Total Film December 2002 :Harry Potter 2 The New Faces     

Lucius Malfoy – Jason Isaacs   

Draco’s dad, a former Slytherin student and arrogant, aristocratic wizard who despises Muggles. He’s no fan of Harry Potter either.

What did it feel like joining an established company?

There’s nothing better than pulling up outside a party you know has been going stormingly well for ages, hearing screams of laughter coming through the windows and knocking on the front door; everyone’s bound to be just a teeny bit bored of each other and make a huge fuss of you. And so they did.

Did you feel the pressure of being part of such a huge franchise?

It’s a two-pronged thing: on the one hand the story’s so good that I felt I shouldn’t have to worry. On the other hand, every one of my godchildren had very detailed instructions for me, so I began to understand there were millions of obsessive mini-people around the world just waiting to stick the knife in if I screw up.

How did you decide on the look?

When I first got the job I went and met the costume designer, and he said: “We were thinking of putting you in a pin striped suit and cropped hair.” And I went: “that’s’ interesting, because I’d have waist-length blond hair and ermine and fur and paisley.” And he replied “Oh sh**, really?”

Tell us about the snake’s head cane.

This is my entire character, a stick. And without it, I’m Samson. I’m poking people with it, I’m hooking people with it and doing various other things. In the very first scene I’m in, Chris Columbus said, “Don’t forget to close the door behind you.” I went “Yeah…Or I could just wave my stick and the door slams.” The stick does my talking for me much like Anthony Hopkins’ puppet in Magic.

Did you read the books before accepting the part?

I hadn’t read them before the offer and, frankly, had always been suspicious of grown-ups without kids who would go on about them. Then, when the offer came in, I bought all four and read them in a single sitting. For about three days I staggered round, sitting at green lights ‘til the cars behind beeped loud enough.

How many films are you signed for?

I’m signed up for book four, so I hope my bits are still in the film. If the film’s stay popular, and there’s no reason to assume they won’t, at least I know I’ll be working once every couple of years, which is no small thing for an actor.

Did you base any part of your performance on what Tom Felton had done with Draco Malfoy?

Absolutely. Why not nick from the best? In terms of back story I wondered what had turned him (Draco that is) into such a repulsive little git, so I decided that Lucius was an abusive dad. The first day we shot I smacked Tom on the knuckles with my cane and wrenched him by his ear. Luckily he’s a fabulous little actor and went along with it.

Were you the victim of any practical jokes from the kids?

No, no one f***s about with you if you’re carrying a big heavy stick.

This article and pictures scanned and typed by Kay