Tom Felton, best known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, is stepping onto the small screen with a bold new TNT series. The actor transitions from blockbuster magic to the gritty pace of a standalone television crime drama, a move that underscores his versatility across formats. Felton’s anytime presence in films has kept him on fans’ radar, and this TNT project marks a deliberate turn toward serialized storytelling that prioritizes character depth and long-form suspense.
The series, titled MURDER IN THE FIRST, pairs Felton with Taye Diggs and Kathleen Robertson, who portray homicide detectives Terry Seagrave and Hildy Mulligan. The ensemble’s dynamic promises a blend of procedural rigor and personal stakes as the team navigates the complexities of a puzzling case that demands not only sharp investigative instincts but also a keen understanding of motive and technology. The dialogue and interactions are crafted to reveal layers of each character, from the detectives’ professional rhythms to the personal tensions that surface under pressure. — Variety
Set in San Francisco, the show immerses viewers in a city famed for its hills, fog, and tech corridors, providing a backdrop that infuses the investigation with contemporary urban texture. Seagrave and Mulligan tackle a crime that defies easy explanation, requiring them to trace clues across digital footprints, corporate worlds, and the human factors that drive a killer. The setting acts not just as scenery but as a living element that shapes the investigation and influences each suspect and witness. The tone leans into methodical pacing, with twists that keep viewers guessing as new evidence emerges and old assumptions are tested.
Felton is cast as a young, confident Erich Blunt, the chief executive officer of a tech company called Applicon. The role places him at the center of a high-stakes ecosystem where corporate ambition meets criminal intrigue. Blunt’s character is designed to evoke questions about power, ethics, and innovation, inviting viewers to parse his decisions as much as the detectives parse the crime. The performance is framed to balance charm, ambition, and the subtler shades of a man who might hold keys to the mystery or hidden motives that complicate the investigation.
Although Felton is widely associated with film work, his television appearances have laid groundwork for this moment. This project marks his first major lead role on a television series, a milestone that signals a broader range of opportunities and a new pace for his acting cadence. The collaboration with a seasoned cast and a network known for tight, character-driven thrillers positions this show as a potential anchor in TNT’s lineup for North American audiences, including viewers across Canada and the United States. The combination of a popular film alum, established TV actors, and a city that crackles with energy provides a compelling mix for fans and newcomers alike.