Nick Frostis stepping into some very big boots — and an even bigger beard — as he takes on the beloved role ofRubeus Hagrid in HBO’s upcomingHarry Pottertelevision series. The reboot, which will cover one book per season over a 10-year run, is already one of the most anticipated projects in recent memory. In an exclusive conversation with Collider’sSteve Weintraubforhis upcoming role inHow to Train Your Dragon, Frost opened up about the daunting but thrilling task of following in the footsteps of the lateRobbie Coltrane, while putting his own stamp on theHogwarts gamekeeper. He told Collider:
“You get cast because you’re going to bring something to that. While I’m really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie [Coltrane]’s amazing performance, I’m never going to try and be Robbie. I’m going to try and do something, not ‘different,’I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia. I always read Hagrid as he’s like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child.I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can’t wait. He’s funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike. That’s what I’m planning on doing.”
Nick Frost Reveals Filming Details About HBO’s Harry Potter Series
It’s clear Frost has deep affection for the character — and a thoughtful approach to what he describes as “minutia” in performance. His take on Hagrid leans into the contradictions that make the half-giant so endearing: his vulnerability, his warmth, and his capacity for both mischief and protection. While Frost knows comparisons are inevitable, he’s not aiming to copy Coltrane’s iconic interpretation — he’s aiming to build his own. As for when he starts filming, well, it’s going to be one hell of an undertaking, asFrost explained, it would be “ten or eleven months a season,” which meansverylittle downtime for the cast. That’s a massive undertaking — but Frost seems completely unfazed by the workload. He continued, saying:
“I’m just so excited to get going. I’ve gone in to do head sculpts and have your hand stand and stuff, and they say, ‘Oh, have a look at this.’ And you’re like, ‘Wow. That’s the coolest thing.’ I love films. I’ve loved cinema my whole life, so to be part of that universe now and that they’re showing me, like, a dancing mushroom, it’s like, ‘That is so cool!’”
TheHarry Potterreboot series is currently prepping for production, with filming expected to begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Frost joins a cast that includesDominic McLaughlinas Harry Potter,Arabella Stantonas Hermione Granger, andAlastair Stoutas Ron Weasley.John Lithgowhas been cast as Dumbledore,withPaapa Essieduas Snape andJanet McTeeras McGonagall.
What Is Next for Nick Frost?
Frost will next be seen alongsideGerard Butler, Mason Thames,andNico ParkerinHow to Train Your Dragon, the live-action remake of the classic animated film, directed once more byDean DeBlois. Frost will play Gobber the Belch, the trusted friend and adviser of Stoick (Butler).How to Train Your Dragonopens on June 9.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates onHarry Potter.
Harry Potter
