Nick Frost will reportedly play Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, with the British actor said to be nearing a deal for the role, according to recent reports. While unconfirmed by the network, speculation follows Frost’s cryptic social media post and growing online chatter about the show’s expanding cast.
Nick Frost nearing deal for Hagrid’s role in Harry Potter series
Nick Frost is nearing a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation, according to reports from Deadline and Variety. The British actor, known for his roles in the Cornetto trilogy, would portray the half-giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts, a role originally played by Robbie Coltrane in all eight Harry Potter films.
HBO declined to confirm Frost’s casting. “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” the network said in a statement. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Frost’s involvement gained traction after a cryptic Instagram post on March 20, in which he wrote, “It’s happening, it’s actually happening.” Fans also noted that Frost recently followed cast members linked to the series, including John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu.
Hagrid first appears in J.K. Rowling’s book series to inform Harry that he is a wizard and later becomes the Care of Magical Creatures professor at Hogwarts. Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid in the films, passed away in 2022 at the age of 72.
HBO calls the new series a “faithful adaptation” of the original books. The show will run for a decade, with each season adapting one of Rowling’s seven novels. Francesca Gardiner leads the project as showrunner and executive producer, while Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes and also serve as executive producer.
The confirmed cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are negotiating roles as Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape, respectively (via Deadline). Warner Bros. launched an open casting call in late 2024 for children aged 9 to 11 to play Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
J.K. Rowling also serves as an executive producer.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
