March 26, 2025: HBO’s much-anticipated series adaptation of JK Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter books has added another exciting name to its cast. According to Deadline, British actor-comedian Nick Frost is reportedly nearing a deal to portray the beloved half-giant, Rubeus Hagrid, in the upcoming series.
Frost, known for his successful collaborations with Simon Pegg in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, would step into the shoes of Hagrid, a central character in the Harry Potter universe. Hagrid, the warm-hearted gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was originally brought to life by Robbie Coltrane in the eight Harry Potter films.
Though HBO has not officially confirmed Frost’s casting yet, the network has acknowledged the buzz surrounding the project. “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” an HBO representative said in a statement. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
The new series, which aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s books, will span over a decade, diving deep into each of the seven magical novels. The show is being written and showrun by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod serving as director and executive producer. The casting news comes after the announcement of a stellar ensemble, including John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape.
Frost’s potential casting has sparked excitement among fans of the Harry Potter franchise, especially after the actor posted a cryptic message on Instagram last week, which many speculate is a hint about his role in the series.
As HBO moves through the pre-production phase, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding the highly anticipated adaptation, which promises to bring Rowling’s magical world to a new generation of viewers.