Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy becomes mascot for year of the horse in China | China

Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy becomes mascot for year of the horse in China | China

February 4, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

An unexpected cultural phenomenon is unfolding in China as Draco Malfoy, the famously antagonistic character from the Harry Potter series, has become an unlikely symbol of good fortune for the upcoming Lunar New Year. The surge in popularity coincides with the Year of the Horse, which begins later this month.

Auspicious Nameplay

The reason for Malfoy’s newfound fame lies in the transliteration of his name into Mandarin Chinese – “mǎ ěr fú.” The first character, “mǎ,” means “horse,” while “fú” signifies “fortune” or “blessing,” a powerful symbol during Lunar New Year celebrations. This combination effectively translates to “horse fortune,” making Malfoy an unexpectedly positive figure for the year ahead.

Did You Know? Approximately 200 million copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold in China since the Chinese versions were launched in 2000.

Widespread Embrace

The linguistic coincidence has sparked a wave of creativity across Chinese social media. Images of Draco Malfoy – portrayed by actor Tom Felton – are appearing on festive decorations, including red banners in shopping malls. Fan art, memes, and themed merchandise featuring the character are also circulating widely.

Tom Felton himself acknowledged the trend on Tuesday, reposting a photo of his image on a Chinese New Year banner to his Instagram story. The banner featured the characters “Magical awakening that attracts abundant wealth.”

Expert Insight: The embrace of a character initially presented as a villain highlights the fascinating ways in which cultural interpretations can evolve and adapt, particularly when combined with linguistic nuances and the desire for positive symbolism during important celebrations.

Expanding Harry Potter Presence in China

This surge in popularity comes as interest in the Harry Potter franchise continues to grow in China. Warner Brothers Discovery announced last year plans to build a Harry Potter studio tour in Shanghai, which, at 53,000 square meters, will be larger than existing studio tours in London and Tokyo. The Shanghai studio tour is expected to open in 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Draco Malfoy popular in China right now?

Draco Malfoy’s name, when transliterated into Mandarin Chinese, sounds similar to “horse fortune,” making him an auspicious symbol for the Year of the Horse.

Who plays Draco Malfoy?

Tom Felton plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

What is Warner Brothers Discovery planning in Shanghai?

Warner Brothers Discovery is planning to build a Harry Potter studio tour in Shanghai, expected to open in 2027.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, will this unexpected embrace of Draco Malfoy continue to grow, and what other surprising cultural connections might emerge?