HBO’s ambitious Harry Potter reboot may have found its half-giant. According to Deadline, British actor Nick Frost is nearing a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series.
Best known for his work in Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End), Frost brings a unique mix of comedic timing and fan-favorite status to the Wizarding World. While HBO has not officially confirmed the casting, they issued a familiar statement in response to growing speculation: "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."
Fueling rumors further, Frost recently posted a cryptic message to Instagram and though he didn’t mention Harry Potter directly, the timing and tone have fans buzzing.
Hagrid, the towering, warm-hearted groundskeeper of Hogwarts, is a beloved character across all seven Harry Potter books. He famously introduces Harry to the magical world, delivering the iconic line: "You’re a wizard, Harry." The character was originally brought to life by Robbie Coltrane in the eight-film franchise. Coltrane passed away in 2022 at age 72, leaving big shoes to fill for whoever takes up the role next.
If confirmed, Frost would join a growing ensemble that already includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. Paapa Essiedu is reportedly a top contender for Severus Snape, while the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron will be filled via open casting, with Warner Bros. having held auditions for children aged 9 to 11 in late 2024.
The new Harry Potter series is designed as a decade-long television saga, with each season adapting one book from the original novels. With major casting decisions starting to surface, it’s clear that HBO is aiming to blend prestige TV talent with the deep-rooted legacy of one of the most beloved franchises in modern pop culture. And if Nick Frost is indeed stepping into Hagrid’s boots — the fandom is in for something bloody lovely.
