As Harry Potter TV series kicks off: Tom Felton steps back into Draco Malfoy on Broadway

The wizarding world came alive again this week as two major Harry Potter milestones unfolded simultaneously. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the original film series, made his Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, while HBO officially began filming its long-awaited Harry Potter television series in the UK.

Felton, 38, stepped onto the stage at the Lyric Theatre in New York to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy, drawing thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. Appearing visibly moved, Felton paused briefly before resuming his performance in character. His return marks the first time an actor from the film franchise has reprised their role on stage, and he will continue performing in the play until May 2026.

In The Cursed Child, Felton portrays an adult Draco Malfoy, 19 years after the events of the original books. The two-part play follows Albus Potter — the son of Harry and Ginny — as he struggles with his family’s legacy at Hogwarts. Felton called the opportunity a “full-circle moment,” noting he is now the same age Draco is in the play.

Meanwhile, production on HBO’s new Harry Potter TV series is underway at the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire — the same filming location used for the Goblet of Fire Quidditch World Cup scenes. Early photos show Dominic McLaughlin as a young Harry Potter, alongside Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The series, produced by Warner Bros. and JK Rowling, will adapt each of the seven Harry Potter books into individual seasons, promising a decade-long retelling faithful to the original novels. Set photos reveal broomstick training and early Quidditch lessons, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse of the early Hogwarts years.

Felton’s Broadway return and the new TV series have reignited excitement across the global fanbase. While some controversy persists over Rowling’s public comments, Felton said he remains focused on the unifying impact of the franchise. “I’ve not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter,” he told Variety, adding that he feels “incredibly grateful” to be part of that legacy.

Felton’s debut as Draco Malfoy on Broadway drew significant attention not just for the nostalgia it inspired but also for the actor’s emotional reaction. Social media posts from fans described the moment as “tearful” and “surreal,” with many praising Felton for staying composed in character.

The cast of The Cursed Child includes John Skelley as Harry Potter, Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter, and Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy. The play, co-written by JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, continues to draw full houses on both sides of the Atlantic.

At the same time, the new Harry Potter TV series represents the biggest reboot of the franchise since the films concluded in 2011. The production is using multiple UK locations, including Hertfordshire and Hoddesdon, to recreate 1980s settings such as Hogwarts grounds, Hagrid’s hut, and the Burrow.

The show’s ensemble cast also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley. The first season is expected to premiere in 2027.

Together, Felton’s Broadway debut and the start of HBO’s TV adaptation mark a new chapter for the Harry Potter franchise — bridging nostalgia with renewal. For long-time fans, both milestones are a reminder that the magic of Hogwarts continues to evolve, on stage and on screen.