Harry Potter Star Nick Frost Teases His Transformation into Hagrid
The highly anticipated HBO series based on J.K. Rowling’s popular book series is set to begin production in the summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the film series was filmed. One of the most recent cast announcements is Nick Frost, who will be playing Rubeus Hagrid in the series. In an interview with Screen Rant, Frost discussed his upcoming transformation into Hogwarts’ gamekeeper and his approach to the character.
As a father himself, Frost shared that he sees Hagrid as a protector for Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and plans on being protective of the young actors. He also revealed that he had visited the sets and had started to learn the script from showrunner Francesca Gardiner. “Yes. Look, I’m a dad myself, so I am going to be very protective to the children, and I think that is Hagrid’s — one of the kind of baselines of his relationship with those children. He’s very protective of them, and I honestly can’t wait. I’ve had the opportunity to go and see some sets, and they’re growing a Hagrid beard, and I’m seeing the Sorting Hat, and here are some wands. It’s absolutely amazing. Getting the chance to start to learn Francesca’s script and hanging out with [director] Mark Mylod — that’s the reason I wanted to do it in the first place — to get to retell and to be Hagrid. I get a chance to be Hagrid. It is amazing,” Frost said.
Frost’s comments shed some light on how his portrayal of Hagrid will be slightly different in comparison to Robbie Coltrane’s version, who played the role in the film series. Frost indicated that he’d likely lean more on the half-giant’s protectiveness toward the main trio and how the beloved character acted as a father figure in the story. The actor’s comments also highlight that with Harry Potter heading into production soon, the cast has started to prepare for their roles and for filming.
According to Screen Rant, Frost has played protector roles before, notably in the cast of How to Train Your Dragon, where he portrays Gobber the Belch, a warrior, advisor, and friend of Stoick, who mentors Hiccup and other kids to become dragon slayers. While the two projects explore different fantasy worlds and settings, it sounds like there might be some similarities between Gobber and Hagrid.
The transformation from Gobber to Hagrid might not be as drastic as it seems. In fact, Frost has found his version of the well-cherished gamekeeper rooted in his own experience with kids, which is something very exciting to see in the upcoming HBO TV adaptation. In the Harry Potter film series, Hagrid is a fierce protector and advocator of Harry, but the film’s version doesn’t lean as strongly into the angle of Hagrid as a father figure. Instead, Dumbledore acts more like a surrogate father and mentor figure for Harry.
Frost’s comments tease slightly different character dynamics in HBO’s Harry Potter series, which might offer fans a very different experience in the magical world Rowling created. In fact, Hagrid’s protectiveness might be what’s been overlooked in the film adaptations. Adult characters, like Dumbledore and Severus Snape, were very involved in fighting the war against Voldemort, but Hagrid’s primary intention was to safeguard the kids, which was what differentiated the character from others in the first place.
The Screen Rant interview with Frost provides insight into the actor’s approach to the character and how he plans to bring a new dynamic to the role. With the series set to begin production soon, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates on the project. The show will be produced by HBO, with Francesca Gardiner as the showrunner and Mark Mylod as the director.
The cast of the series includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Paul Whitehouse as Filch. With Frost on board as Hagrid, the series is shaping up to be an exciting and fresh take on the beloved book series.
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