The danger faced by WB in casting its Harry Potter reboot series is that most of the characters are truly beloved, and the actors who played them forever linked. That’s probably why they’ve decided to cast the adults first, and leave the iconic students alone for now. The latest potential addition to the cast is set to play the lovable groundskeeper and beast wrangler, Rubeus Hagrid.
Deadline reports Nick Frost is in talks to play Hagrid in the Harry Potter series for Max, taking over from Robbie Coltrane made the character his own through eight movies. Hagrid is a half-giant who begins as a friendly groundskeeper at Hogwarts, and becomes a close confidante to Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Hagrid eventually ascends to professor for the Care of Magical Creatures.
Frost is best known for his teamups with his pals, Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, for the Cornetto Trilogy of comedies, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. He was recently part of the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew cast.
John Lithgow has confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer will play Professor Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu is in talks for the coveted role of Professor Severus Snape.
Still no Voldemort, Harry, Ron, or Hermione. That will have to change soon as Harry Potter is expected to be ready to go by 2026.
