Imagine a heartwarming moment that instantly transports you back to the magical world of Hogwarts. That’s exactly what happened when 'Harry Potter' stars Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton reunited for the first time in seven years, sharing a heartfelt embrace that left fans everywhere smiling. The former co-stars, whose on-screen rivalry as Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy captivated audiences worldwide, proved that their real-life friendship is just as enduring. But here’s where it gets even more touching: this reunion wasn’t just a casual meetup—it was a celebration of their shared journey from child actors to Broadway stars.
On Monday night, Radcliffe and Felton crossed paths at the New York City premiere of Merrily We Roll Along, a live capture of the Stephen Sondheim musical that earned Radcliffe his Tony Award. A video from the event captures the genuine joy of the moment: Felton places a hand on Radcliffe’s back, prompting him to turn and pull his old friend into a warm hug. Even as the house lights blinked, urging attendees into the theater, the two took a few precious moments to catch up, their bond as undeniable as ever.
This wasn’t their first public reunion—in 2018, Felton attended an event celebrating Radcliffe’s Broadway production of The Lifespan of a Fact. But what makes this latest encounter so special is the mutual admiration they’ve openly expressed for each other. Despite their characters’ heated rivalry, Radcliffe and Felton have always spoken highly of their time together, both on and off the screen. And this is the part most people miss: their friendship has evolved into a source of inspiration for both actors.
Felton, who recently made his Broadway debut by reprising his role as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, credited Radcliffe as a key inspiration for his theatrical leap. During a Good Morning America appearance in November, Felton shared, 'I’ve taken a few tips from Potter. He was one of the early inspirations for me to come to Broadway. I saw him, I think, on his first show—what is it, 10-plus years ago? And now he’s obviously a Tony winner and a big inspiration for the reason why Broadway is so special.'
Radcliffe’s reaction to Felton’s words was equally heartwarming. 'It’s crazy. Tom’s older than me, he was always the cool kid growing up. It’s crazy that he would think of me as an inspiration for anything,' he told the morning show. 'That’s so sweet. I’m super excited that he’s in this and he’s doing Broadway… It’s really lovely. And I’m excited that he’s going to be in the city and I get to see him.'
But here’s the controversial question: Can friendships forged in childhood stardom truly withstand the test of time and fame? While many celebrity relationships fade, Radcliffe and Felton’s bond seems to have only strengthened. Their story challenges the notion that Hollywood friendships are fleeting, proving that genuine connections can thrive even in the spotlight. What do you think? Is their friendship an exception, or is there something about shared experiences that makes these bonds unbreakable? Let us know in the comments!
Looking ahead, the former co-stars are set to become Broadway neighbors—well, give or take a few blocks. Radcliffe will return to the Great White Way in Every Brilliant Thing, a one-person show debuting at the Hudson Theatre on February 21, 2026. As these two continue to shine in their respective careers, one thing is clear: their friendship remains a magical constant in a world of change. Stay tuned for more updates on their journeys and other entertainment news by subscribing to our EW Dispatch newsletter!
