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Draco Malfoy Actor in 'Harry Potter' HBO Series Details Major Change for Character in New Show
Jamie Lee Curtis played sorting hat for Daniel Radcliffe even before he got to Hogwarts.
As the Freaky Friday star and Harry Potter alum reunited for the first time in 25 years, she revealed how she predicted his assimilation into the iconic character on the set of The Tailor of Panama before he was even cast.
“We were in the swimming pool,” Jamie recalled during a March 2 appearance on the Today show. “Daniel had to wear a fake tan because he was very pale and we were supposed to live in Panama, and all the kids were in the pool. He couldn’t go in the pool because he had a fake tan.”
But as the then 10-year-old Daniel sat in front of Jamie, she couldn’t help but draw a comparison to the cartoon boy on the covers of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling series.
“I remember he was sitting by the pool,” she continued, “and I looked up at him at one point and I went, ‘Wait, you know, you look like that kid who’s on the cover of that book.’”
At that point, Daniel hadn’t even auditioned for his most recognizable role—which he played opposite Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—but he admitted his mom Marcia Gresham was likely not happy about Jamie’s comments.
“It was long before I was cast,” Daniel added. “I don’t think I knew about it at this point. I think my mum was probably looking at you like, ‘No, no, no, don’t mention it to him.’”
And while Daniel is now 15 years removed from playing the Boy Who Lived—with the last installment of the Harry Potter series coming out in 2011—he has recently been reflecting more on the iconic role, alongside Rupert and Emma, considering a new batch of kids has been cast in the upcoming HBO series.
Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
“It's one of those where I think we all just know how the others feel, because we're also feeling it,” Daniel admitted to People in an interview published Feb. 17. “You just see the pictures of these kids, and you just want to grab them and hug them. That's the impulse that I think that we, mainly, all have.”
As for the one request Daniel has when the series finally premieres in 2027? Don’t talk about it with him.
“I would like not to be weird spectral phantoms in these children’s lives,” Daniel told Screen Rant in an interview published Feb. 17. “Just let them get on, it’s going to be a new, different thing.”
Rest assured, Daniel is confident that Dominic McLaughlin—who will play Harry in the new series—is more than prepared to step into his cloaks. As he put it, “I’m sure Dominic is going to be better than me.”
For more on the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, keep reading…
Warner Bros. Pictures/Asia Werbel
Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander
In July 2025, it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser would be opening the doors to Ollivanders, taking over the role of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the late, great John Hurt.
Murray Close/Getty Images; Courtesy Rory Wilmot
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
Young actor Rory Wilmot is set to star as fan favorite Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom, who was previously played by Matthew Lewis.
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection; Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images
Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch
British actress Louise Brealey will take over from Zoe Wanamaker as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch flying instructor. Brealey is perhaps best known for her roles in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches and Hulu's Such Brave Girls.
Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy Amos Kitson
Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
Harry's cousin Dudley will be played by newcomer Amos Kitson. Harry Melling portrayed the young Dursley in the original movies.
Warner Bros./Newsmakers; Aidan Monaghan/HBO
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin & Alastair Stout as Hermione, Harry & Ron
Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will step into the Gryffindor robes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The trio takes over from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played the roles in the film franchise from 2000 to 2010.
"The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen," said Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the executive producers of the TV adaptation. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there."
Murray Close/Getty Images; HBO Max/Warner Bros.
Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
The iconic Slytherin will be played by rising star Lox Pratt. He takes over from Tom Felton, who recently announced he will be heading to Broadway to take on the adult version of Draco in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
In June 2025, HBO announced that Ripley actor Johnny Flynn would be taking on the role of Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy. The White Lotus star Jason Isaacs portrayed Lucius in the movie series and he took to Instagram to congratulate his successor: "Thrilled to be passing the keys to Malfoy Manor to @johnnyflynnmusic, a monstrously talented renaissance man."
Warner Bros. Pictures; Dave Benett/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
Katherine Parkinson, who won a BAFTA award for her performance in British sitcom The IT Crowd, will star in the TV adaptation as the Weasley matriarch. The role was previously played by Mamma Mia! actress Julie Walters.
Maxppp/Warner Bros. via ZUMA Press; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
In March 2025, Variety reported that comedian Nick Frost was nearing a deal to play half-giant Hagrid. Frost was launched to fame for his roles alongside Simon Pegg in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Hagrid was played in the original films by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022.
Murray Close/ Getty Images; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
In December 2024, it was reported that Emmy-nominated British actor Paapa Essiedu was in talks to play Professor Snape, who was memorably portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the movies. Essiedu is a rising star of stage and screen, perhaps most recognized for his role in the HBO drama I May Destroy You.
Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Veteran actor John Lithgow will star as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the HBO series. His extensive list of credits includes Conclave, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown. Lithgow also boasts an impressive list of awards, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.
“It was not an easy decision,” Lithgow told ScreenRant while confirming his casting in February 2025, “because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited... I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.
Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Joe Maher/Getty Images
Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley
BAFTA-winner Daniel Rigby will step into the shoes of Harry's uncle in the HBO Max series. "Thrilled to be playing the world’s worst muggle, Uncle Vernon," Rigby posted on Instagram. The role was previously played by Richard Griffiths, who died in 2013.
Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images
Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley
British actress Bel Powley will follow in Fiona Shaw's footsteps and take on the role of Aunt Petunia. Powley's screen credits include The Morning Show, A Small Light and Masters of the Air.
Murray Close/ Getty Images; Kate Green/Getty Images
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
British actress Janet McTeer is set to play Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor and Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress. McTeer's career spans back decades and includes roles in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. The legendary Dame Maggie Smith took on the role in the film franchise.
Globe Photos/ZUMA Wire; Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
In April 2025, HBO announced that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be stepping into the boots of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, taking over the role played by David Bradley in the films. Whitehouse is well known for his comedy work in the UK, and (fun fact!) he also appeared as Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Warner Bros. Pictures; HBO Max/Warner Bros.
Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni & Sienna Moosah as Seamus, Parvati & Lavender
A trio of youngsters will take on the supporting roles of Harry's schoolmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. Those characters were previously played by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury and Jessie Cave.
Warner Bros. Pictures; Lia Toby/Getty Images
Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
In June 2025, it was reported that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel would be portraying the Minister of Magic. Robert Hardy, who died in 2017, played Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movies.
KPA/United Archives via ZUMA Press Wire; James Veysey/Shutterstock
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Perhaps the least well-known actor of the new cast, theater actor Luke Thallon will portray Harry's first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Ian Hart previously portrayed Quirrell, who plays a memorable role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
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