Tom Felton, who portrayed the icy schoolboy Draco Malfoy in all eight Harry Potter films (2001–2011), is set to bring the character back to life. This autumn marks Felton’s Broadway debut as he reprises his iconic role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre in New York.
In This Article:
A Timely Homecoming
At 37, Felton will age into Draco’s later persona onstage, creating an unusual but potent emotional resonance. As he shared with Today, “when I begin performances this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play,” calling it a “full-circle moment”. The actor’s surfing into noir robes and his Slytherin signet ring has already stirred social media, with a teaser garnering nearly three million views in less than 12 hours.
Production Schedule & Run Details
The production officially opens this November 11, 2025, with Felton starring through March 22, 2026—a 19-week stint. Felton succeeds Aaron Bartz in the role, becoming the first Potter alum to step into the stage adaptation. Tickets go on sale June 12, following a presale beginning June 10 for subscribed fans.
Why It Matters
When Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered on London’s West End in June 2016, it unleashed a global craze—selling over ten million tickets worldwide and winning six Tony Awards in New York. In New York alone, it’s the most successful non-musical ever, grossing over $400 million to date.
Felton’s return marks the first involvement of an original film star in the stage show—lending legitimacy and nostalgia. Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender credited his portrayal for helping shape “one of the most nuanced characters” in the Harry Potter universe.
The stage story picks up 19 years after the film saga ends, centering on the next generation—Harry, Ron, Hermione’s children, and Draco’s son Scorpius. The plot hinges on time-travel and legacy, weaving multiple timelines in what has been described as “mind-blowing race through time” spectacle.
Felton’s Journey Since Hogwarts
Following the final film’s release in 2011, Felton has maintained ties to Wizarding World lore—appearing at fan events and authoring the 2022 memoir Beyond the Wand, which was well-received. He’s also appeared in cinematic works like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, TV shows such as The Flash, and other film projects including The Forgotten Battle and Ophelia.
Felton even revealed on Happy Sad Confused podcast that he would “definitely consider” future returns, emphasizing his ongoing connection to the franchise and fanbase.
Fandom & Industry Reaction
Social media fans responded with nostalgia and excitement:
- “Is this a dream or what?!”
- “I screamed,”
- “My father will hear about this” — referencing Draco’s famous film line
Entertainment publications are solid on Felton’s move. The Vulture calls it a “meaningful timing” and notes the broader cultural impact of an original cast return. Meanwhile, major Spanish and Australian media labeled it a “magical moment,” underlining how rare it is for film actors to cross into stage adaptations .
What’s Next & Looking Ahead
Felton’s Broadway debut opens in the middle of a broader Potter resurgence: HBO is developing a new Harry Potter series, casting fresh actors for all major roles. Meanwhile, Cursed Child continues its North American tour, currently playing through June 22 in Los Angeles before traveling to Washington, D.C., Providence, Boston, and beyond through mid-2026.
Felton’s participation may draw fresh audiences and spark interest in the franchise’s future—whether on stage, screen, or streaming. For now, fans eager to see Draco on Broadway can secure tickets via the official website beginning June 12, with presale sign-ups opening June 9.
By – Sonali
