Nick Frost has vowed to embrace the role of the ‘loyal, gentle and courageous’ Rubeus Hagrid after joining the star-studded cast of HBO’s Harry Potter TV series.
The acclaimed actor, 53, will star as the legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper in the much-anticipated show, which is set to begin filming this summer.
Taking to Instagram after his casting was announced, Nick, best known for a string of comedy films opposite Simon Pegg, posed with a classic copy of the first book in JK Rowling’s series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
He is set to play the role that was made famous by veteran actor Robbie Coltrane in the original film series, before his death in 2022.
Nick captioned his post: ‘You’re a wizard, Harry!!!
‘Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down.’
Nick Frost has vowed to embrace the role of the ‘loyal, gentle and courageous’ Rubeus Hagrid after joining the star-studded cast of HBO ‘s Harry Potter TV series
While news of the casting for the Harry Potter series earned a mixed reaction from fans, Nick’s involvement was quickly praised as the perfect choice for the character.
Comments on X included: ‘Not remotely interested in the Harry Potter TV series but Nick Frost as Hagrid and Paul Whitehouse as Filch is great casting;’
‘Nick Frost as Hagrid might be the best casting so far for this new series, he was my fan cast for Hagrid, Robbie did such a great job and one of the few castings from this films that came right off the page so it will be hard to live up to but Nick Frost just seems to perfect;’
‘Damn Nick Frost as Hagrid is inspired casting. Great choice;’
‘Nick Frost as Hagrid is going to be great! He has a very lovable and funny demeanor.’
In a move that’s sent shockwaves of excitement across the fandom, Hollywood heavyweight John Lithgow has been announced as the new Albus Dumbledore.
Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman.
The casting, which was officially announced this week, forms part of HBO’s H๏τly anticipated reboot of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series – a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films.
He is set to play the role that was made famous by veteran actor Robbie Coltrane in the original film series, before his death in 2022
Taking to Instagram after his casting was announced, Nick posed with a classic copy of the first book in JK Rowling’s series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
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The new series is aims to ‘lead a new generation of fandom’ and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years
Read More All the actors joining Harry Potter reboot – and do the original stars regret their fallout with JK? 
Fans say this could be the most exciting reboot yet, with many calling the casting ‘perfectly magical’ and praising the diverse, inclusive approach taken by producers.
Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: ‘We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch.’
Executive producer and director Mark Mylod added: ‘We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.’
The new series is aims to ‘lead a new generation of fandom’ and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years.
It will be executive produced by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair and David Heyman.
Back in 2023, the Mail’s Alison Boshoff revealed how Rowling would personally approve all of the key castings in the forthcoming series.
The author previously said: ‘Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me.
‘And I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation, which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.’
