Blimey! Nick Frost as Hagrid? First Look Has Us Feeling Nostalgic and Slightly Worried (In a Good Way, Mostly)
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
We've got our first look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, and while it's a bit daunting to follow in Robbie Coltrane's footsteps, Frost's take on the character sounds promising, and the casting is shaping up nicely for this seven-season venture.
Right then, buckle up, Potterheads! HBO's new Harry Potter telly series is actually happening, and we've just copped our first glimpse of Nick Frost (of *Shaun of the Dead* and *Hot Fuzz* fame) as everyone's favourite gentle giant, Hagrid. Source: IGN South Africa.
Look, I'll be honest, when I first heard about this series, I had a moment of 'Do we *really* need another Harry Potter?' You know, that knee-jerk reaction to reboots and remakes. But then, I saw the photo – nabbed from a behind-the-scenes shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, no less, where they've officially kicked off production this week (according to IGN's report, anyway). And I gotta admit, it sparked something.
Frost is sporting the iconic beard and hair combo, looking remarkably like Robbie Coltrane's legendary portrayal. Now, Coltrane's Hagrid *was* the definitive Hagrid, wasn't he? So, how do you even *approach* that? Thankfully, Frost seems to be on the right track. He told Collider (as IGN also pointed out) that he's not trying to *be* Robbie Coltrane, which is a bloody relief. He wants to bring his own 'minutia' to the role, and I reckon that's the only way it'll work.
He envisions Hagrid as a "lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child," and plans to explore that over the seven-season run (one book per season, apparently). Funny, cheeky, scared, protective, childlike… yeah, I can see Frost pulling that off. It's a solid take, innit? The man's got comedic chops for days, and he can do heart as well.
But what else is brewing in the cauldron? Well, IGN South Africa tells us that filming has commenced, and a whole gaggle of casting announcements dropped. Rory Wilmot is Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson is Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey (Sherlock) is Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones) is Garrick Ollivander. We already knew John Lithgow was Dumbledore (which, fair play, is inspired casting), Paapa Essiedu is Snape, and Katherine Parkinson is Molly Weasley. It's shaping up to be a proper ensemble, this.
Seven seasons, one book per season… HBO's clearly going all-in. The release date is slated for 2027. Blimey, that feels like a lifetime away, doesn't it? Still, I'm cautiously optimistic. If they can capture the magic (pun intended) of the books while bringing something new to the table, this could be a real treat. And let's be honest, who doesn't want more Harry Potter in their lives? Just... maybe not *too* much, eh?
Tags: Harry Potter, Nick Frost, HBO Series, Fantasy, Casting News
Original article: IGN South Africa