Harry Potter TV Series: See Nick Frost’s Transformation into Hagrid

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Accio Nick Frost‘s Harry Potter transformation. 

A sneak peek at the actor from Shaun of the Dead transforming into Rubeus Hagrid for the forthcoming HBO series is out, and it’s hard to believe it’s the same person in the picture, given his endearing portrayal of the half-giant character.

For the photo showing him dressed up, Nick perfectly portrayed Hagrid’s iconic long, brown curly hair and beard. He stood for the camera with a startled look on his face, accessorizing his costume with a forest green overcoat, fingerless gloves, suspenders, and a striped button-down shirt. At 53 years old, he pulled off this ensemble effortlessly.

Fans can anticipate this precise costume to appear when the first season of the “Harry Potter” series hits TVs in 2027, as HBO has revealed that this photo was snapped on the series’ set, where filming began on July 14.

On Instagram, July 15th, the platform announced with excitement, “Are you all set? Let’s get started! Nick Frost stepped into Hagrid’s iconic boots for the first time on the set of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that my first peek at Nick’s Hagrid costume was indeed a thrilling moment. However, it wasn’t the initial glimpse we fans had into the magical world of Harry Potter. A day before revealing Nick’s character, HBO had already treated us to an image of Dominic McLaughlin embodying the iconic boy wizard, Harry. In the picture, the 11-year-old was dressed in Harry’s trademark glasses, robe, and hairstyle.

Regarding the remaining cast members mentioned in the call sheet, the identities of Hermione Granger (played by Arabella Stanton), Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout), Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow), Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu), and Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer) are still kept under wraps for now.

In a recent statement, John expressed his thoughts about entering the enchanting realm of Hogwarts at this stage of his professional journey.

The 79-year-old expressed concern that it will shape the final part of his life, but he’s also eager and enthusiastic about it during an interview on February 26 with ScreenRant.

For a full look at the cast in the upcoming Harry Potter series, read on.

In July 2025, it was revealed that Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser would assume the position of wandmaker at Ollivanders, succeeding the late and esteemed John Hurt who had previously played this role.

Actor Rory Wilmot is all set to take on the role of beloved Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom, a character that was previously portrayed by Matthew Lewis.

British actress Louise Brealey will replace Zoe Wanamaker as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch flying instructor. Brealey is most recognized for her performances in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches, and Hulu’s Such Brave Girls.

In the upcoming film, the role of Harry’s cousin Dudley will be taken on by the fresh face, Amos Kitson. Previously, Harry Melling played the younger version of Dudley in the initial movie series.

In a new twist, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will don the Gryffindor robes, taking on the beloved characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. They replace Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint who portrayed these roles in the film series from 2000 to 2010.

Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the TV show’s executive producers, expressed their excitement about the exceptional acting skills of the three distinct actors. They eagerly anticipate the moment when the world will get to enjoy their on-screen chemistry. They also expressed gratitude towards the numerous children who auditioned, as it was a delightful experience for them to unearth such a wealth of young talent.

The well-known character Slytherin is set to be portrayed by up-and-coming actor Lox Pratt. He steps into the role previously held by Tom Felton, who has just revealed his plans to transition to Broadway for the adult portrayal of Draco in “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”.

In June 2025, it was revealed that Johnny Flynn, known for playing Ripley, would be assuming the part of Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, in HBO’s production. Previously, Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus, portrayed Lucius in the movie series. Taking to Instagram, Isaacs congratulated his successor: “Excited to hand over the Malfoy Manor keys to @johnnyflynnmusic, a multitalented Renaissance man.

As a seasoned lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that I, much like Katherine Parkinson who charmed audiences with her BAFTA-winning performance in “The IT Crowd,” have been cast in an exciting TV adaptation. The role I’ll be taking on is none other than the beloved Weasley matriarch, a part previously brilliantly portrayed by Julie Walters in films like “Mamma Mia!”

It’s an honor to step into such iconic shoes and bring this character to life once more for the small screen. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in the magical world of Harry Potter!

By March 2025, Variety announced that comedian Nick Frost was close to finalizing a contract to portray the half-giant character Hagrid. Nick Frost gained popularity for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in movies like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” Originally played by Robbie Coltrane, who passed away in 2022, Hagrid is a well-known role.

In December 2024, it came out that Paapa Essiedu, who has been Emmy-nominated, was discussing the possibility to take on the role of Professor Snape. This character was famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the films. Essiedu is a rapidly rising talent in both theater and film, with his most notable performance being in the HBO series “I May Destroy You.

Renowned actor John Lithgow will take on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series. His vast repertoire spans productions like “Conclave,” “Dexter,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “The Crown.” Additionally, Lithgow has a remarkable collection of accolades under his belt, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.

Lithgow shared with ScreenRant back in February 2025 that the decision wasn’t straightforward since this role will likely shape my final career phase. However, I’m thrilled and can hardly wait! By the time we finish, I’ll be around 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve agreed to take it on.

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

Daniel Rigby, a BAFTA-winning actor, will assume the role of Harry’s uncle in the HBO Max series. Excited to portray the world’s most dreadful non-magical character, Uncle Vernon, as he expressed on Instagram. This part was earlier played by Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.

Actress Bel Powley, originally from Britain, is set to follow in the footsteps of Fiona Shaw by portraying Aunt Petunia. Notable roles for Powley include appearances in “The Morning Show,” “A Small Light,” and “Masters of the Air.

Actress Janet McTeer is poised to embody Professor McGonagall, a character who serves as the head of Gryffindor and Hogwarts’ Deputy Headmistress. McTeer has had a long career that includes appearances in shows like “Ozark,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Sorry for Your Loss.” Dame Maggie Smith previously portrayed this role in the movie series.

In April 2025, it was revealed that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be assuming the role of Hogwarts caretaker Rubeus Hagrid, a part previously portrayed by David Bradley in the movies. Notably, Whitehouse is renowned for his comedic work in the UK, and an interesting tidbit about him is that he also made an appearance as Sir Cadogan, one of the living paintings, in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

In the upcoming production, three newcomers will assume the secondary roles of Harry’s schoolmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown. These characters were previously portrayed by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave respectively.

In June 2025, it was announced that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel would be taking on the role of the Minister of Magic, a part previously played by Robert Hardy (who passed away in 2017) in the Harry Potter films.

It seems that the relatively unknown stage actor, Luke Thallon, is set to take on the role of Harry’s initial Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor in the new cast. Previously, Ian Hart, who played a memorable character named Quirrell in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, portrayed this part.

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2025-07-15 23:47