**Tom Felton Expresses Admiration for Former Co-Star Emma Watson on Podcast**
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Tom Felton, well-known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, has recently opened up about his long-standing admiration for his former co-star, Emma Watson. Felton, who is now 38, reflected on the enduring bond that developed during their childhood days on set while discussing the Harry Potter legacy in a recent episode of the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast.
Watson, who portrayed the intelligent and resourceful Hermione Granger, was only nine years old when she was cast in one of the most significant roles in cinematic history. Felton praised Watson for the complexity of her experience as a young girl growing up in the limelight. “There’s no one that I admire more, really,” he remarked, acknowledging the pressures and challenges that come with such a pivotal role. He expressed admiration not only for Watson but for the entire core cast, stating, “I just have huge admiration for all of them.”
The camaraderie among the Harry Potter cast has been well-documented over the years. Felton, speaking fondly of these relationships, noted, “We’re all good friends,” suggesting that despite geographical distances that place them in “four different corners of the world,” their shared experiences have forged lasting connections. He humorously referred to the character of Draco as a kind of binding agent among the group, indicating that their mutual history has strengthened their friendships.
The closeness between Felton and Watson has been evident for quite some time. In a candid moment during an interview on the Jonathan Ross Show in 2012, Watson revealed that she had a crush on Felton while they were filming. “Between the ages of 10 and 12, I had a really terrible crush on Tom Felton,” she confessed, noting his older age and skateboarding skills as factors that had captured her young heart.
In recent years, Felton and Watson have reunited along with fellow actors Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, fostering a sense of nostalgia and shared history. The continued bond among the cast members seems to reflect the collective journey they undertook over a decade ago, during which they navigated the ups and downs of fame and personal growth.
Felton is currently immersing himself back into the world of Harry Potter, as he reprises his role in the Broadway production of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. The narrative of this show unfolds 19 years after the conclusion of the original series, focusing on the next generation of wizards as they face new challenges at Hogwarts. Felton commented on the thriving Wizarding World, noting the ongoing interest from fans, which has seemingly intensified since the films wrapped up.
Reflecting on the franchise’s sustained popularity, Felton said he never anticipated that audiences would continue to rally around Harry Potter with such enthusiasm. “None of us would have ever expected people to still be as interested as they were when we finished the films—now it’s sort of like triple the excitement.” His childhood dreams of visiting Universal Studios have come to fruition in unexpected ways, illustrating the profound impact that the series has had on his life and career.
As Felton continues to celebrate the legacy of Harry Potter, his respectful acknowledgment of Watson and the other cast members serves as a reminder of the bond forged through their shared experiences. It’s a testament to the lasting influence of the franchise, and how, years later, the friendships formed during their youth remain strong.
Both Felton and Watson remain symbols of the nostalgia tied to the Harry Potter saga, and their reflections on each other highlight a foundation of admiration that spans years and personal growth. With the Wizarding World as popular as ever, it appears that the magic of their experiences is far from over.