A third, and final, in a series of sets of portraits was released in the run-up to the opening of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in the West End. Following on from the Potter and Granger-Weasley portraits released comes the Malfoy family. These images feature grown-up Draco Malfoy and his son Scorpius Malfoy. Interestingly missing is his wife Astoria. This may be just that the reading public will not be familiar with her as she was not mentioned by name in the Potter series, even in the epilogue. She was only revealed as Astoria Greengrass when Rowling drew family trees in the documentary A Year in the Life. It’s probably more likely that there is a more thought out reason for this omission, as fans know Draco is a very complicated character and it’s possible there may have been tensions in his marriage in a time proceeding the Battle of Hogwarts on which he may have been perceived to be a Deatheater.
Draco sports never before seen facial hair and a hairstyle some might recognise from Draco’s father Lucius in the Harry Potter films. The sombre pose and tight grip Draco has on his son may give us some idea that he has followed in his fathers footsteps regarding parenting. On playing the roles, the two actors had the following to say:
Anthony Boyle on dying his hair the iconic white blonde for Scorpius:
‘It was such a game changer,’ Anthony said of his new look. ‘As soon as I saw it, it was like, “Okay, I’m playing Scorpius Malfoy – this is real now.” That was such a big moment. He’s wearing the official Hogwarts uniform before you go and get sorted into your house. He’s a Malfoy so his clothes should be really expensive but quite constraining to make him feel a bit awkward.’
Alex Price on finding his Draco:
‘Jack Thorne’s script. Start right there,’ Alex said. ‘And there’s obviously a massive history of books to draw on. You could tie yourself in knots worrying about it. But our first job is to serve this play and J.K. Rowling’s characters as best we can.’
Harry Potter & The Cursed Child begins previews next Tuesday and runs until May 27 2017.
