Nick Frost’s Stunning Hagrid Makeover Revealed for HBO’s Harry Potter Series
Hold onto your coffee cups, because I am buzzing to spill this magical tea! The first official look at Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost as Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series has just surfaced, and you will barely recognize him. Frost, aged 53, nailed every detail of Rubeus Hagrid’s iconic half-giant style with a cascade of long brown curls, a matching bushy beard, and that trademark surprised expression on his face in the set photo. He topped off the forest-friendly ensemble with a deep green overcoat, fingerless gloves, striped shirt, and sturdy suspenders that would make even a centaur nod in approval.
This spellbinding transformation was snapped on set during production, which kicked off July 14, according to HBO’s Instagram announcement made July 15. The streamer gushed “Everyone ready? ‘ere we go!” while celebrating Frost’s first day slipping into Hagrid’s massive boots. Fans who have been ravenous for glimpses of this new adaptation got their first taste of Hogwarts magic when HBO revealed Dominic McLaughlin sporting round glasses, messy black hair, and Gryffindor robes as the titular Harry Potter just one day earlier.
While Frost’s debut look is the buzz of the town, more of the Hogwarts crew is already casting spells of excitement. Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout are poised to bring Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley back to life alongside McLaughlin’s Potter. ScreenRant captured veteran actor John Lithgow, set to play Albus Dumbledore, reflecting on his role by saying, “It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.” His co-stars include Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Janet McTeer stepping into Professor McGonagall’s shoes.
Beyond the famous trio, fans will also meet Anton Lesser behind the counters of Ollivanders, taking up the mantle from the late John Hurt as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. Game of Thrones alum Lesser was announced for the role in July 2025. Rory Wilmot, a talented newcomer, will don Neville Longbottom’s Gryffindor robes, previously worn by Matthew Lewis. Louise Brealey, known for Sherlock and A Discovery of Witches, has been tapped as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Amos Kitson will portray the spoiled cousin Dudley Dursley—once played by Harry Melling. Rising star Lox Pratt will bring Draco Malfoy’s sneer to life, signaling a fresh take on Slytherin’s most infamous student.
Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the trio of Stanton, McLaughlin, and Stout, remarking on the “plethora of young talent” unearthed from thousands of auditions. As HBO’s new original series aims to capture both longtime Potterheads and a new generation, this carefully curated cast promises a faithful yet fresh reimagining of the beloved world. With a 2027 release on the horizon, anticipation is brewing faster than a Felix Felicis potion. I swear, I could talk about this all day!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, ScreenRant, HBO Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
