An original Harry Potter cast member is returning to the Wizarding World—but not without backlash. Actor Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, is headed to Broadway later this year to reprise his role in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Felton will appear as an adult version of the character from November 11, 2025, through March 22, 2026, at the Lyric Theatre in New York City.
Felton’s return to the franchise has reignited debate around J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books and the controversial figure behind the Wizarding World brand. Rowling has made headlines for years due to her outspoken views on transgender rights, which many fans and LGBTQIA+ advocates consider to be transphobic.
Following the announcement of Felton’s casting, the actor appeared at the Tony Awards as a presenter. When Variety asked whether the backlash against Rowling impacts how he views the franchise, Felton replied, “I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned to it.”
Tom Felton says the controversy around J.K. Rowling’s political views doesn’t impact him: “I’m not really that attuned to it…I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.” #TonyAwards
Tom Felton says the controversy around J.K. Rowling's political views doesn't impact him: "I'm not really that attuned to it…I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful." #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/T7KSMNbFds
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2025
He went on to express gratitude to JK Rowling: “The only thing I always remind myself, is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world, here I am in New York, and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she’s responsible for that. So I’m incredibly grateful.”
His comments didn’t sit well with some fans, especially in light of Rowling’s recent actions. In 2024, she donated £70,000 to an organization that played a central role in a U.K. Supreme Court decision that removed transgender women’s legal protections under the Equality Act. Last month, Rowling funneled money into a legal fund opposing transgender rights.
Critics quickly took to social media platforms like Reddit to voice their frustrations with Tom Felton.
“Clearly he needs the money and is willing to sacrifice any personal values he may have to get a paycheck,” said u/AllisonC76.
“Honestly, returning to playing a character he played 15 years ago is kinda of a loser move and very befitting,” u/devilinthedistrict wrote. “Tom, you will NEVER be Dan.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all distanced themselves from Rowling and expressed public support for the transgender community. Their statements prompted the author to mock the trio in a social media post earlier this year, deepening the divide between the creator and her original stars.
Despite the criticism, some have come to Felton’s defense.
“Many people have no idea about her views or anything she posts on Twitter,” said u/TokiDokiHaato. “People are still spending money on merch (or they wouldn’t be making it), waiting in 5 hour lines for a ride at universal studios, Hogwarts Legacy made $1 billion in retail sales despite the boycott.”
Another user, u/Dry_Yogurtcloset_213, added, “Stop attacking famous people just for wanting to stay out of politics. It isn’t helping and just pushes people away for the big goal of reaching equality.”
Whether Felton’s remarks will impact ticket sales remains to be seen. But his association with Rowling, even through a brief comment of gratitude, is enough to stir renewed controversy around the Wizarding World franchise.
Should Tom Felton have declined the offer to play Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?” Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
Tom may think JRK’S stance on transgender doesn’t affect him but he’s going to find out he’s wrong. Supporting her poisonous viewpoint is going to badly damage if not actually destroy his career. There are many people who remembered him positively from the Harry Potter movies but despise her and her transphobia. He’s going to find himself tarred with the same brush as have many other actors. Most recently John Lithgow but several who previously spoke in her favor like Helena Bonham Carter.