Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, is preparing to return to the magical world through Broadway’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” However, his return comes at a time when the franchise’s creator, JK Rowling, continues to face criticism over her political statements.
According to Hindustan Times, the actor recently spoke with Variety’s Gordon Cox at this year’s Tony Awards about his upcoming role and the ongoing controversies surrounding Rowling. This isn’t the first time Felton has remarked on Rowling’s stance. The conversation inevitably turned to the author’s widely criticized statements regarding gender identity and trans rights.
When questioned about the impact of Rowling’s controversial views on his work in the franchise, Felton revealed that he was “not particularly attuned” to the conversation, stating that he “can’t say it does” affect his work. Felton’s comments come at a time when the cast’s differing views on Rowling’s political stance have become a frequent topic of discussion, particularly around how each has responded to the backlash.
How Rowling’s legacy continues to impact the Harry Potter franchise
Despite the ongoing controversy, Felton chose to focus on what he considers Rowling’s positive impact on the world. During the interview, he emphasized how the Harry Potter series has united people globally, crediting Rowling for creating this unifying force.
I’ve long adored Tom Felton and I’m beyond happy he maintains this stance. When he did a book tour for his autobiography a couple of years back he spoke so highly of JK Rowling then, too
— Amy (@FragileSoul) June 9, 2025
The actor specifically highlighted his worldwide travels, including his current stay in New York, noting that he hasn’t witnessed anything else bring people together quite like the Potter franchise. He expressed gratitude toward Rowling for creating this worldwide phenomenon.
Felton’s return to the wizarding world sees him stepping back into the role of Draco Malfoy in “The Cursed Child,” where his character is now a father dealing with parenthood and legacy. The play takes place 19 years after the events of the original series, following a new generation of Hogwarts students.
The actor’s neutral stance on the controversy arrives at a crucial time when the Harry Potter fandom, known for its progressive values, continues to grapple with Rowling’s political statements. His position of separating the art from the artist presents a contrast to the more decisive stances taken by other Harry Potter alumni, potentially adding another dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding the franchise and its creator.
