- Frost is playing Hagrid in the new Harry Potter series
- It will air from 2027
- There has been criticism over Rowling’s anti-trans views
Nick Frost has turned off the comments on his Instagram after receiving backlash for signing on for a role in the Harry Potter TV remake.
Last week, HBO confirmed the first batch of stars appearing in the new show. This includes Frost as Hagrid, John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
Tumbleweeds’ Janet McTeer will also star as Gryffindor house head Minerva McGonagall. Many of these names confirmed were already linked to roles in the hotly-tipped TV adaptation of author J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
Read more: Everything we know about the Harry Potter TV show
There’s been controversy from the get go given JK Rowling’s controversial anti-trans views, some believing that any adult actors attached to the project is complicit in endorsing it. Rowling will be involved in developing the project.
Fans questioned Frost’s decision when he announced his involvement on Instagram. “You’re a wizard, Harry!!!” he wrote in the caption. “Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down.”
Why has the show become so controversial?
The trans community has objected to a new series being made because of Rowling’s previously stated beliefs.
Read more: What’s the Harry Potter cast said about JK Rowling?
HBO released a new statement last year on the controversy, saying that the author has the right to share her views.
HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys said that Rowling has been closely involved with the casting process but her stance on trans rights haven’t impacted decision making. She was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director,” but her views “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff.”
Several members of the films’ cast have criticised Rowling’s increasingly vitriolic statements around trans people. These include Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Others, including Raplh Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Evanna Lynch, have defended her.
When is the show out?
An official air date for the Harry Potter TV show has yet to be confirmed but it’s expected to debut at some point in 2026 or 2027.
With casting well underway, the show is set to film later in 2025, with Succession director Mark Mylod helming a number of episodes.
While it’s still early days, the show has been described as a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s seven book fantasy series.
