Harry Potter cast member who stood by JK Rowling to be given 'role' in new TV series

Daily Record

30-04-2025

One of the original cast members from the beloved Harry Potter films , who stood by JK Rowling amidst her gender-critical campaigning, is set to be rewarded with a significant role in the upcoming TV series adaptation. The child actor, who featured in all eight instalments of the popular children's saga about the young wizard, is poised to play a crucial role behind the scenes of the new TV series. Tom Felton, known for his portrayal of the villainous bleach-blond Draco Malfoy, has expressed interest in visiting the set and meeting the new actor set to step into the role that catapulted him to stardom. Warner Bros plans to utilise Felton to generate behind-the-scenes content for HBO, which could potentially form part of a documentary about the making of the series. The 37-year-old is also expected to be on hand to offer guidance to the young stars as he becomes involved in the new production. However, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively in the original film franchise, are not anticipated to participate in the new TV series. The original trio distanced themselves from Rowling in 2020 following an essay she penned regarding women being identified by biological sex rather than gender identity, reports the Scottish Daily Express . Felton refrained from criticising Rowling throughout her campaign for women's rights, including her support for the Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally women. An insider has revealed Tom Felton's steadfast support for J. K. Rowling throughout various controversies might just see him involved in a new Harry Potter-related project. "Everyone knows that Tom has Jo's blessing. While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her. And now it seems he will be the one original cast member who will be involved with the new production." The source added that producers are aiming to differentiate the television series from the iconic films. "The producers want to keep the television series separate from the original movies. Tom has expressed an interest in visiting the set and meeting with the actor playing Draco, and Warner is keen to make it happen. There has even been talk of getting him involved in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO which could form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show." When cornered about his thoughts on Rowling's controversial positions in 2022, Felton commented warmly on her legacy. "No one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life." He continued praising Rowling's impact and his personal interactions with her. "I'm constantly reminded of her positive work in [the literary] field and as a person. I've only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I'm very grateful for that." According to the Daily Mail, Rowling has not kept Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint informed about the latest television venture, seeing this move as a bid for "revenge" and an attempt to "banish the memory of the original stars who she believes have thrown her under the bus." An insider shared with the publication: "It's heartbreaking for the three of them. Their childhoods were devoted to creating Harry Potter and it held such a special place in all their lives. "But now as the world looks forward to seeing the stories on screen again, they are a mere afterthought, with no involvement in the new series. Instead they face the prospect of being completely replaced in the minds of future generations of Harry Potter fans." J. K. Rowling has committed to being "very involved" in the upcoming series to ensure it remains a "faithful adaptation" of her seven novels. They continued, noting that the author is "relishing the opportunity' to breathe new life into the books – and banish the memory of the original stars who she believes have thrown her under the bus" to reinvigorate the books – and erase the memory of the original actors who she feels have betrayed her. "Jo adores the magical world she created and can't wait to bring it to life again with young, fresh talent. This is her chance to move on from all the vitriol she has endured at the hands of those she made famous and start again with a new set of faces. In many ways, it is her ultimate revenge for their betrayal." Last month, Felton was invited by Warner Bros to inaugurate the new Harry Potter experience in Chicago, with all expenses covered, and he teased that he might be "sneaking into a background shot as an extra."