Will Tom Felton Be in the Harry Potter Series? Odds of a Surprise Cameo Explored!

Will Tom Felton be in the Harry Potter series? As HBO gears up for its highly anticipated TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s iconic wizarding world, fans are buzzing with speculation about whether Tom Felton, the actor who brought Draco Malfoy to life in the original Harry Potter films, might make a surprise appearance in a new role.

With the series set to debut in 2026 and a fresh cast already announced, the possibility of Felton returning in a different capacity has sparked excitement and curiosity. Let’s dive into the odds, explore the context, and weigh the factors that could bring the beloved actor back to Hogwarts!

What Role Could Tom Felton Play in the HBO Series?

Tom Felton, now 37, is best known for his decade-long portrayal of Draco Malfoy, the sly and cunning Slytherin rival to Harry Potter in all eight films.

With the HBO series introducing newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron, the roles of the younger characters are already cast. However, speculation has swirled about Felton potentially playing an adult character, such as Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father.

The timeline of the HBO series, which aims to faithfully adapt Rowling’s seven books across multiple seasons, focuses on the trio’s school years. This makes a return as Draco unlikely for Felton due to age.

Yet, a cameo as Lucius—originally played by Jason Isaacs—or another adult figure, like a professor, Ministry official, or even a newly invented character, isn’t out of the question. Felton’s familiarity with the wizarding world and his expressed fondness for the franchise fuel this possibility.

Has Tom Felton Hinted at a Return to Harry Potter?

Felton has recently made headlines for reprising his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, running from November 11, 2025, to March 22, 2026, at New York’s Lyric Theatre.

In interviews, he’s shared his emotional connection to the character, noting to TODAY.com, “Potter was a massive chunk of my childhood, and now I get to sort of go back whilst also going forward.” This commitment shows his willingness to revisit the wizarding world.

In a May 2025 comment to the Daily Mail, Felton teased, “I’ll definitely be sneaking into a background shot as an extra” when discussing the HBO series. While likely a playful remark, it ignited fan speculation.

He also told Entertainment Weekly he’s excited to see the wizarding world continue and jokingly suggested “knocking on young Draco’s door and surprising him.” These hints, though lighthearted, keep the door open for a cameo.

What Are the Odds of Tom Felton Appearing in the HBO Series?

Predicting Felton’s involvement is tricky, but let’s break it down. HBO’s series, led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, is a fresh take, with casting focused on new talent—over 30,000 children auditioned for the leads.

Established actors like John Lithgow (Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (McGonagall), and Paapa Essiedu (Snape) fill key adult roles, suggesting HBO prioritizes big names for prominent parts.

Felton’s current Broadway commitment overlaps with the series’ production, which begins in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. This scheduling conflict lowers the odds of a major role but doesn’t rule out a brief cameo.

His loyalty to the franchise, evidenced by his Cursed Child stint, and J.K. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer—who, per HBO chief Casey Bloys, was “very, very involved” in selecting the creative team—could pave the way for a nod to fans.

We’d estimate a 20-30% chance of a small, nostalgic appearance, perhaps as a background figure or a brief adult role.

Why Might HBO Include Tom Felton in the Series?

HBO’s adaptation, expected in late 2026 or early 2027, aims to honor the books while appealing to both new viewers and longtime fans. Including Felton would be a clever bridge between the films and the series, sparking buzz and nostalgia.

His return to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway already proves his draw, with the play being the highest-grossing non-musical in Broadway history, selling over 10 million tickets worldwide since 2016.

Fan sentiment on X shows mixed reactions—some hope for a Lucius role, while others see a cameo as more likely. HBO’s hefty £75 million per-episode budget signals room for surprises, and a Felton appearance could amplify hype.

However, the focus on a new generation and a distinct narrative might limit cameos to avoid overshadowing the fresh cast.

Will Tom Felton Be in the Harry Potter Series? The Verdict

So, will Tom Felton be in the Harry Potter series? The odds lean toward a slim but plausible chance of a cameo. While a major role seems unlikely due to casting and scheduling, Felton’s love for the wizarding world, his recent Broadway return, and HBO’s aim to blend nostalgia with innovation keep the door ajar.

Some Closing Thoughts:

A brief appearance—perhaps as a winking extra or a minor adult character—could delight fans and honor his legacy.

What do you think? Could Tom Felton sneak back into Hogwarts? Stay tuned as the HBO series unfolds, and we’ll see if this beloved actor returns to the magic!