HBO's 'Harry Potter' reboot gets its Hagrid
What's the story
British actor-comedian Nick Frost is reportedly in talks to play Rubeus Hagrid in HBO's highly-anticipated TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series. The news comes from Deadline, which also disclosed that John Lithgow is confirmed to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are negotiating to play Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape, respectively. HBO has not commented on these casting rumors.
Online buzz
Frost's potential role as Hagrid sparked online speculation
Frost's potential casting as Hagrid began making waves online last week, aided by a cryptic Instagram post by the actor on March 20 that said, "It's happening, it's actually happening. Stay cool." Fans have been speculating about his involvement with the series, further fueled by his following of fellow cast members Lithgow and Essiedu on social media.
Character details
Know more about Hagrid in 'Harry Potter' series
Hagrid, as most fans know, is a beloved character from the Harry Potter books, who served as Hogwarts's gamekeeper and later as the Care of Magical Creatures professor. The character was played by Robbie Coltrane in all eight Harry Potter films. The new HBO series promises a "faithful adaptation" of JK Rowling's novels with showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director/executive producer Mark Mylod at the helm.
Actor profile
Frost's career and upcoming projects
Frost is well-known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg and for films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul, and The World's End. He also starred in the AMC action drama series Into the Badlands. His upcoming projects include the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake releasing in June. The search for the golden trio remains active, though.