Flynn’s Magical Transformation

Johnny Flynn has shared his excitement about stepping into the world of Harry Potter, taking on the iconic role of Lucius Malfoy for HBO’s hotly anticipated TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding saga.

The 42-year-old Emma and Lovesick actor will inherit the character made famous by Jason Isaacs — the aristocratic, cold-blooded father of Draco Malfoy — as the series reimagines the books for a new generation.

Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his latest movie Sons, Flynn described joining the series as a dream come true. “It’s good, I’ve only done a little bit and I’m just giddy as a fan of the stories, of the books really,” he said.

Flynn’s casting drew an immediate show of support from Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius throughout the original film franchise, calling his successor “a fantastic actor” and “a lovely man.”

The upcoming HBO series is set to be a decade-long retelling of Rowling’s seven novels, aiming to stay truer to the books than the blockbuster films. Filming began in July, with Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout stepping into the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, respectively. Young newcomer Lox Pratt will portray Draco Malfoy, originally played by Tom Felton.

Beyond the wizarding world, Flynn stars opposite Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and George MacKay in Sons, an adaptation of David Gilbert’s acclaimed novel co-written by Oscar-winner Sarah Polley and directed by Pablo Trapero. The film follows a reclusive author (Nighy) attempting to reconnect with his estranged sons — played by Flynn and MacKay — in a family drama that mixes heartbreak with sharp humour.

With Sons hitting festivals and Harry Potter production underway, Flynn finds himself balancing prestige drama with pure fantasy — and loving every moment of it.