HBO's Nick Frost on Playing Hagrid, Avoiding Film Imitation

Nick Frost has shared his initial thoughts on portraying Hagrid in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, emphasizing his desire to honor the character's legacy while bringing his own interpretation to the role.

The Hot Fuzz and live-action How to Train Your Dragon star revealed he has started pre-production work, seeking a balance between introducing distinctive elements and preserving the essence of the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper that fans cherish.

"While I deeply respect Robbie Coltrane's incredible performance in the films, my approach isn't about imitation," Frost told Collider.

"I'm not aiming to be deliberately different," he continued, "but I believe we must honor the source material while finding room for nuanced personal touches."

The late Robbie Coltrane defined the role across all eight Harry Potter films and reportedly inspired J.K. Rowling's original book characterization.

Frost is committed to playing Hagrid throughout the decade-long project, with each season adapting one of the seven novels.

"I've visited the sets already where they're cultivating Hagrid's iconic beard," Frost separately told ScreenRant. It remains ambiguous whether this refers to a custom prosthetic being created or an actual beard that will later be transformed into a makeup application.

Last month, production revealed the young actors cast in the central roles: newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

"As a father myself, I feel particularly protective toward these young actors," Frost noted. "This aligns perfectly with Hagrid's core dynamic—his fierce protectiveness over the children. I'm genuinely excited to explore this relationship."

The ensemble cast includes John Lithgow (Conclave, Dexter) as Albus Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Black Mirror) as Severus Snape.

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Additional casting confirms Janet McTeer (Me Before You, The Menu) as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon (The Favourite, Present Laughter) as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice Through the Looking Glass) as the perpetually put-upon caretaker Argus Filch.

"I see Hagrid as this wonderful, lost, occasionally volatile yet humorous and warm-hearted child," Frost reflected. "The extended format allows deeper exploration of these qualities. I want to capture his humor, cheekiness, vulnerability, protectiveness, and childlike wonder—that's my creative vision."

Production on the first season is scheduled to commence this year, with HBO targeting a early 2027 premiere for the series.