- English actor Nick Frost best known for movies such as Hot Fuzz
- Hagrid was played in the original movies by the late Robbie Coltraine
- Frost will also play Gobber in the live action How to Train Your Dragon movie
The cast of the Harry Potter TV series is filling up and now a fan favorite character has seemingly been cast, with Nick Frost set to play Rubeus Hagrid.
Deadline broke the news that one of the key roles – that of Hogwarts’ friendly half-giant groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid – is set to be played by English actor Nick Frost. Frost is apparently close to finalising a deal to take on the role.
As usual with these things, HBO is not commenting on the story, merely saying in a statement that “such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Nick Frost career
Frost has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows over the past 25 years. His first role was as Mike in UK cult comedy Spaced. Frost appeared in this alongside his real-life best friend Simon Pegg and the two have often appeared alongside each other in movies and TV shows over the years.
Their best-known collaborations were on the movies known collectively as ‘The Cornetto Trilogy’ – so called because references are made to a popular UK ice cream brand in each of them. The trilogy comprises zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, buddy-cop pastiche Hot Fuzz and alien apocalypse The World’s End. The pair also appeared together in sci-fi comedy Paul.
Frost will also be appearing in the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon live action remake, where he will play Stoic the Vast’s right-hand man Gobber the Belch. Find out more about How to Train Your Dragon trailer, cast and plot here.
Harry Potter HBO series developments
If Frost is confirmed, he will be taking on an important role in the Harry Potter series. Hagrid is a staple of all seven of the books and is a reliable friend and protector of Harry and his friends. In the movies, Hagrid was memorably played by the late Scottish actor Robbie Coltraine.
The cast of the Harry Potter series is starting to take shape. Recently, John Lithgow was confirmed in the role of Hogwarts’ headteacher Albus Dumbledore.
As yet, the roles of the central trio of Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger have yet to be cast.
Production is set to begin on the first series this summer, so more cast announcements should be expected soon.
