Say hello to the new Hagrid, aka Nick Frost.
HBO has kicked off production on its highly anticipated Harry Potter series, and with it comes a first glimpse of Nick Frost in the iconic role of Rubeus Hagrid. Best known for his work in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Frost steps into the oversized boots once worn by the late Robbie Coltrane, who brought the beloved half-giant to life in all eight original films. The reveal follows the casting of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, signaling a bold new chapter for the wizarding world.
HBO Harry Potter Series Cast: Nick Frost, Dominic Mclaughlin & More
Hagrid, who appears in every Harry Potter book, plays a pivotal role from the very beginning — he’s the first magical figure Harry encounters and serves as both a protector and a friend. His presence is central to the tone of The Philosopher’s Stone and beyond, making this casting one of the most crucial to get right.
As Hagrid, Nick Frost joins a powerhouse cast that includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Janet McTeer as McGonagall—rounding out a lineup of heavy-hitters taking on some of the wizarding world’s most beloved roles.
After news broke that Nick Frost would portray Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter series, the actor shared his thoughts on stepping into the boots of such a beloved character. He acknowledged the lasting impact of his predecessor, the late Robbie Coltrane, whose performance helped define the role for a generation. “While I’m really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie’s amazing performance, I’m never going to try and be Robbie,” Frost explained. “I’m going to try and do something, not ‘different,’ I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia.”
Harry Potter HBO Release Date
With production now underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, HBO has confirmed that its Harry Potter series will officially premiere in 2027. The announcement, paired with first-look images of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry and Nick Frost as Hagrid, marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Wizarding World.
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As longtime fans await more reveals, Frost’s thoughtful approach to the role—balancing reverence for Robbie Coltrane’s iconic performance with his own interpretation—hints at the care being taken in this adaptation. From casting to production, HBO’s version of Harry Potter is shaping up to be a magical return to Hogwarts for a new generation.
