Nick Frost on HBO's Harry Potter Series, Not Mimicking Films

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

The Hot Fuzz and How to Train Your Dragon star revealed he has already started pre-production work for his performance as the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper. He is focused on creating a version that feels fresh yet remains true to the essence fans know and adore.

"I have immense respect for Robbie Coltrane's incredible portrayal, but I won't be attempting to imitate his performance," Frost explained in an interview with Collider.

"It's not about being 'different' for the sake of it," he continued. "You have to honor the source material, but there's still room to explore subtle nuances within that framework."

The late Robbie Coltrane played Hagrid across all eight Harry Potter films and was said to have inspired J.K. Rowling's original depiction of the character.

Frost has committed to the role for the next decade, as the series plans to adapt each of the seven novels into its own dedicated season.

"I've had the chance to visit some of the sets, and they're currently growing a Hagrid beard," Frost separately told ScreenRant. It remains unclear whether this refers to a custom prosthetic being developed or an actual beard being cultivated for production use.

Last month, the production unveiled the three young actors who will play 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 very protective of these children," Frost said of the young cast. "That protective instinct aligns perfectly with Hagrid's relationship with the trio. He's fiercely protective of them, and I'm genuinely excited to explore that dynamic."

The expanding ensemble cast includes John Lithgow (Conclave, Dexter) in the pivotal role of Albus Dumbledore, alongside Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Black Mirror) as Severus Snape.

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Janet McTeer (Me Before You, The Menu) will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon (The Favourite, Present Laughter) appears as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice Through the Looking Glass) will portray the long-suffering caretaker Argus Filch.

"I've always seen Hagrid as this wonderful, lost, occasionally volatile, humorous, warm-hearted child in a giant's body," Frost concluded. "The advantage of dedicating a full season to each book is the opportunity to delve deeper into these complexities. I'm eager to capture his humor, cheekiness, fears, protectiveness, and childlike wonder—that's the interpretation I intend to bring to life."

Production for the first season of the Harry Potter television series is scheduled to commence later this year, with an anticipated premiere on HBO in early 2027.