‘Harry Potter’ HBO Series Eyes Nick Frost as Hagrid

The “Harry Potter” TV series is closer to finding its Hagrid.

The HBO adaptation is eyeing Nick Frost to play Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant who takes a young Harry Potter and his friends under his wing during their time at Hogwarts, according to media reports.

If cast, Frost would join existing cast members John Lithgow, who has been cast as Dumbledore, as well as Paapa Essiedu, who is poised to join the TV adaptation as Severus Snape.

As usual, HBO declined comment on the potential casting. “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a statement. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

Production on the TV adaption of J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series is slated to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, where the eight Warner Bros. “Harry Potter” movies were filmed.

The series has drawn concern from some “Harry Potter” fans regarding Rowling’s role as executive producer given her anti-trans views, though HBO has said the author has a “right to express her personal views” and insisted that the show “will only benefit from her involvement.”

“We have been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a previous statement obtained by TheWrap. “With millions of fans continuing to enjoy movies, games and experiences, we’ve had great success and her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ – the heartwarming books that speak to the 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.”

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