Fans are divided after discovering that a “Harry Potter” actor earned a significant sum for a brief appearance. The star has since revealed how they used the money.
A movie actor reportedly received $18.7 million for just 31 minutes of screen time, causing outrage among some fans. However, some users argue he “deserves every penny.”
He is best known for portraying Draco Malfoy and appeared for only half an hour across all eight “Harry Potter” movies. Although he was considered one of the key characters, his total screen time amounted to just over 30 minutes—less than most episodes of a typical Netflix show. Despite this, his presence was vital to the “Harry Potter” storyline.
His screen time throughout the series pales in comparison to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint, who had 539 minutes, 205 minutes, and 211 minutes, respectively. Surprisingly, it was even shorter than Hagrid’s, who clocked in at a solid 45 minutes and 45 seconds.
The actor, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Robbie Coltrane at the “Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone” DVD launch party on May 8, 2002, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Fans of the “Harry Potter” series are surprised to learn how little screen time the actor had across all eight movies. Many believed his character played a more significant role, with some expressing shock that it totaled only 31 minutes. Others pointed out the sacrifices he made, such as frequently bleaching his hair and avoiding sunlight, for such a short on-screen presence.
So, while the English actor featured in less than three percent of the overall series, he walked away with an impressive paycheck. The star was just 13 years old when filming began for “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
The actor at the world premiere of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Given that most kids his age are familiar only with the money in their piggy banks, it’s not all that shocking that the then-teenager wasn’t exactly the most sensible with his newfound fortune.
During an interview, the star revealed that he went through a period of financial irresponsibility after the films were completed. ” I bought a lot of rubbish things that kids buy: skateboards and clothes and typical teenage stuff,” he shared.
The actor visiting Toronto to promote “Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince” on July 8, 2009, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
He went on to say, “And, as soon as I could, I wasted a lot of money on cars – BMWs mostly – for myself and my family. My mom told me: ‘You have worked hard for it so get what you want, but beware, you will lose money on cars.’ And she was right.”
At one point, the actor found himself in trouble with the taxman. The Hollywood star experienced a harsh reality check when he found himself in trouble with the tax authorities.
Despite his parents’ efforts to guide him, he struggled to manage the responsibilities that came with sudden wealth, such as taxes, VAT, and mortgages—things a typical 16-year-old wouldn’t understand. This led to a challenging two-year period when he faced serious financial trouble, with little to show for his years of work besides debt.
At one point, a bailiff came to his door, ready to seize his car, which the celebrity had naively assumed was safe since it was fully paid off. Thankfully, he managed to get his finances in order with the help of an accountant.
The actor attends a photocall for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” on June 9, 2009, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The “Harry Potter” movies, released between 2001 and 2011, have since become the fourth highest-grossing film series of all time, bringing in a staggering $7.7 billion.
The actor who earned a substantial sum for minimal screen time is Tom Felton. He got his big break in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001), portraying Draco Malfoy, the schoolboy rival of the main character, played by Radcliffe.
Felton admitted that his time in the franchise came at a personal cost. Reflecting on the experience in a 2010 interview, he dismissed the notion that fame and wealth could compensate for his lost childhood, stating, “You will never get those years back and you can’t put a price on them.”
He also expressed a negative view of fame, mentioning that while premieres and cheering crowds can be thrilling, they aren’t a reflection of reality, nor did he want to use his celebrity status for special treatment.
Moreover, Felton acknowledged that many people expected the “Harry Potter” cast to become emotional as the series came to an end. While some of his co-stars, like Radcliffe and Grint, shed a few tears during their final moments on set, Felton described his feelings as a mix of sadness and excitement.
During the filming of the movie series, he felt restricted from pursuing other projects and simple personal freedoms, such as keeping his natural hair color or enjoying time in the sun.
He expressed relief at finally being able to take a holiday without the usual precautions, like applying heavy sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight.
Though Felton insisted he had no regrets about being part of the movies, he admitted that the experience had forced him to grow up quickly. As for his hefty paycheck, social media users have weighed in, as some shared their disapproval of how much he got paid.
“It is ridiculous what these people get paid. The first responders make very little for what they do! The veterans barely get help either,” commented one Facebook user.
Another asked, “What do I got to do to earn £14 million for 31 minutes of work?” One person wrote, “Only 31 minutes? His father will hear about that.”
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Someone else noted, “We all know that 31 minutes of film is not 31 minutes of work. Those 31 minutes could have taken months to complete. 31 minutes is what’s left in the film from the cuttings on the floor.”
“31 minutes in movies are months on the set,” echoed another online user. “It was weeks of work, plus he’d had several previous credits that would contribute to a higher rate,” added another.
Meanwhile, other people believe that Felton’s paycheck was well-deserved. “[He’s] a really nice person fame did not go to his head at all, he deserves every penny,” said one person.
One added, “[…] He is well remembered, shows what a good performance it was. Worth every penny,” while another echoed the same sentiments, writing, “And he was worth EVERY PENNY.”
Tom Felton’s time in the “Harry Potter” series brought both incredible opportunities and personal sacrifices. Despite the challenges, he remains grateful for the experience that shaped his early years.
