Harry Potter's villain Draco Malfoy trends in China's Lunar New Year celebrations - Here's why

Draco Malfoy, the scheming schoolboy who served as Harry Potter's rival in J K Rowling's fantasy series has emerged as an unlikely mascot for China's Lunar New Year celebrations, according to Reuters.

Images of Malfoy played by actor Tom Felton in the film adaptations, have begun appearing on red festive decorations and merchandise across China, from posters and door hangings to phone covers.

The surge in popularity is linked to the Chinese translation of his surname, Ma-er-fu, which combines the characters for "horse" and "fortune," making it an auspicious fit for the Year of the Horse.

Social media platforms have been flooded with photos of fans pasting red Malfoy posters on their doors.

On e-commerce platform Taobao, shoppers can buy a set of four Malfoy posters for 11 yuan ($1.60), Reuters reported.

Social media posts showed a massive image of Malfoy in his Hogwarts uniform draped across several floors of a shopping mall in central China’s Henan province.

The Harry Potter franchise continues to enjoy strong popularity in China, despite foreign films accounting for only a small share of box office revenues due to strict quotas and a growing focus on domestic productions.

Warner Bros has agreed to develop a Harry Potter Studio Tour in Shanghai in partnership with Chinese conglomerate Jinjiang International, the group announced last year.

Meanwhile, Beijing’s Universal Studios theme park features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a dedicated area with themed rides and attractions. Adding to the renewed interest, all eight Harry Potter films were re-released in Chinese cinemas in 2024.