Anton Lesser has been cast in the new Harry Potter TV series
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Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Harry Potter fans divided over first image of Nick Frost's Hagrid
Production is officially underway on HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series and the studio has released a first-look image of actor Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, which has caused some debate among fans. The 53-year-old will play the friendly groundskeeper alongside newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, who was also pictured in costume this week while filming at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. Fans were left divided over Frost's transformation, with some declaring they were 'loving' the actor in the iconic role, while others said his costume looked like 'cosplaying'. 'I'm so sorry this already looks like a parody show,' one person wrote on X/Twitter. 'Who exactly asked for this?' another fan questioned. Referring to the original Hagrid actor, Robbie Coltrane, another said: 'Love Nick Frost, but no chance of out-Hagrid-ing Hagrid.' The TV adaptation of the famous franchise, which is expected to debut in 2027, confirmed by HBO Max in 2023, aims to be a 'faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling'. The series is expected to run for a decade, with each season based on one of the seven Rowling books. The books follow the story of 11-year-old Harry Potter as he learns of his acceptance to Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry, and his attempts to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in HBO'sforthcoming Harry Potter series (HBO) In May last year, HBO announced that after nearly 30,000 auditions for the three lead roles, McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout had been cast as Harry, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Casting for most of the leading characters has been announced in the last few months. Paapa Essiedu is playing potions professor Severus Snape, Janet McTeer is acting as deputy Hogwarts headmistress and Gryffindor House head Minerva McGonagall, and Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The actors have faced criticism from some fans calling for a boycott of the series due to Rowling's views on transgender people which many consider transphobic. However, Frost, known for Shaun of the Dead, made clear in an interview that his opinions 'don't align in any way, shape or form' with those of the franchise creator. Last month, Rowling, 59, delivered her early verdict on the series in a post on X. 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!' the author said. In response, a user asked the author: 'So you are not doing the writing for this show?' to which, the author clarified: 'No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers.' Rubeus Hagrid was previously played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter franchise, who died from multiple organ failure in 2022, aged 72, after starring in all eight films as the beloved half-giant.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Harry Potter star Emma Watson caught speeding near Oxford in £30k Audi
Emma Watson is facing a fine and penalty points on her licence after being caught speeding in Oxford. The Harry Potter star, 35, was clocked driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone and now faces up to six points on her licence and a maximum £1,000 fine. According to court records, Watson was behind the wheel of a £30,000 Audi S3 when she was captured by a speed camera on a restricted road. The offence took place in Oxford, where the actress is reportedly studying for a doctorate at the university. Her sentencing is due to take place at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court next Wednesday. It is not the first time Watson — who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films — has found herself in hot water over her car. In February last year, police impounded her Audi after she parked it illegally during a night out at the Rose and Crown pub in Stratford-upon-Avon. She had reportedly left the car blocking the entrance to a car park without realising, trapping a pizza restaurant manager's vehicle inside for more than three hours. The manager, who had just finished a 12-hour shift, spent hours trying to find the owner before calling the police. As the Audi was being loaded onto a recovery truck, Watson came 'flying out' of the pub, where she had been drinking with her mother. Despite pleading with officers, the car was towed and Watson was hit with a £192 fine. Watson became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses after starring in all eight Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011. Her last major film appearance was in 2019's Little Women, after which she stepped away from the spotlight. At Oxford, she has been coxing the New College women's third rowing team and is said to be dating fellow student Kieran Brown, who recently completed his doctorate. The couple were pictured kissing outside a Gail's Bakery in the city last year. Watson has also made headlines for her stance on transgender rights, having previously clashed with Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Watson wrote: 'Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.'
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Harry Potter HBO TV Series Reboot: See Full Cast As Filming Begins
The Hogwarts Express has left the station, and we're all aboard for a return to that magical school of witchcraft and wizardry. Production has officially begun on HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, marking a major milestone in the reimagining of J.K. Rowling's iconic wizarding world. With many of the key cast now revealed—including newcomers stepping into the legendary roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—filming is underway on what's expected to be a decade-long retelling of the beloved books, backed by Warner Bros. and helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner. Adding to the excitement, fans got their first glimpses this week of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, and Nick Frost as Hagrid, the beloved half-giant groundskeeper, in newly released production stills that are sparking buzz online. HBO's commitment to a ten-year run ensures that each book will receive its own season, with expanded storytelling and character development not seen in the original films. Warner Bros. Discovery is leaning heavily on the franchise to bolster HBO Max, betting that a new generation of viewers—and lifelong fans—will be eager to return to Hogwarts. The series is expected to premiere in 2027, according to Warner Bros. Whether it lives up to its towering expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the sorting hat has spoken. While HBO and Warner Bros. are keeping many plot and production details under wraps, the unveiling of the cast has reignited fan fervor around the globe. Here's a closer look at the actors taking on some of the most iconic roles in fantasy fiction. The HBO Original Harry Potter television series has cast screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Warner Bros. At the heart of the series is a trio of first-time screen actors chosen to portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley—arguably the most important casting decision for the reboot. Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter A newcomer to the screen, McLaughlin stars in the upcoming indie film Grow alongside new Hagrid actor Nick Frost. Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger Already a veteran of the West End, Stanton captivated audiences as Matilda in the eponymous award-winning stage production. Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley Stout appeared in a handful of commercials, but Harry Potter marks his official breakout. HBO's take on the wizarding school includes an acclaimed lineup of stage and screen veterans—some reinterpreting familiar characters, others embodying them in entirely new ways. John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore The Emmy- and Tony-winning U.S. actor, known for his roles in Terms of Endearment and Conclave will join the cast as the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and all-powerful wizard. Lithgow, 79, has described the opportunity as "a defining moment for the final act of [his] career." He follows in the footsteps of the late, great Sir Michael Gambon, who replaced the equally great Richard Harris in the film series following Harris' death in 2002. Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall McTeer will star as McGonagall, one of the franchise's most beloved characters. She is Hogwarts' stern transfiguration professor, but also the head of Gryffindor House and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. McTeer is known for her roles in Ozark and Tumbleweeds and has previously received both Oscar and Emmy nominations. She will be filling the shoes of the late Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed the iconic witch in seven out of the eight original films. Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape Essiedu is known for his roles in Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You and the series Gangs of London. He has received critical acclaim for his work in theatre and became the first Black actor to play Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2016. He takes on the role of Hogwarts' enigmatic potions master and head of Slytherin House. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid Nick Frost will be taking up the role of the half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Frost is best known for his performances in Edgar Wright's so-called Cornetto Trilogy of films, which include Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Luke Thallon as Quirinis Quirrell Rising theater star Thallon takes on the role of the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a secret. Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch The legendary comedian brings his BAFTA-winning experience to the role of Hogwarts' grim caretaker. Longtime fans of the franchise may know that Whitehouse has been in the franchise before, playing Sir Cadagon in the third film, though his scenes were deleted and he was relegated to a background character in the theatrical cut. Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch Brealey will be flying into the role of Hogwarts' sharp-eyed Quidditch instructor. The English actress is known for her portrayal of pathologist Molly Hooper in the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, as well as for roles in Back and A Discovery of Witches. Alongside the faculty, the Hogwarts student body is beginning to take shape too. Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy A fresh face in acting, Pratt assumes the slicked back blonde mantle of Harry's notorious Slytherin rival from Tom Felton. Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom Another new face, Wilmot has been cast as the shy but courageous Gryffindor student, a role previously played in all eight films by Matthew Lewis. In addition, Leo Earley has been cast as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. Cast Beyond the Castle Walls The adult cast also includes standout British talent portraying the Dursleys, Weasleys, and other key characters from the series. Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley Beloved for her comedic timing in The IT Crowd, Parkinson promises to deliver a fierce and nurturing matriarch. The role was originally played by Julie Walters in the film series. Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy Fresh off his stage role as Richard Burton, Flynn embodies the cold elegance of Draco's pure-blood father, originally played by Jason Isaacs, who said of Flynn's casting: "A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn't have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don't make him sing..." Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley Perhaps best known for The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Powley will feature in the series as Harry's harsh maternal aunt and guardian. Fiona Shaw originated the role on screen. Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley A BAFTA-winning performer (Eric and Ernie, The Witches), Rigby will play Harry's blustering Muggle uncle and husband of Petunia. Uncle Vernon was originally played in the films by the late Richard Griffiths. Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley Kitson, a rising talent like much of the younger cast members, will be stepping into the role of Harry Potter's spoiled and bullying cousin, previously played by Harry Melling. Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge The Doctor Foster and The Crown actor will portray the bumbling and ineffectual Minister for Magic during Harry's time at Hogwarts. The role was played by the late Robert Hardy in the film series. Both Carvel and Hardy have played real-life U.K. prime ministers: Tony Blair and Winston Churchill, respectively. Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander Another alumnus from The Crown, in which he played Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Lesser here takes on the part of Diagon Alley's enigmatic wandmaker, played in three films by the late John Hurt. The celebrated thespian is also known for his performances in Game of Thrones, where he played Qyburn, and more recently in Andor, as the cold and calculating Imperial officer, Major Lio Partagaz. Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer said in a press release: "We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch." Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer said in a press release: "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life." John Lithgow, speaking to Screen Rant about his upcoming role as Dumbledore: "It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life I'm afraid. But I'm very excited." Related Articles 'Harry Potter' Reboot Reveals First Look at HagridFirst Look at the New Harry Potter RevealedPulling Harry Potter's Legacy | OpinionMichael Cera Turned Down 'Harry Potter' for Strange Reason 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
