Harry Potter star Tom Felton opens up about the upcoming television reboot and the next Draco Malfoy. While Felton made his screen acting debut in 1997’s The Borrowers, the actor’s major global breakthrough role came with his portrayal of Slytherin student Draco in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. Despite recent on-screen struggles and controversies, the Harry Potter franchise will undergo a major TV reboot under HBO.

While speaking with Jake’s Takes, Felton was asked about his thoughts on the upcoming TV reboot and how he feels about a new young actor taking on the role of Draco. The actor stated that not only did he look forward to seeing whomever they chose, but hoped to have the opportunity to wish the young star well in person if he had the opportunity to meet them. Check out Felton’s full response below:

It’s exciting, isn’t it? I look forward to meeting the youngster. From what I gather- I can’t- don’t want to confirm it, but I think it’s shooting at Leavesden Studios as well. There will be a trailer or a dressing room with the word Draco Malfoy on again. I look forward to surprising whoever the youngster is… Definitely 100%, not for advice, but just to say enjoy it, and I look forward to meeting the young scalywag.

Why Draco’s Casting Carries A Lot Of Pressure

The Character Is A Complex Figure With A Rocky Journey

Outside the core trio, Draco is perhaps the character who will bring the most pressure to whoever takes on the role in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot. By the time production begins, it will have potentially been 18 years since the final novel was released, and audiences will have seen Draco’s full arc unfold. As such, while Felton came into the role when four Harry Potter novels were released, audiences are now aware of every twist in Draco’s story, both good and bad.

Audiences are now incredibly familiar with Draco’s arc, as the character progresses from a pompous snob brought up in a bigoted environment to a conflicted and unwilling servant of evil pressured into his fate by his family’s legacy. With this, there is a high expectation that the next young performer can portray all angles of the character. However, no matter what the pressures may bring, it is clear that Felton is supportive of whoever takes on the role.

Our Thoughts On Felton’s Message To Draco’s Next Actor

Multiple Controversies Have Made The Reboot Incredibly Polarizing

Harry Potter’s television reboot is perhaps the most contentious project in development on HBO’s current slate. Even without J.K. Rowling’s consistent and expanding harassment of the transgender and asexual communities on social media, the series has to contend with living up to the solid legacy left by the original movie series while proving those skeptical wrong. As such, Felton’s words of encouragement are a welcome sign for any young star who will accept the responsibility.