HBO's Harry Potter casting might have been controversial but one hits it out of the park

Reports of Nick Frost's casting in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series as the scruffy-haired and long-bearded gentle giant Hagrid have been met with much jubilation.

While the makers have been tight-lipped about the new cast members, a few names have slipped through the cracks. Every actor has been welcomed with a mixed reaction. However, the talks around Nick Frost as Hagrid have mostly seen a positive reception.

The HBO show will be based on JK Rowling's Harry Potter book series. Hagrid is the gamekeeper at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is one of the more beloved characters, previously portrayed on screen by Robbie Coltrane. Coltrane portrayed Hagrid's sensitive and endearing personality beautifully in the movie franchise. Martin Bayfield played the role of the young Hagrid.

So far, it has been reported that John Lithgow will play Professor Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu is in talks for the role of Severus Snape, Janet McTeer might play Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost might be seen as Hagrid. The casting for the lead characters of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger is still under wraps.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

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Hagrid in the Harry Potter series

First introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Professor Rubeus Hagrid is a half-giant who is the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is tasked to find Harry Potter and bring him to Hogwarts safely. What follows is a deep friendship between the characters.

The word gentle-giant perfectly fits his personality because of his gullible and lovable nature. Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid gave one of the more heart-warming performances. Nick Frost will be following in his giant footsteps when he takes on the role.

British actor Nick Frost is the perfect pick for the role. He will be able to recreate the iconic look while also portraying the more empathetic side of the character. Some of his notable works include The World’s End, Shaun of the Dead, Paul, Get Away, and Monster Family.

There were rumours previously that Brett Goldstein may play the coveted role, however, the makers of the new show seem to have found their Hagrid in Frost instead.

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Fans welcome reports of Nick Frost being cast as Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series

Since the announcement of HBO’s Harry Potter series, speculations are rife about the cast. As each name is announced, there has been an outpouring of opinions. While there have been reservations about some, the majority of the fans readily welcomed the news of Nick Frost as Hagrid.

Some of the fans took to X to share their excitement,

“Gotta say Nick Frost as Hagrid is one of the most inspired casting choices ever made. Wow he’s going to own that role so hard.”

“I can totally see Nick Frost as Hagrid”

“Robbie was a perfect Hagrid, he was low-key one of the most important characters as he added so much heart and soul. Nick Frost I think could be a worthy follow up. Excellent pick.”

HBO’s Harry Potter series is currently in pre-production, and the production for the show is expected to begin later this year. Whether the cast from the original movies will join the new show remains to be seen.

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