Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton has spoken about the J.K. Rowling controversy ahead of reprising his original role in theHarry Potterfranchise, in the Broadway stage showHarry Potter and the Cursed Child. Rowling’s widely-publicized views on trans identity have proved highly contentious, sparking a backlash against theHarry Potterauthor among sections of the franchise’s fanbase. Cast members of the original movie series have also weighed in on the issue, withDaniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson facing criticism from Rowlingfor speaking out in favor of trans rights.
Tom Felton, on the other hand, is one originalHarry Pottercastmember who’s remained relatively neutral on the subject. During his red carpet appearanceat the 2025 Tony Awards, the Malfoy actor was asked how the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling affects his returnto the Harry Potter franchise. After prefacing his response by explaining that he wasn’t really “attuned” to the issue, he answered, “I can’t say it does.” (viaVariety) Felton went on to address his feelings on the controversy in more detail as follows:
“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.”
What Tom Felton Addressing The J.K. Rowling Controversy Means For His Harry Potter Role
His High-Profile Franchise Return Was Always Going Prompt This Question
Given his high-profilereturn to theHarry Potterfranchisefor its latest Broadway production ofHarry Potter and the Cursed Child,Tom Felton was always going to be questioned about his stance on the J.K. Rowling controversy. Stars such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are unlikely to make future appearances in the franchise as a result of their stances on Rowling’s views, so Felton’s reprisal of his role as Draco Malfoy has naturally reignited debate around the issue.
Felton probably sees this question aspart and parcel of the publicity surrounding his appearance inHarry Potter and the Cursed Child, although it’s one about which he has to be especially careful when giving his answer. We should take the actor at face value when he says that, from his point of view, the controversy doesn’t have any impact on hisHarry Potterstage role. When the lights go up on Broadway, all eyes will be on Felton’s theatrical performance as Malfoy, and his position on J.K. Rowling’s views will fade into the background for most fans.
Our Take On Tom Felton’s Comments About The J.K. Rowling Controversy
Felton Maintaining His Neutral Stance Is Consistent With His Previous Comments On The Issue
Tom Felton’s latest comments at the Tony Awards mirror theHarry Potterstar’s previous response to the J.K. Rowling controversy.The actor has consistently maintained a neutral position in the row about Rowling’s comments on transgender issues, refusing to take any public stance against the author’s position, while being careful to affirm his support for human rights.
It’s no surprise, then, that he should claim to be unaffected by the debacle, in addition to emphasizing the positive role that theHarry Potterfranchise has played in bringing people together. Since J.K. Rowling is the originator of the franchise, it’s wholly uncontroversial for Felton to give her credit for its positive impact on the world, at the same time as sidestepping the question of Rowling’s more controversial claim to fame in recent years.
