The first glimpse of Nick Frost as Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter has been revealed.
The TV series is already in production, with the first picture of lead character Harry, played by Dominic McLaughlin, released yesterday.
But now, HBO have also unveiled the first look at Hagrid, played by Hot Fuzz actor Nick Frost.
Some have hailed the Nick’s casting as “perfect”, but one fan commented on X: “Love Nick Frost, but no chance of out-Hagrid-ing Hagrid.”
Hagrid, the friendly groundskeeper at Hogwarts, was played by the late Robbie Coltrane in the films.
Filming of the new TV show version of the popular fantasy novel series is taking place at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Watford, Hertfordshire.
HBO announced on Monday that further casting has also taken place, with young actor Rory Wilmot playing Harry’s schoolfriend Neville Longbottom and Amos Kitson taking on the role of his cousin Dudley Dursley.
Meanwhile, Sherlock actress Louise Brealey is to play Hogwarts Quidditch coach Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Game Of Thrones star Anton Lesser will be wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.
Each season of the show will be a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, from author and executive producer JK Rowling.
It follows the popular film adaptations that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as the protagonists.
Other stars who have previously been announced include award-winning US actor John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore, Welsh comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch, and Rivals actress Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
Also starring in the series will be Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu.
There has been some criticism of actors taking part in the series, following JK Rowling’s controversial views on gender, which has led some fans to call for a boycott of the series.
Earlier this month, Nick said he doesn’t agree with Rowling’s views.
“She’s allowed her opinion, and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form,” he told the Observer.
When asked if he thought the debate would overshadow the series, he replied: “I don’t know. But maybe it shouldn’t blow over? We shouldn’t just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.”
The series is set to hit TV screens in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max.
