The British actor-comedian Nick Frost, who has worked with Simon Pegg on movies like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” is reportedly close to landing a role as the iconic half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s eagerly awaited series adaptation of JK Rowling’s beloved “Harry Potter” books. Frost would join the cast, which already includes John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu, who are slated to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Professor Severus Snape, respectively.
In the eight ‘Harry Potter’ films, Robbie Coltrane played the amiable and hospitable gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hagrid. Although Frost’s casting has not been formally confirmed by HBO, the network has recognized the rumors circulating around the project.
HBO said in a statement, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumors and speculation,” according to Deadline. HBO also said, “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Francesca Gardiner is writing and directing the ‘Harry Potter’ series, which is slated to continue for more than 10 years. Mark Mylod is the executive producer and director. HBO and Max Content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has called the series a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s writings that will “dive deep into each of the iconic books.” Fans, who have been wondering about Frost’s role in the movie since he sent a mysterious message on Instagram last week, are excited about his casting as Hagrid.