“Harry Potter” star Tom Felton had 'no idea' this memorable“ ”Draco“ ”line had become so 'iconic' among fans

Sharareh DrurySun, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTC

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Credit: Peter Mountain/Warner Bros.

One of Tom Felton's most iconic lines as the malicious Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise is actually a single word — the spiteful spewing of his nemesis' last name: "Potter."

As Felton admitted on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he was completely unaware his pronunciation had become a beloved meme within the Harry Potter fandom

"I don't know how that's become an iconic thing," the 38-year-old actor said. "I certainly had no idea."

Felton revealed that his snide way of saying the character's name came from his three older brothers. "They all would always call me something like 'maggot' or, what was I also called? 'Runt.' Runt of the pack."

Tom Felton and Daniel Radcliffe in 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.'Credit: Peter Mountain/Warner Bros

"I don't remember ever thinking about it for a second," Felton added. "It just got more and more venomous."

With the Harry Potter franchise now spanning books, films, theme parks, and even an upcoming television series on HBO, Felton shared amazement at how so many elements from the Wizarding World have become pop culture mainstays. "I never knew any of these things were gonna be iconic lines," Felton said.

The Fackham Hall actor is currently reprising his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at New York City's Lyric Theatre. While not originally written into the play, Felton says his infamous "Potter" line ended up in the production after he "spontaneously" said it during rehearsals and it caught the ear of director John Tiffany.

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"I could see his eyes twinkle and go, 'Yes. Put that back in,'" Felton said.

Felton also shared how impressed he is that Aiden Close, who plays his character's son Scorpius Malfoy in the play, can say the line better than he can.

Tom Felton at the 2025 EE Bafta Film Awards.Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

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Felton added how "amazing" it is that the Harry Potter franchise continues to grow — like with HBO's upcoming television series based on J.K. Rowling's fantasy saga. The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, premieres on December 25, 2026.

"I'm thrilled that the Wizarding World is thriving. I mean, it's amazing," Felton said. "None of us would have ever expected people to still be as interested as they were when we finished the films."

Watch the full podcast interview below.

on Entertainment Weekly

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”