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HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series has honed in on a British vet for its vast ensemble of Wizarding World characters. Nick Frost, known for his turns in Edgar Wright’s comedic Cornetto trilogy, is nearing a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid, the kindly half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts, Variety has confirmed with sources.
HBO declined to comment on Frost’s potential involvement, though they provided the cagey response that, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation.”
“As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals,” the network continued. It is the same statement that HBO issued when reports emerged that John Lithgow was in talks to play Albus Dumbledore. (The actor has since confirmed his casting.)
Reports of Frost’s involvement emerge days after the actor posted a cryptic message on his Instagram, saying “What a bloody lovely day! It’s happening, it’s actually happening. Stay cool.”
Hagrid is a key figure across all seven books in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, first appearing to inform the series 11-year-old protagonist that he is a wizard before absconding him to Hogwarts. The character was played by Robbie Coltrane in the original “Harry Potter” film franchise, who appeared in all eight installments. Coltrane died in 2022 at the age of 72.
Frost was first known to audiences as a cast member of the British comedy series “Spaced,” which launched a collaborative partnership with co-star Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright. The trio made three genre films together, informally known as the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, which included “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz” and “The World’s End.” Frost also co-wrote and co-starred in the alien comedy “Paul,” working with Pegg. He was last credited as the voice of the swashbuckling droid SM-33 in Disney +’s “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.” Frost can next be seen in June in Universal’s live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon.”
The 52-year-old actor would join a cast that now includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. Paapa Essiedu is reportedly a top contender to play Severus Snape. The roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron — the trio of main characters — will likely be played by newcomers, as Warner Bros. launched an open casting call for kids aged between 9 and 11 in the fall of 2024.
HBO plans to produce “Harry Potter” over the course of a decade, adapting each of Rowling’s books into a season of television. Francesca Gardiner is showrunner and executive producer, while Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes and executive produce.
Series author J.K. Rowling is also an executive producer. In recent years, the writer has become a controversial figure, even among her own fanbase, for having made her campaign against trans identity a central focus of her online persona.
“J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views,” a spokesperson for HBO told Variety in November. “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
Deadline was first to report on Frost’s association with the “Harry Potter” series.
