]Actor Tom Felton is known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film franchise and it is a major part of who he is as an actor. However, recently it has been his willingness to challenge himself as an actor as both a leading man and supporting actor in period pieces that has attracted the attention of entertainment insiders and filmmakers as he has displayed some of the traits that one associates with some of the best actors. 
Tom Felton with date on red carpet
He is part of the film "Belle" in which he plays the role of James Ashford, a bigoted gentleman in the true story of a mixed race woman wha was brought up in 'polite' society during the time when an important legal battle in Britain was taking place which would eventually help abolish slavery.
It is much easier to play a role that does not require an individual to act in a manner that is completely opposite of how they think and yet Tom Felton, an actor who because of his Harry Potter pedigree still has the opportunity to pick a role chose to take on this more difficult role.
Tom Felton with girlfriend on beach
This sent a message to entertainment insiders and filmmakers that he is working on developing his dramatic acting range and delving deep into his roles to try and find dimensions of the character that might not be evident at first glance. This willingness to unpeel the layers of a character is what the best filmmakers look for in actors, in particular potential leading men and it is a major part of the reason he is now in consideration for parts as a leading man.
The best actors are constantly looking for the most challenging roles and force themselves to find a way to connect with audiences and Tom Felton in the movie "Belle" has taken on a challenging role and in doing so now has the attention of filmmakers looking for a 'new' leading man.
Tom Felton talks being mistaken for Aaron Paul
