Harry Potter star Tom Felton responded to the J.K. Rowling controversy at the 78th annual Tony Awards, saying he’s not “really that attuned to it.” The actor will make his Broadway debut with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child later this year, and expressed his “gratitude” to Rowling as the author of the series.
Tom Felton talks about J.K. Rowling at 2025 Tony Awards
Tom Felton’s response to the controversy surrounding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling divided the Internet. The Draco Malfoy actor talked to the press at the 2025 Tony Awards, and spoke about how Rowling’s book series brought “the world together.”
When asked about Rowling’s controversial gender-critical views, Felton told Variety, “I can’t say it (impacts me), I’m not really that attuned to it.” He further said, “I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.”
Felton’s comments about Rowling come after it was announced that the actor will reprise the role of Draco Malfoy in Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The new project will mark Felton’s Broadway debut. He will return to his iconic character of Draco Malfoy for the first time since the final Harry Potter film in 2011.
Some fans felt “disappointed” at Felton’s response towards J.K. Rowling, whose views about gender have caused controversy. Reacting to Felton’s answer, one fan posted on Reddit, “I think he thought he did a diplomatic neutral dodge and weave. It is a typical empty answer of someone who avoids saying anything of importance, in fear that it will impact him some day.”
Another commenter reacted, “He is playing Malfoy in the Cursed Child now, but I don’t think Rowling has anything to do with that directly.” A third fan said, “Kind of poetic that all the actors playing the protagonists are against Rowling. But the dude playing the villain (not the main one, but still) is sticking by her.”
Felton’s Broadway Harry Potter play will run for 19 weeks starting on November 11, 2025. The actor talked to TODAY about this “pinch me moment” and new career milestone. Felton noted, “The play is such an independent story from the Potter films… now we’re no longer children. We actually are the parents.”