-toned look that contrasts the “The Woman In Black” film’s eerie backdrop. With a soft grin and hands casually tucked in his pockets, he brings an effortless charm to the suspense-filled premiere. Framed by haunting imagery behind him, he stands as a calm presence amid the night’s ghostly anticipation.
2013
Tom Felton stands in a softly lit studio, his checked shirt and blue blazer blending casual ease with tailored polish. Amid the Toronto International Film Festival’s bustle, he exudes calm, understated confidence.
2015
Stepping out in a relaxed denim look, bringing easy charm to the Milk + Bookies 6th Annual Story Time Celebration’s cheerful atmosphere, Tom Felton’s casual confidence pairs effortlessly with the playful, kid-friendly spirit of the event. At the function, he blends star power with a down-to-earth warmth.
2016
Tom Felton sits at the press table, his thoughtful expression reflecting the conversation’s weight. In a textured sweater, he brings calm, grounded presence to the “A United Kingdom” press conference at the 60th BFI London Film Festival.
2017
Tom Felton beams under the stage lights, his heart-patterned shirt matching his warm smile. At Argentina Comic-Con in Costa Salguero, he radiates charm and ease while engaging with an excited crowd.
2018
Tom Felton stands by a glowing fireplace, his patterned shirt adding color to the cozy setting. At the Celebration of YouTube Originals, he exudes relaxed, effortless charm.
2020
Tom Felton beams across the fairway, golf glove in hand and a sunny smile on his face. At the Sony Open pro-am, he exudes relaxed charm, blending sport and good spirits under the Hawaiian sun.
2021
Tom Felton cuts a refined figure in a midnight-blue velvet tuxedo, standing poised against a lush backdrop of greenery. With a classic bow tie and composed expression, he brings understated elegance to the Royal Albert Hall.
2022
Tom Felton steps out for the Olivier Awards in a crisp black tuxedo, exuding polished confidence. His composed expression and classic bow tie lend a timeless air to the evening’s celebration of theater. At London’s Royal Albert Hall, he brings understated charm to one of the stage world’s grandest nights.
2024
Tom Felton strolls through the Wimbledon crowds with a chilled drink in hand, blending relaxed elegance with summer charm. His light blazer, pastel trousers, and easy confidence capture the spirit of the iconic “Pimm’s on the Hill” tradition.
2025
Tom Felton takes his first Broadway bow as Draco Malfoy, a quiet smile lighting his face. Dressed in the character’s dark robes, he exudes stage presence in a triumphant debut that blends nostalgia with a new chapter in the wizarding world.
