HBO's Harry Potter casting choices are already turning eyes 

The upcoming Harry Potter reboot series on HBO Max has fans excited and talking. One of the biggest discussions is about the casting of Nick Frost as Hagrid, the friendly half-giant who works at Hogwarts. Frost, known for his funny and serious roles, has been called the "perfect" pick by many fans. According to reports by Deadline, Frost shared a cryptic confirmation on Instagram regarding the same:

“It’s happening, it’s actually happening.”

Other casting news includes Janet McTeer possibly playing Professor McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu in talks for Snape. HBO hasn’t confirmed anything about the final casting of these two iconic characters, which only makes fans more curious.

Hagrid, originally played by Robbie Coltrane, is a fan-favorite character. After Coltrane’s passing in 2022, fans wondered who could take on the role. Now, with Nick Frost in the picture, many believe he’s the right choice.

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The growing cast of the Harry Potter Reboot

Frost’s strong, sturdy build makes him a believable choice for Hagrid, who is famously half-giant. His physical presence matches the character’s larger-than-life personality.

Beyond looks, Frost’s background in comedy is a major plus. Hagrid often brings warmth and humor to the story, and Frost’s natural comic timing could bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the role.

But Hagrid isn’t just funny. He’s also deeply kind and emotional. Frost has shown in past roles that he can balance humor with heartfelt moments, making him a well-rounded choice to capture Hagrid’s gentle soul.

One fan summed up the excitement, saying:

"Frost as Hagrid is the only casting of the new series that fits so far."

The strict but caring Transfiguration professor, Minerva McGonagall, is another iconic role. Janet McTeer, known for her work in Ozark and Tumbleweeds, is rumored to be in final negotiations for the role.

With her commanding screen presence and history of playing strong female leads, McTeer could bring both the stern discipline and hidden warmth that McGonagall embodies.

British actor Paapa Essiedu is reportedly closing in on the role of Severus Snape, the complex and mysterious Potions Master. Known for his performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, Essiedu has demonstrated the intensity and layered emotions needed for the role.

With his strong background in Shakespearean acting, Essiedu could bring a fresh yet faithful take on Snape, a character famously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the films.

Bloys reassured fans:

"This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all these years. It will be a faithful adaptation."

Warner Bros. Discovery made it clear that the Fantastic Beasts franchise will not be incorporated into this series. This means the focus will remain solely on the original Harry Potter books, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the world J.K. Rowling created.

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Casting choice that made fans excited

As expected, news of the cast sparked an immediate reaction on social media. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their thoughts, with many praising Frost’s casting:

"Finally, a casting that makes sense!"

"Nick Frost as Hagrid? That’s actually brilliant."

"This might be the best casting choice yet."

Of course, some remain skeptical, questioning how well Frost will capture Hagrid’s deep emotional moments and whether the series can live up to the legacy of the books and films.

Last month, it was revealed that veteran actor John Lithgow would take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, a choice that left many fans surprised. The actor reportedly confirmed the casting choice to ScreenRant.

Lithgow, known for his work in Dexter, The Crown, and 3rd Rock from the Sun, admitted that the decision wasn’t easy:

"I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid."

While some fans are intrigued, others are unsure whether he can live up to the portrayals by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

With Nick Frost stepping into Hagrid’s boots, alongside rumored cast members like Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu, HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is shaping up to be a fascinating new take on the beloved series.

While some fans remain hesitant, others are thrilled by the chance to see a long-form, book-accurate adaptation. Only time will tell whether this new series will live up to the magic of the original films, but one thing is for sure: it’s going to be one of the most talked-about shows in the coming years.

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