Nick Frost addresses taking over iconic role in controversial Harry Potter series
Nick Frost has spoken out about his casting as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which has been plagued with controversy over author JK Rowling's anti-trans views
Nick Frost has shared his aspirations to portray the beloved character Hagrid in the anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation.
The esteemed actor from Hot Fuzz, 53, is set to step into the shoes of Robbie Coltrane, who memorably depicted the amiable giant and Keeper of Keys throughout the film series.
Nick will join an illustrious cast including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.
Luke Thallon is slated to bring Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell to life, whereas comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse will depict Squib janitor Argus Filch. The coveted lead roles have been awarded to Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Staunton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
Controversy surrounds the TV series, which has seen some Potter enthusiasts threatening to shun the HBO adaptation due to author JK Rowling's contentious views on transgender issues.
While initially remaining out of the discussion surrounding the show by restricting comments following his Instagram announcement, Nick has since addressed his involvement more openly.
In conversation with Collider, he expressed: "You get cast because you're going to bring something to that. While I'm really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie's amazing performance, I'm never going to try and be Robbie."
Offering insight into his approach to the role, he added: "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."
When Nick first announced his role as Hagrid on social media, he faced backlash from fans who criticised Rowling's views, which have been labelled as transphobic.
Several original cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, David Tennant and Emma Watson, have publicly disagreed with Rowling, leading to disappointment among Nick's fans about his involvement in the franchise.
"Actor Nick Frost is currently getting destroyed on his Instagram for willingly joining the cast of JK Rowling's new Harry Potter TV show reboot and tacitly supporting her irredeemable bigotry. It's so bad he disabled comments on a post holding up a Harry Potter book. Not great," one person had written on X.
"Honestly, I am shocked by him. I genuinely had more faith in him," another said.
While further details of the series are still under wraps, HBO's chief content officer earlier this year emphasised that the TV show is "not secretly being infused" with any views when discussing Rowling's beliefs.
In the wake of the massive controversy, which has seen Rowling lose a significant number of fans, Casey Bloys stated: "The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years."
During an appearance on The Town podcast, when questioned about his concerns regarding her opinions, he elaborated: "We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC.
"It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them.
"Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter."
The Harry Potter TV series is expected to air in 2027.
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