HBO Unveils Nick Frost As Rubeus Hagrid In Harry Potter Series

By Orgesta Tolaj

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17 July 2025

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© HBO

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The magical world of Harry Potter is coming back to screens, and this time it’s with a brand new cast. On July 15, HBO gave fans their very first look at Nick Frost in full costume as Hagrid, the lovable half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts.

The behind-the-scenes shot, snapped at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, shows Frost fully bearded and bundled up, evoking the same warm, rugged energy the late Robbie Coltrane brought to the character in the original films.

Frost’s Take on the Iconic Hagrid Role

Best known for his comedic turns in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Nick Frost made it clear he’s not here to copy-and-paste Coltrane’s Hagrid. Speaking to Collider, he said, “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. I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia.”

hagrid
© Warner Bros. Pictures

He described his vision of Hagrid as “a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child,” and shared excitement over exploring the character in more depth, thanks to the series’ season-per-book format. “He’s funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike,” Frost added.

More New Faces at Hogwarts

Along with the Hagrid reveal, HBO confirmed several more cast members as filming kicked off. Young actor Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will take on the role of Dudley Dursley, Sherlock’s Louise Brealey joins as Madam Hooch, and Game of Thrones’ Anton Lesser appears as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.

hagrid
© Fair Use & HBO

These join an already intriguing cast lineup, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

A Magical Marathon in the Making

Filming has just begun, but this is only the beginning. HBO’s adaptation plans to stretch over seven seasons, with each one covering a single Harry Potter book. That means there’s plenty of time to see Frost grow (and probably cry) into the role of Hagrid, while fans get a deeper dive into the wizarding world they love, with fresh interpretations and deeper character arcs.

The series is set to premiere in 2027.

You might also want to read: Harry Potter Cast Then And Now. How Fast the Night Changes!

Orgesta Tolaj

Your favorite introvert who is buzzing around the Hive like a busy bee!

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