Stars of the Harry Potter franchise, Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton, demonstrated that friendship can transcend public disagreement as they warmly reunited in New York City this week. The actors, famous for playing arch-rivals Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, put their contrasting views on author JK Rowling's controversial stance on transgender rights aside to support each other's work.
A Magical Reunion in Manhattan
The duo attended The Cinema Society Special Screening of Daniel Radcliffe's new film, 'Merrily We Go Along,' on Monday night. Photographs captured the pair, now 36 and 38 respectively, looking genuinely overjoyed to see one another. Their affectionate chat ahead of the screening was a world away from the dynamic of their on-screen characters, whom they portrayed across all eight blockbuster films from 2001 to 2011.
Their styles were notably different from their Hogwarts days. Radcliffe sported a rugged beard and an indie-inspired denim shirt, while Felton, who has recently reprised his role as Draco on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, showcased a stylish camel coat and had traded his character's signature platinum locks for mussed, mousy hair.
The Rowling Divide: A Public Schism
Despite the cordial meeting, a significant rift has existed between the actors' public positions since 2020. This was when JK Rowling began vocally expressing gender-critical views, opposing the concept that gender identity can differ from sex assigned at birth. Her comments sparked global controversy and led to her being labelled a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist).
Daniel Radcliffe was one of the most prominent franchise stars to publicly oppose Rowling's stance. In a statement released through The Trevor Project, he asserted that 'transgender women are women' and that contrary statements erase transgender people's identity and dignity. He apologised to fans hurt by the author's remarks and expressed his deep sadness over the fallout, revealing he has had no direct contact with Rowling since.
In contrast, Tom Felton has remained publicly loyal and guarded regarding the author. He has stated he is 'not affected or attuned' to her views and has consistently praised Rowling for creating the world that brought joy to millions. Felton's continued involvement in the franchise, including the Broadway play, is seen by many as linked to his neutral public stance.
Moving Forward: Friendship Beyond Disagreement
The New York event highlighted their ability to separate personal friendship from ideological difference. They were joined by another Potter alum, esteemed actress Noma Dumezweni, who won an Olivier Award for playing Hermione Granger in the West End production of The Cursed Child.
Felton has previously explained his approach to such disagreements, telling The Times, 'I don't tend to pick sides... a lot of my good friends have ways of life or personal decisions that I don't necessarily agree with. We should enjoy celebrating each other's differences.' This philosophy seemed to be in practice during the warm reunion.
While the lead stars of the films, including Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have resoundingly criticised Rowling's views, Felton's continued support illustrates the complex and divided legacy of the Harry Potter universe off-screen. Their New York meeting proves that, for now, the bonds forged during their years at Hogwarts can still hold strong.
