Draco Malfoy becomes an unlikely Lunar New Year mascot in China

E-commerce sellers and social media users in China are using images of Draco Malfoy in Lunar New Year decorations, a trend linked to the Chinese rendering of his name, Ma Er Fu, which contains characters associated with “horse” and “fortune.”

Tom Felton, known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has appeared on Lunar New Year decorations in China. Online sellers and social media users are featuring his image on red couplets, square papers, stickers and magnets. The trend is connected to the Chinese rendering of his name, Ma Er Fu, which includes characters read as “horse” and “fortune,” seen as auspicious for the upcoming Year of the Horse. The franchise’s large Chinese audience and customary New Year door decorations form the wider context for this development. Key details: - E-commerce sites and merchants on Taobao have been selling Lunar New Year decor that features Draco Malfoy’s face. - Some users on Chinese social media are posting couplets or upside-down pictures of Malfoy’s smirk to symbolise “luck arriving.” - The Chinese rendering of "Malfoy" — Ma Er Fu — is read as including words for “horse” and “fortune,” linking the name to the Year of the Horse. - Actor Tom Felton reshared an Instagram story noting the character’s use as a New Year symbol, which increased attention online. - Warner Bros Discovery has announced plans to open a Making Of Harry Potter studio tour in Shanghai in 2027. Summary: The trend illustrates how language, popular culture and holiday customs can intersect and has prompted lively online engagement and commercial offerings. Undetermined at this time.