Fans of the Wizarding World have been given their first glimpse of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. The newly released image showcases Frost stepping into the iconic role of Hogwarts’ beloved half-giant, taking over from Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed the character in all eight original films. Known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Frost brings his own charm to the part as production officially kicks off.
The series, which began filming on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., is set to continue through spring 2026. Alongside Frost, the cast features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. These three leads were chosen from over 30,000 hopefuls who auditioned in a massive casting call last fall.
Joining them is an impressive ensemble, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Other notable names include Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. The cast also features Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and newcomers like Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom and Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley.
The series, set to premiere in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max, is helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Killing Eve) and director Mark Mylod (Succession). Executive producers include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. Produced by HBO in collaboration with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, the show promises to bring a fresh yet faithful adaptation of the beloved books.
Check out the full photo of Nick Frost as Hagrid below. Photo courtesy of Aidan Monaghan and HBO.
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