Nick Frost, best known for his roles in *Hot Fuzz* and the upcoming live-action adaptation of *How to Train Your Dragon*, has shared his first insights into portraying Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s highly anticipated *Harry Potter* TV series. He expressed a strong desire to bring something fresh to the role without simply replicating what came before.

Frost explained that while he deeply respects Robbie Coltrane’s iconic portrayal of Hagrid in the original film series, he is not aiming to mimic it. “I'm never going to try and be Robbie,” Frost told *Collider*. “I'm going to try and do something—not ‘different,’ per se—but within [the source material], there's room for nuance.”

Coltrane portrayed Hagrid in all eight *Harry Potter* films and was even said to have influenced J.K. Rowling’s depiction of the character in the books. Frost, on the other hand, is set to play the Hogwarts groundskeeper over the course of several seasons as the new series adapts each novel across individual seasons.

He also revealed to *ScreenRant* that he has already started pre-production preparations, including the development of his Hagrid look. “I've had the opportunity to go and see some sets, and they're growing a Hagrid beard,” he noted, leaving it ambiguous whether this refers to a prosthetic piece or a real beard being cultivated for the role.

Frost also expressed excitement about working with the young actors cast in the lead roles—Dominic McLaughlin (*Harry Potter*), Arabella Stanton (*Hermione Granger*), and Alastair Stout (*Ron Weasley*). As a father himself, he plans to take a protective approach toward them on set, aligning closely with Hagrid’s natural affinity for children.

“I honestly can't wait,” Frost said. “And I think that’s one of the baselines of Hagrid’s relationship with those children—he’s fiercely protective of them.”

Confirmed Cast Members for the HBO Harry Potter Series

The series continues to build its ensemble cast with notable names joining the production. John Lithgow (*Conclave*, *Dexter*) will portray Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu (*I May Destroy You*, *Black Mirror*) is cast as Severus Snape.

Additional confirmed cast members include:

• Janet McTeer (*Me Before You*, *The Menu*) as Minerva McGonagall
• Luke Thallon (*The Favourite*, *Present Laughter*) as Quirinus Quirrell
• Paul Whitehouse (*The Fast Show*, *Alice Through the Looking Glass*) as Argus Filch

Frost’s Vision for Hagrid

Describing his interpretation of Hagrid, Frost emphasized the complexity beneath the half-giant’s warm exterior. “I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child,” he said. “The beauty of doing a book a season means I get to explore that much more.”

He added, “I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike—that’s the version I’m planning to bring.”

Production on the first season of the *Harry Potter* TV series is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated debut on HBO at the start of 2027.