Summary
One of the cast members of the upcomingHarry PotterTV series spoke about their role. The actor said they would give a fresh take on their beloved character.
Harry Potteris a fantasy series by British author J.K. Rowling. The seven books were adapted into eight films:Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone(2001),Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(2002),Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(2004),Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire(2005),Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix(2007),Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(2009),Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1(2010), andHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011).It has been nearly 15 years since fans last saw the wizards and witches on the big screen, but its popularity hasn’t subsided. Thus, fans are ecstatic that HBO is making a TV series of the hit franchise. It will run for seven seasons, with each season covering each book, and it is expected to be a faithful adaptation of the beloved books. Many expect it to cover stuff that the movies missed due to limited run time. Just recently, one of the cast members shared their plans on how they would portray their character.
Nick Frost is cast to play Rubeus Hagrid in the anticipatedHarry PotterTV series. His casting was announced in April as part of the broader reveal of key cast members. In a recent interview with Collider, Frost got candid about taking over the role fromRobbie Coltrane, whose portrayal received critical acclaim. Fans loved Coltrane’s performance as Hagrid; it was even considered one of the most iconic and beloved in the entire franchise. Thus, Frost has a big shoe to fill. However, theHow to Train Your Dragonactor said he would not copy Coltrane’s acting because he believed he was cast to bring something new. He acknowledged Coltrane’s “amazing performance,” but Frost said, “I’m never going to try and be Robbie.” Instead, he wants to play the character the way he sees it and keep it faithful to the source material. Frost explained:
I’m going to try and do something, not ‘different,’ I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia. I always read Hagrid as he’s like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can’t wait. He’s funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike. That’s what I’m planning on doing."
Frost also shared an update about their filming schedule. According to him, they planned to film each season for 10 to 11 months. He isn’t concerned or bothered about the workload that awaits him. Frost is even excited to start filming and he is already preparing himself for it. Filming for theHarry PotterTV series is expected to begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK. Last week, the production announced the young cast members who would be the new Golden trio in the series. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. Rowling, the author ofHarry Potter, who also serves as the executive producer of the TV series,approved of the casting.
Frost has a legacy to live up to because Coltrane has become synonymous withHagrid. The late actor and comedian was praised for balancing Hagrid’s gentle, childlike wonder with his giant-sized presence. He is beloved for his unconditional loyalty to Harry and unique blend of vulnerability and strength. The character is rich with humor and emotional warmth, making him appealing to the audience. Fans and critics would agree that Coltrane captured the character exactly as Rowling penned it in the books. Rowling also admitted that Coltrane was her first choice to portray the character because he was an “incredible talent.” With Frost’s acting experience and versatility, he will surely deliver a version of Hagrid who is as funny and lovable as Coltrane’s.
