Nick Frost is reportedly nearing a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. If confirmed, Frost will become the second actor to portray the half-giant groundskeeper after the late Robbie Coltrane’s beloved turn across all eight films of the original franchise.
Talk of Frost joining the cast ramped up after a cryptic post on Instagram. On 20 March, Frost shared a cheerful selfie with the caption, “What a bloody lovely day! It’s happening, it’s actually happening. Stay cool.” Though he didn’t mention Hagrid, or Harry Potter, by name, timing and tone suggested something big was in motion. Now, Deadline reports that he’s close to officially boarding the reboot.
Frost has long been a familiar face in British comedy. Alongside Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, he helped define the ‘Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy’, appearing in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. He also co-starred in Paul, the alien road trip comedy, and the cult series Spaced. More recently, Frost appeared in AMC’s Into the Badlands and reunited with Pegg for Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime Video. He’ll also appear in this summer’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon adaptation.
If he does step into Hagrid’s boots, Frost would be joining a growing cast that includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. While only Lithgow’s casting has been officially confirmed, the pieces are falling into place for HBO’s take on the Wizarding World.
Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner and writer, with Succession director Mark Mylod on board to direct and executive produce. The project is being developed for HBO and Max with J.K. Rowling involved as an executive producer. While her continued involvement has generated controversy, the studio is moving forward with what it’s billing as a faithful, long-term adaptation of the seven-book series: one season per book, stretched across a planned decade-long run.
Frost’s potential casting already has fans reacting positively online, with many noting how his mix of warmth and comedic timing could make for a natural fit. His past roles have often blended heart with humour, qualities essential for playing Hagrid, who is as much a protector and mentor as he is a source of comic relief.
No official premiere date has been announced yet, but the series is expected to debut in 2026.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
