Washington [US], March 26: British actor and comedian Nick Frost is reportedly in final negotiations to play Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series adaptation, according to Deadline.
Frost, known for his comedic roles in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is set to take on the beloved half-giant and Hogwarts groundskeeper, previously portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane in the original film series.
A Stellar Cast Taking Shape
If confirmed, Frost will join an already star-studded cast, which includes:
- John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore
- Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape
HBO’s Response to Casting Rumors
HBO has not officially confirmed Frost’s casting but acknowledged the speculation surrounding the high-profile project.
“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 said in a statement to Deadline.
A Decade-Long ‘Faithful Adaptation’
The Harry Potter series, led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, is designed to run for over a decade, with each season focusing on one book from J.K. Rowling’s novels. HBO’s CEO Casey Bloys has described the project as a “faithful adaptation” that will dive deep into each of the iconic books.
Fan Reactions and Frost’s Cryptic Post
The potential casting of Frost as Hagrid has sparked excitement among fans, especially after the actor shared a cryptic Instagram post last week, hinting at his involvement in the project.
With production ramping up, fans eagerly await official casting confirmations and further updates on HBO’s ambitious Wizarding World reboot.