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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Spoken like a true Slytherin': Harry Potter star Tom Felton faces major backlash from Potterheads for his ‘admiration' of J.K. Rowling
Turns out, Draco Malfoy has made a comeback! No, it's not just about Tom Felton coming back to the Wizarding World and reprising his role as Draco Malfoy for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. The actor who rose to fame as a child artist from the sets of Harry Potter, playing the role of Draco Malfoy, has recently faced significant backlash from the Potterhead community following his public admiration for author J.K. Rowling. What happened? After Felton's comeback as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway was declared, the 37-year-old English actor made an appearance at this year's Tony Awards. During the interview at the Tony Awards, Felton addressed questions about Rowling's controversial views, stating, "I'm not really that attuned to it." When asked if various remarks by Rowling, which has time and again has made the author's stance clear on transgender women and the issues related to them and hence fueled transphobia, played any role in his decision to step back into Malfoy's shoes, Felton responded, 'If anything, I remind myself I've been lucky to travel the world, and I've not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo ' He emphasized the unifying power of the Harry Potter series, noting its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. Felton expressed gratitude for Rowling's creation, saying, 'I'm incredibly grateful.' The comeback of Draco Malfoy: After Felton conveyed how he felt about his comeback to the Wizarding World and his relentless gratitude towards Rowling, Potterheads did not delay in expressing how disappointed they were in him. Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, where the snippet of his interview was posted to express their displeasure at his answer. One fan said, "What a privileged straight white man take." While most of the Potterheads tagged him as an 'actual Slytherin', who are often associated with ambition beyond the consideration of right and wrong, a second fan said, "Tom felton….. you've lost any respect you've ever had from me." Another said, "Translation: I do not have anyone close to me who is trans. And since it doesn't affect me personally, it doesn't matter. Nothing has brought the world more together than Potter? She has made the world less safe for an entire group of people. Shame on Tom Felton." A fourth fan said, "Must be nice for Tom Felton to not have to be 'attuned' to Rowling's awfulness. Doesn't personally affect him, so why should he care?" However, that's not all. Several internet users, on the other hand, called Felton 'most level headed' for not going on to 'bite the hand that feeds him.' While one user wrote, 'Turns out the villain was the good guy after all. What a gracious, respectful reply,' another echoed the same sentiment, by saying, 'It's amazing how the guy who played one of the meanest characters in the franchise is literally one of the nicest people in real life.' Felton's comeback: Felton's casting in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was announced earlier this month. The Tony-award winning play returns to Hogwarts 19 years after the events of the last book in the series — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — and follows the new alliances and antagonisms between the children of the Potter generation. Felton is set to take over for Aaron Bartz in a 19-week limited engagement at the Lyric Theatre in New York City from Nov. 11 to March 22. Sharing his happiness for being able to come back to the Potterverse, Felton said, "It's such a huge part of my childhood. It's like me going back to high school!" Despite the criticism for his comments during the interview at the Tony Awards, Felton has maintained a diplomatic stance. He has stated that he is "pro-discussion, pro-love," and prefers to focus on positive aspects rather than engaging in divisive debates. Felton has also mentioned that the Harry Potter cast's group chats focus solely on "wizarding puns and banter," avoiding discussions about Rowling's views. The legacy of J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling's contributions to literature, particularly the Harry Potter series, have had a profound impact on readers worldwide. The series has inspired generations, promoting themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against injustice. However, Rowling's statements on transgender issues have overshadowed her literary achievements for many fans and cast members. The author has a very public history of opposing transgender identities and rights and has often characterized many trans activists as bullies, and accused the movement of reducing women's rights and jeopardizing gay rights. Rowling, time and again, has also questioned the very nature of transgenderism. Last year in December, she took to X, stating, 'There are no trans kids. No child is 'born in the wrong body'' and accused adults of subjecting children to gender-affirming treatments she equated to 'lobotomies.' In fact, after the UK Supreme Court declared that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers strictly to biological sex, which excludes transgender women, even though they have gender recognition certificates (GRCs) this April, the Harry Potter author shared a photo of her with champagne glasses and a cigar in hand, indicating the celebration of the controversial verdict, writing, 'I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.' However, Rowling's stance has not been endorsed by all who have risen to prominence through the Harry Potter franchise. Actors from the wildly popular franchise, such as the ones who portrayed the main three (Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley), spoke out against Rowling and condemned her. Daniel Radcliffe wrote in part in his statement that "transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. " However, Felton's public support for J.K. Rowling has placed him at the center of a complex debate within the Harry Potter fandom. While he remains grateful for the opportunities the series has provided him, his continued admiration for Rowling has led to criticism from fans who feel that her views are incompatible with the values promoted by the series. JK Rowling CHEERS 'Biological Sex' Win; 'Bridgerton' Star Responds With RAGE, £90K Support | WATCH
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Harry Potter fans aren't loving Tom Felton's return as Draco Malfoy in Cursed Child Broadway show: ‘Let it go already'
Tom Felton is set to re-enter Hogwarts more than a decade after Harry Potter wrapped with its original cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grin and Emma Watson. On Thursday, Tom, known for playing the silver-blonde menace Draco Malfoy, officially announced that he's making his Broadway debut. He'll reprise the role in the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With this, the actor also becomes the first from the original cast to step into the stage version. The announcement also drops at a time when HBO's upcoming Harry Potter reboot is gaining buzz. The Broadway show in the making has roped in Tom Felton for a 19-week run. The play isn't a remake of the films or books, it picks up the story 19 years after the last Harry Potter movie wrapped. The stage production brings back the adult versions of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a few others, and shifts focus to their kids, who now walk the Hogwarts halls like their wizarding parents once did, dealing with their own share of struggles and legacy. Tom announced the news on the Today show, calling it both emotional and surreal. 'It's very much a pinch-me situation,' he told hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, adding that the moment they put the blond wig back on during rehearsals, he teared up. '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.' But he also admitted that while he knows Draco as a kid inside out, playing the grown-up version is completely new territory. Also read: Where have you seen new Harry Potter actors Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton before? BBC ties, West End star cast & more Tom will officially join the cast on November 11, 2025. The Broadway show wraps up on March 22, 2026. With this, he also joins the small club of Hollywood names who have tested Broadway waters, including George Clooney, who recently made his debut with Good Night and Good Luck. The actor called the moment a full-circle one, not just personally, but for Draco's arc too. 'I'm now the exact age Draco is in the play,' he said, adding, 'The play is such an independent story from the 'Potter' films that I grew up with.' Also read: Harry Potter series will begin filming this summer at Leavesden Studios, all that we know While Potterheads are buzzing over the surprise announcement, not everyone's on board. Some are thrilled to see Tom Felton back, saying, 'No one does Draco like Tom.' But others are side-eyeing the older version of Draco, arguing it's time he, and anyone else thinking of reprising their Hogwarts days-let it go. 'Tom Felton has aged out of Hogwarts,' one X user commented. 'He looks like Lucius now,' a second user wrote. 'Move on guys already pls,' another user added. However, a few rushed to defend the actor, saying, 'I hate the premise of the Cursed Child story and the fact that it exists, but I'll watch it if Felton is in it.' Another added, 'Wonderful to see you back in the HP universe. I hope you do your best as adult Draco and make fellow Slytherins (including myself—proud Slytherin here) proud to see you back in action!' Even the Broadway producers, Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, are super excited. In a joint statement, they said that fans all over the world now have the rare chance to see Tom Felton return to his role, not on a screen, but live on stage. 'Tom's return to Hogwarts bridges generations of fans and breathes new life into a beloved story. We're beyond thrilled to welcome Tom back 'home' but also into a new family: our Broadway company.'
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Harry Potter star Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, to reprise role on Broadway
TOM Felton slithers in to his role as Draco Malfoy again — for a spell on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The actor, 37, has played the Slytherin wizard since the first film in 2001. 2 Harry Potter star Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, is set to reprise his role for a spell on Broadway Credit: PA 2 Tom, now 37, has played the Slytherin wizard since the first film in 2001 Credit: PA The stage play features the characters later in life. Tom said of the New York shows: "Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me. 'Because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.' READ MORE ON TOM FELTON We revealed last year how As he gave insights into his new theatre play, viewers took to X and expressed how they were left distracted by the Harry Potter sensation's new look years after he was last seen in the films. 'Omg, that is not Tom Felton on The One Show', one user wrote. 'Genuinely didn't recognise Tom Felton on The One Show, makes me feel old lol," a second echoed. Most read in News TV A third cruelly swiped: 'Tom Felton looks knackered. "Like a pint of milk left outside on a piping hot summer's day.' Draco and Lucius Malfoy together in a scene together from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part one
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Major Harry Potter star set to reprise iconic role in new adaptation
A star from the Harry Potter movies has fans excited after announcing they are to become the first of the original cast to reprise their role in a Broadway production A huge star from the Harry Potter franchise is set to reprise his role as the production moves to Broadway. It marks the first time one of the original cast will perform their character's role in the stage adaptation. Tom Felton is ready to portray bad guy Draco Malfoy in the production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The show first opened in London's West End in 2016 before it headed to New York two years later. Tom will take on the role at New York's Lyric Theatre. He will play the part for 19 weeks, starting on November 11. Speaking of his latest role, Tom said: "It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world." The actor, who is now 37, first starred in the movies in 2021. He starred alongside the likes if Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson until 2011. In a statement for his latest role, Tom said: "Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play." He went on: "I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community." After posting a teaser clip regarding his role on Instagram, fans were quick to share their excitement. Tom was seen in the upload wearing a blonde wig and black robes to show off his Draco transformation. He is heard saying: "Scared, Potter?" as he captioned the upload: "Guess who's back." One follower gushed: "The entire millennial generation of Harry Potter fans is currently losing their minds. This is AMAZING!" Another added: "I am so excited for this. I am going in March it ends right before my birthday." And a third said: "this is our 19 years later Draco we deserved." Tom will become the first member of the original cast to take on a part in the stage show. It takes place 19 years after the end of the original story, with Harry, Ron and Hermione, as well as Draco, all sending their own children to Hogwarts. To date, it has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide. The Broadway production producers, Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, were thrilled with his inclusion. In a statement together they said: "It's not lost on us that this is a cultural moment charged with nostalgia, evolution, and emotion. "Tom's return to Hogwarts bridges generations of fans and breathes new life into a beloved story. We're beyond thrilled to welcome Tom back 'home' but also into a new family: our Broadway company."
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
HBO reveals actors cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in upcoming series
The Harry Potter series made Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint into household names after they first played the characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. All three of them would go on several adventures over the course of 8 film, retiring their wands after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. HBO announced a series based on the Harry Potter books back in April 2023, and after several thousand auditions, they have finally decided who is going to play Harry, Hermione and Ron. HBO and Warner Bros have announced that they have chosen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The executive producer of the show, Francesca Gardiner, and Mark Mylod released a statement in which they described the talents of the new actors and expressed their excitement over the project. 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.' ALSO READ | Tom Cruise posts emotional message thanking Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning team: 'This was one for the history books' Both of them thanked the 'thousands of children' who auditioned for the parts and said it was quite special when they realised the amount of talent that is out there. The cast of the series also includes John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Luke Thallon (Quirinus Quirrell) and Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch). Francesca Gardiner has written the show and Mark Mylod has directed several episodes. Author JK Rowling will serve as a producer on the series, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Bronte Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
