Move over, wizards and muggles alike; Tom Felton just got the ultimate pre-Broadway glow-up. The actor, famous for bringing Draco Malfoy to life in the “Harry Potter” films, got to light up the Empire State Building in Slytherin green ahead of his adult return as Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Yep, you read that right! One of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, bathed in green, in honor of our favorite blond-haired, sharp-tongued wizard.
Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)Official Accounts Give Fans a Green Glow
The tribute was captured in a video posted by the @empirestatebldg, @harrypotter, and @cursedchildus Instagram accounts. The caption read: “Shining in green tonight in Celebration of Tom Felton’s Broadway Debut and Return to the Role of ‘Draco Malfoy’ in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Fans were quick to show up and show out, with thousands of likes piling up in minutes. Green heart emojis, Slytherin pride, and general freak-outs flooded the comments, proving that this fandom is still going strong.
It seems like the hype for Felton’s return has been building forever. And this little touch of real-world magic was the perfect kickoff. The “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” play has been a massive hit since it debuted, even going so far as to break a sales record (via BroadwayWorld). But seeing Felton step back into the role of an adult Draco adds a whole new level of excitement for both longtime fans and new ones.
Fandom Goes Full Slytherin
Fans couldn’t contain themselves over the Empire State Building tribute. One wrote, “Proud to be a Slytherin 🐍💚,” while another commented, “So It was real???? I Thought It was a fake Picture in the internet😹.” And one particularly enchanted fan even called it “The ultimate Lumos spell! 💚🐍.”
It seems like moments like this are exactly what the fandom lives for. A New York landmark turning Slytherin green isn’t just a cute gesture. It’s a reminder that the wizarding world still has a way of sneaking into the real one. You can almost feel the collective excitement of fans everywhere as the lights hit green across the skyline. Felton’s return isn’t just a Broadway moment; it’s a fandom celebration, and it seems like everyone is here for it.
Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)
Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)Broadway Beckons, and Draco’s Back
Soon, Felton officially begins performing in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” bringing a grown-up Draco Malfoy to life in front of live audiences. It’s a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and a little bit of Slytherin mischief all rolled into one. Longtime fans finally get to see Draco evolve. And new audiences get introduced to a more complex side of the wizarding world.
With the Empire State Building glowing in his honor, it feels like the entire city (and maybe even the fandom worldwide) is celebrating his return. Between the iconic green lights and the fan reactions, it seems like the magic of Draco Malfoy is stronger than ever.
Catch Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway starting November 11, 2025 thru May 10, 2026.
Ticket information available at broadway.harrypottertheplay.com.
