Nick Frost on Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter: Not Copying Films

Nick Frost has shared his initial approach to playing Hagrid in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series, explaining why he felt it was important not to merely imitate the previous portrayal.

The star of *Hot Fuzz* and the live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* said he has already started pre-production work for the role, figuring out how to make his version of the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper distinctive while still feeling true to the character fans know.

"I'm fully aware of the amazing performance by Robbie [Coltrane] before me, but I'm never going to try to *be* Robbie," Frost told Collider.

"I'm going to try and do something, not necessarily 'different,'" he continued, "I think you must respect the source material, but within that, there's room for subtle details."

The late Robbie Coltrane played Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films and was reportedly an inspiration for the character in the original books.

Frost is now set to portray Hagrid for the next decade as the TV series adapts each book into its own individual season.

"I've had the chance to visit some sets, and they're growing a Hagrid beard," Frost separately told ScreenRant. It's unclear if this means a prosthetic beard is being fabricated for him or if someone is actually growing out their own beard to be used later.

Last month, the three young actors cast in the series' leading roles were announced: newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

"Being a father myself, I will be very protective of these children," Frost said of the trio. "And I think that's one of the fundamental aspects of Hagrid's relationship with them. He is deeply protective, and I genuinely can't wait."

Other confirmed cast members include John Lithgow (*Conclave*, *Dexter*) in the pivotal role of Albus Dumbledore, and Paapa Essiedu (*I May Destroy You*, *Black Mirror*) as Severus Snape.

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

"I've always read Hagrid as a lovely, lost, slightly volatile, funny, and warm-hearted child," Frost concluded. "The beauty of adapting one book per season is that I get to explore that much more, and I'm thrilled. He's funny! I want to bring out his humor, cheekiness, fears, protectiveness, and childlike nature. That's the plan."

The Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to begin filming its first season this year, with a planned debut on HBO in early 2027.