Tom Felton, who portrayed the villainous Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has secured a behind-the-scenes role in the upcoming HBO television adaptation of the beloved series.
The 37-year-old actor has emerged as the only original cast member to be involved in the new production, which begins filming this summer, after backing author JK Rowling amid backlash to her stance on gender-critical issues.
His inclusion comes after he remained supportive of Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, whilst his former co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint publicly distanced themselves from the author over her widely-publicised views.
“Everyone knows that Tom has Jo’s blessing,” a source told the Daily Mail.
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“While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her,” the source added.
Unlike Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, Felton has refused to be drawn into debates about Rowling’s views on the transgender community.
When pressed on his views in 2022, Felton appeared to stand by the author, saying: “No one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life.”
He added: “I’ve only had a handful of meetings with her, but she has always been lovely. So I’m very grateful for that.”
His loyalty seems to have paid off, 14 years after the final film’s release. Warner Bros is keen to utilise Felton in various ways for the new series, though not as an on-screen character.
“The producers want to keep the television series separate from the original movies,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
Felton has expressed interest in visiting the set and meeting with the actor who will play Draco Malfoy.
There has also been discussion about involving him in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO.
This content could potentially form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show.
Earlier this month, Warner Bros invited Felton to open a new Harry Potter experience in Chicago on an all-expenses-paid trip.
Felton’s loyalty to Rowling has not been mirrored by actors from the Harry Potter franchise, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.
The Edinburgh-based author celebrated the landmark ruling, claiming it would protect “the rights of women and girls across the UK”.
Scottish actor Sean Biggerstaff, who portrayed Hogwarts Quidditch ace Oliver Wood in three films of the wizarding franchise, took issue with her comments.
Following the ruling, he branded Rowling an “obsessed billionaire” and “bigoted” for her views on transgender issue.
Rowling has also fallen out with Harry Potter series leads Radcliffe, who played the eponymous wizard, Grint (Ron Weasley), and Watson (Hermione Granger).
She revisited their feud earlier this year on X, when a fan asked her: “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?”
“Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” she responded.
