Ministry of Gossip Q&A: Harry Potter's Tom Felton

With this week's DVD release of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince," we move another step closer to the final curtain falling on the boy wizard phenomenon.

With the recent distraction of Robert Pattinson and his dreamy, fang-laden "Twilight" gang, let me remind you that the "Potter" franchise now spans 12 years, millions and millions of dollars, and the triumphant literary and cultural ascent of J.K. Rowling, and has made stars out of several charming young adults (including Mr. Pattinson, who played Cedric Diggory in "The Goblet of Fire").  

One such star is Tom Felton, a major antagonist and archenemy of Daniel Radcliffe's Harry. Felton, 22, spoke with me about his role as an increasingly vicious and vacant Draco Malfoy, the final two films currently in production, his admiration of tatted-up Megan Fox and more.

Read on for the full Q&A.

Matt Donnelly: "Deathly Hallows" parts one and two are currently filming. Is anyone getting sentimental yet?

Tom Felton: It's a 14-month shoot, everyone is really keeping their heads down and working, there's no time to get sentimental too early. You know, it's the end so everyone wants to make sure it's the absolute finest. It's going to be a bittersweet thing. It's like finishing [college].

MD: Your character takes a huge step up in "Half Blood Prince," more presence and certainly more drama. Were you nervous?

TF: I came into the film horribly nervous. Our director, David Yates, had terrific confidence in me. I had some one-on-one readings with Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman, which made me even more nervous! Draco's quite solemn in this film, so I spent most of my free time on set staring at walls. Usually in between takes we'd talk about what movie we saw last night. I had to practice feeling despondent from everyone else.

MD: What's the first thing you'll do after the final films wrap?

TF: I'll certainly stop dyeing my hair blond.

MD: Are you following the "Twilight" phenomenon? That's another young group of actors suddenly exposed to worldwide media attention. Any advice for them?

TF: I confess, I'm not the biggest [fan] of "Twilight," but I came along due to my girlfriend. She's fanatical about the books; I didn't hear from her for two weeks when she was reading them. But Rob and everyone else are fantastic. They don't need any advice from us.

MD: Speaking of your girlfriend, Jade, I know you're both quite young, but it's Hollywood. Any plans to make a bigger commitment?

TF: [Laughs] That's a serious question! I would confess, we're well and truly head over heels, but no. I'm in New York now and looking around for unique Christmas gifts for her. 

MD: You have some very funny and devout fans. One of them asked about tattoos and piercings -- do you have or want any?

TF: Never had a piercing, never had a tattoo. I don't think they look good on anyone other than Megan Fox. ... I once wanted to get my eyebrow pierced; my brother got it done and in a drunken night ripped it out. He's got a hole there now.

MD: Up next for you is a cameo in Russell Brand's "Get Him to the Greek." How did that come about?

TF: Jonah Hill came down to [the "Deathly Hallows"] set three or for months ago -- and I'm a massive Jonah Hill fan; I milked every minute. The next day, someone got in contact and asked if I wanted to come down to London for the last bits and pieces of their shoot. I thought someone was winding me up. I was incredibly nervous, not being on another film set for the past 10 years.

MD: What does your part involve?

TF: Without saying too much, there's a couple of brilliantly awkward things that only Jonah can do. To say there were some humorous Harry Potter innuendos would be a start. Also, I'm so used to stop-start shoots with like 30 minutes in between. With these guys, they roll a thousand feet of film and improv so much.

-- Matt Donnelly

Photos: Tom Felton contemplates the dark side, top, as Draco Malfoy in "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince," and brings his blond hair to a Dec. 6 promotional event in London to mark the launch of the film on DVD and Blu-Ray. Credit: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc., top; Leon Neal / AFP / Getty Images, right.

Want the headlines? Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Facebook and Twitter (we're @LATcelebs on Twitter)

Plus we just got a brand new address on Facebook -- you can find us easily at facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

Comments

[jen]

wow this was truly refreshing to see him being asked new questions. you did a good job
and does anyone else think in the second pic he looks like he has a pointy ear?

[Jonesy100000000]

This was a great interview and the fact that you mentioned his fans and their questions!

[megan]

im in love with tom!!! jealous of jade!!

[JavaStix]

This is a fabulous interview. I loved hearing about who he thinks tattoos and piercings look good on!

[Anisa]

Utterly brilliant! <3
Amazing interview it is!

Thanks so much for the great job. :x

[Tracey]

Matt,
Awesome article - one of the best and most refreshing Tom interview in ages!! God wok ue! :D
Tracey

[Christy]

Hey Matt :)

Thanks a lot for this great interview with the fabulous Tom Felton! I love that you asked questions different to the ones in every other interview!

And thank you so much for asking his fans for questions :)

Christy

[Bella]

Awesome interview!
Thanks for asking so many cool questions, and not just the same ones as everyone else.
I can't wait to see Tom's cameo in Get Him to the Greek! Haha :D

- Bella

[Marge]

Now I'll have to watch "Get him to the Greek!" LOL.

Super article!I only wish it was a bit longer! Amazing how he seems so down to earth.

[Eva]

Thank you for the interview, I love it! Very unique and funny questions.

[Eszter]

This is such a great interview; very different!
Thank you so much for incorporating the fans too! It's great to have had the chance to ask Tom a question :)

Eszter

[GrabYourGuitar]

It's an awesome interview! I could read it over and over again!

[Ashlyn]

Amazing interview Matt!
It's great to hear some new news on our favourite HP character!

[Victoria]

I really liked this interview! It wasn't as boring as everyone else's who ask the same 5 questions over and over! And thanks for complementing his fans... we try!! =)

GO TOM!

[Ludy Santana]

Wow, very nice article!
Tom is really nice, though.
Loved your questions, especially that one about piercings and tatoos. Just can't imagine Tom with a piercing, lol

And Tom, don't stop dyeing your hair! Love your blonde hair... (Not saying that I'm not curious to see your natural hair... haha)

xx Ludy

[victoriajohanna]

Awesome awesome awesome!! Great interview-- Tom's got such a fantastic personality.

[Maria]

Great interview and a wonderful read!

[Lola]

Fantastic! Love hearing from Tom, so glad you incorporated his fans too!

[irooloo]

brilliant interview!
and you asked him the question that fans said and it was great!because interviwers always ask the same things but fans usually have some good questions!!!!!!!!

[Sher]

Wonderfully refreshing. Well done!

[Kylie]

Thanks for the great interview! It's nice to see some different questions being asked. And asking him about the "bigger commitment"...lol! Nothing like putting the guy on the spot :p

[Leah]

great interview!

[Lily]

How exciting! I've been curious about Jade and Tom! Very excited that your questions we're more then just the same old same old. Thanks very much for a fun read about Tom! :)

[CDZ from the Ministry]

Hey all, this is Christie D'Zurilla, Matt's cohort here at the Ministry. I just wanted to say thanks for your enthusiastic comments! Much appreciated (though one compliment per customer is just *plenty* for us to feel the love).

There's lots to see around here -- and please come back if you like what you see. Click on Matt's name link over in the category cloud to the right, if you want to check out other stuff he's done; the "Preach It!" link will take you to some pretty insane stuff too.

Thanks again for your comments. /cdz

[sweething10]

Love the article! I'm a huge fan of Tom Felton and am so glad you guys ran this interview.