This article was originally published on March 27 and later republished on March 29.
The HBO adaptation of Harry Potter has been generating buzz around its casting choices. Among the notable selections is John Lithgow for Dumbledore, and discussions about Snape have also stirred excitement. Recently, Nick Frost has emerged as a strong contender for the role of Hagrid, the beloved groundskeeper well-known from the early books and films.
Frost, celebrated for his performances in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s comedies such as “Hot Fuzz” and “The World’s End,” may find his role as Hagrid to be the most significant of his career. While it’s been over a decade since his last major project, he has lent his voice to several animated works since then.
Frost’s portrayal of Hagrid is expected to stand out, especially with a new cast being introduced in the series. The original Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane, sadly passed away in 2022, but Frost is sure to bring his own interpretation to the character.
A major challenge remains casting the key trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, as the show’s creators aim to discover fresh talent, similar to the original films. Another pivotal role still awaiting an actor is Voldemort, previously portrayed by Ralph Fiennes.
The series likely won’t premiere until at least 2027, and adapting the entire book series could take up to seven seasons. Given the current television landscape, which typically sees a 1.5 to 2-year gap between seasons, the show might not air until the late 2030s. Nevertheless, Warner Bros. appears committed to the project.
As of the latest update on March 29, here’s a brief overview of the confirmed casting:
– John Lithgow as Dumbledore: This casting is official, with Lithgow sharing his excitement about taking on the role despite the weight of the responsibility at his age of 79, as he approaches 90 during production.
– Paapa Essiedu as Snape: His casting is considered the most controversial and is not yet confirmed. The criticism largely stems from the perceived difference between Essiedu and the traditional depiction of Snape.
– Janet McTeer as McGonagall: Although not the safest choice, she is a strong contender, known for her recurring role in “Ozark.”
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