Tom Felton Meets the Superfans

In his directorial debut, Tom Felton, who played the villainous Draco Malfoy in the hugely successful Harry Potter films, meets the world’s most committed fans in a bid to understand what drives them.

For Tom, being involved in such a global phenomenon has meant being followed by many millions of dedicated fans all over the world. And over the past seven years he has become increasingly aware of one fan in particular – she follows him to almost every event he attends – and it has got him thinking about exactly what it takes to become this devoted. What is it that causes a regular fan to make the leap to becoming a superfan?

From Wizard World to the streets of New York, from Comic Con to behind-the-scenes action, Tom takes viewers into the reality of his world. He spends an evening with 20-year-old Brian from New York, who dedicates most nights to tracking down his favourite stage and screen stars for a selfie. He meets 26-year-old Steve from Pittsburgh, the self-proclaimed world’s biggest Harry Potter fan, who has turned a basement into his very own Hogwarts.

Tom also talks candidly with celebrity friends including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and JK Rowling. A unique insight into the world of superfans and celebrity from the perspective of one of Britain’s brightest and biggest young stars, which dissects the unique relationships between the famous and their followers.

This uplifting documentary not only subverted the stereotypes about crazed fans, it also showed the restorative power of entertainment. A programme about fans could have reinforced our worst fears about “anorak” culture”. Instead, thanks to Felton’s willingness to pitch in, and the fans themselves, it was a joy – Kat Brown, The Telegraph

The most compelling documentary of the evening was not the one presented by a knighted legend of broadcasting, but the one presented by a man best known as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Felton had useful chats on the subject with his on-screen nemesis Daniel Radcliffe and author JK Rowling, but it was his brave visits to the homes of the fans themselves that yielded the most insights – Ellen E Jones, The Independent

Felton made a good guide to the upsides and downsides of having fans. On the one hand, he is stopped for selfies everywhere he goes; he must have to factor it into his schedule. On the other hand, no superfan is going to turn down a chance to be interviewed by Draco Malfoy – Tim Downling, The Guardian