India, June 9 -- With the magic of Harry Potter still casting spells long after the final credits rolled, few characters remain as polarising as Draco Malfoy. Now, more than a decade since the cinematic series ended, Tom Felton is ready to don the Slytherin robes once more. But as he steps into his role in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the return to Hogwarts comes with more than just stage fright - it comes with the shadow of J.K. Rowling's ongoing political controversies.

At this year's Tony Awards, Felton spoke candidly with Variety's Gordon Cox, addressing the swirling conversations around Rowling's outspoken political views, including her widely criticised statements on gender identity and trans rights...