Tom Felton visited the new Harry Potter store in Chicago ahead of the opening on 9th April 2025 – the store opened to the public on 10th April 2025.
Jake Hamilton sits down with HARRY POTTER star Tom Felton in Chicago’s Harry Potter Shop to look back over his memories as DRACO MALFOY:
credit: Jake Hamilton ( Jake’s Takes )
Tom also spoke to PEOPLE :
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Tom said being in the space, which is themed like the Goblet of Fire — the fourth installment of the mega-popular book and movie series — brought him back to that time in his life “hugely.”
“Not only does seeing the house colors bring me back to being Team Slytherin all the way,” the 37-year-old said, “but the experience of the store is magical, for lack of a better pun.”
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Reflecting on his own time in Harry Potter, in which he played antagonist Draco Malfoy, Felton said it’s “hard to pick” a favorite memory from 11 years of “many happy memories” during filming the eight movies, released from 2001 to 2011. “Lots of hours with this in my hand,” he added, picking up a Draco wand from the store’s collection, “so it’s kind of cool to see that again. Yeah, many happy memories.”
He added that the cast is still very much in touch, too; in addition to speaking regularly to his on-screen dad, Jason Isaacs, he revealed there’s a WhatsApp group.
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“In fact I just took a video of the store and sent it to them,” he said. “But yeah we’re all very tight still, very close. We’re usually in four corners of the earth at the same time, so it’s difficult to round us all up together. But Slytherins and Gryffindors are friendly.”
Though chatter about the upcoming Harry Potter television series hasn’t hit the group text, Felton said, “I think we’re all very excited to see the wizarding world continue. I look forward to knocking on young Draco’s door and surprising him, or something like that.”
And if nothing else, “I’ll definitely be sneaking into a background shot as an extra,” he said with a smile.
Every day, Felton continued, it “surprises” him how many people still talk to him about their love for all things Harry Potter.
“And it thrills me,” he said, “because the generation now that are asking for pictures and selfies weren’t even born when we made the first film, and now there’s another generation underneath that, 5, 6, 7-year-olds who are discovering the books, discovering the films and the stories, and falling in love with their own part of the wizarding world.”
credit: PEOPLE
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The store also includes a wand shop, where Felton picked up a replica of his character’s wand.
“It’s more of an experience I think than necessarily just merch,” he said. “The attention to detail is phenomenal. I feel like I walked back into the Wizarding World.”
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As for which character would thrive in Chicago, Felton said Draco himself would love the city.
“This city suits him really well,” he said.
Felton also committed a classic Chicago faux pas during his visit, saying he loves ketchup on his hot dogs.
“I love it,” he said. “Was that the wrong answer?”
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More here –> Block Club Chicago
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Jason Isaacs, who played your on-screen dad, Lucius Malfoy, was just in The White Lotus. Have you watched it?
Actually, I finished it yesterday.
What did you think?
He was great. The last time I saw him was a week or two before he went to Thailand to shoot it. He was excited, as was I. It was cool to see him in something different. Very un-Malfoy-esque, gorgeous tan and no blond hair.
I thought he was a little bit like Lucius in the sense where he’s this dad who’s under a lot of pressure.
Yes, it’s a muggle version. But yeah, I thought he was brilliant.
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Speaking of HBO, they’re rebooting Harry Potter as a TV series. What are your thoughts on that?
I think it’s fantastic. I also have heard — I don’t know this for a fact — but they might be filming it in the same studios as we filmed it, which means that I will hopefully, inevitably get to knock on a dressing room door that says “Draco” and surprise the new kid who’s doing it.
What advice would you give the new kid?
Just have fun. Take pictures, steal more props. I’m joking, but I’m sure whoever they pick will be the one down for the job.
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More here –> Bustle
According to Daily Herald, Tom’s surprise visit was kept under wraps by Warner Bros. to avoid a frenzy of fans storming the doors.
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“It’s really surpassed my expectations a lot,” said Felton with a disarming smile. “I thought it was just like a smallish shop. This is more like a theme park. I spent a good hour this morning walking around with … an open jaw going, ‘Wow, it’s incredible.’ There’s so many little details and like nods and points towards the original films. So yeah, it’s very exciting.”
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More here –> Daily Herald
photo credits: Harry Potter Shop Chicago , Jake Hamilton (Jake’s Takes) , Victor Hilitski for Block Club Chicago , Chicago Sun-Times – Pat Nabong
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More information can be found at Harry Potter Shop Chicago !