Nick Frost in Negotiations to Play ‘Harry Potter’s Hagrid

The star of movies such as ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and ‘Hot Fuzz’ is close to taking over the role played by the late Robbie Coltrane.

(Left) Nick Frost in 'Shaun of the Dead'. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' series. Photo: Warner Bros.

Preview:

Nick Frost is close to a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series.
He’d join John Lithgow, who is confirmed as playing Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.
The show aims to adapt the books across the next several years.

Like the giant, moving chess totems in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ the pieces are falling into place casting-wise for the new HBO TV series adaptation the iconic fantasy novels.

While the only person truly confirmed so far is John Lithgow, who will be Albus Dumbledore, the benevolent yet mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, there is word that both Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are close to their own deals as fellow Hogwarts educators Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape respectively, now Deadline is reporting that Nick Frost is the latest person in negotiations.

Assuming his own deal lands, Frost will be playing Rubeus Hagrid, the kindly half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts who becomes a firm friend for Harry and co.

In the movies, Hagrid was played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who sadly died in 2022.

HBO, somewhat naturally, is sticking to its blanket refusal to confirm anything:

“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.”

As for the main trio, the company has conducted a huge search for young actors who will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but we’ve yet to learn who has landed the key roles.

Where else have we seen Nick Frost?

Nick Frost in 'Shaun of the Dead'. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Frost rose to notice in UK TV series ‘Spaced,’ in which he appeared alongside Simon Pegg and Jessica Stephenson.

The show, which was directed by Edgar Wright, led to the three ‘Cornetto Trilogy’ movies, ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ ‘Hot Fuzz’ and ‘The World’s End,’ co-written by Pegg and Wright and all helmed by Wright.

Frost and Pegg, friends for decades, have also collaborated on the likes of ‘Paul’ and Prime Video series ‘Truth Seekers.’

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His solo movie credits included ‘Attack the Block’ ‘Snow White and the Huntsman,’ ‘Cuban Fury’ and ‘Fighting with My Family.’

On TV, he’s recently been heard as the voice of SM 33 in Disney+ series ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.

Upcoming for Frost? Playing Gobber in the live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ in theaters on June 13th.

What’s the story of the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?

(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.

Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:

“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

The series will be written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, who scored the job after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right showrunner. Mark Mylod is executive producing and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.

Who else has been rumored for the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?

Oscar® nominee Cillian Murphy arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

John Lithgow’s ‘Conclave’ co-star Ralph Fiennes –– who was the villainous Voldemort in four of the seven ‘Potter’ movies –– suggesting someone who could take over that character (even though he’s said he’d be willing to return if asked).

Following speculation of ‘Oppenheimer’ Oscar winner Cillian Murphy taking it on, Fiennes was asked on TV show ‘Watch What Happens Live’ about the possibility. This is what he said:

“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”

We’d add at this point that The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have poured cold water on the idea of Murphy even being considered right now. Which is not to say he isn’t, but that no one wants to talk yet.

The biggest issue for getting more famous –– and therefore busier –– actors involved is the commitment issue; those taking part would likely be contracted for a good 10 years or so. But we can imagine HBO conjuring hefty cash offers to name stars to entice them.

What about the J.K. Rowling issue?

(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.' Photo: Warner Bros.

‘Potter’ creator and original novelist Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.

This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:

“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”

Fiennes (yes, him again) weighed in on the issue when talking to The New York Times in 2022:

“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”

When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?

HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.