Latest news with #Hogwarts'
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Harry Potter series: Nick Frost's first look as Hagrid revealed; fans say, ‘Looking horrible'
HBO has unveiled the first look of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in the highly anticipated Harry Potter series. The reveal follows the network's recent announcement that production is officially underway. Before Hagrid, HBO had shared the first look of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter. The character of Hagrid, originally portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane in the film franchise, will now be played by Frost, best known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. In the still, Nick Frost is seen wearing Hagrid's iconic shaggy coat, along with his wild beard and unkempt hair. However, Frost's first look received a mixed response. Many fans expressed disappointment, saying they couldn't see the actor as a fitting choice for Hogwarts' loyal gamekeeper. Additionally, several users voiced dissatisfaction with the casting choice for Snape in the upcoming series. Check out the look: A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) A fan wrote, 'I love Nick Frost and he's a great choice for this role. But… the wig and beard look very unnatural. Makeup artists needs a bit more work on this. It's a bit cosplaylike.' 'I don't know why but what ever pics they are sharing of casts looks like AI. is it just me or you all also felt like that??' another person questioned. A comment read, 'Every photo that comes out just looks like the actor doing a Halloween costume of a movie character we already have seen and love.' 'Such a good casting! Except for Snape… it's going to be soooo distracting,' a disappointed fan wrote. The gentle giant of the wizarding world, Hagrid, has long been a fan-favourite character in J.K. Rowling's magical universe. The shooting for season one of the web series started on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. and is expected to go on until spring next year.
Mint
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
HBO unveils first look at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter as filming begins in the UK
HBO has released the first official image from its much-anticipated television adaptation of Harry Potter, marking the beginning of production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom. The image introduces Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, the 11-year-old actor stepping into the iconic role first made famous by Daniel Radcliffe. McLaughlin will be joined by Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, forming the new generation of Hogwarts' beloved trio. The young actors were selected following an extensive casting search of British children aged 9 to 11. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,' said executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who introduced the trio in May. They also added, 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.' Additional cast announcements include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. The series is described as a 'faithful adaptation' of J.K. Rowling's bestselling novels, with one season dedicated to each book. According to HBO, the show promises to be 'full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.' The ensemble also features John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Other cast members include Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. The series is being executive-produced by J.K. Rowling, with Francesca Gardiner also serving as writer. Mark Mylod, best known for his work on 'Succession', is among the directors attached to the project. HBO's Harry Potter is slated to premiere in 2027—exactly 30 years after the publication of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and 16 years after the release of the final instalment in the original film franchise.
Pink Villa
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Harry Potter TV Series First Look Out: Cast, Storyline, Release Date, All We Know About Upcoming HBO Show
The Harry Potter TV series is set to hit the digital screens sooner than expected. The first look of Dominic McLaughlin as young Harry is out now, and the fans are going gaga over the cuteness of the actor. The show is based on the stories by J.K. Rowling, where Harry will head to Hogwarts school of wizardry and witchcraft. Previously, the cast of the series was announced by HBO, where Arabella Stanston and Alastair Stiut joined McLaughlin as Hermione and Ron, respectively. In the first look dropped on Monday, the young actor donned Hogwarts' uniform with a coat, which had Gryffindor stitched on it. McLaughlin also wore the iconic Harry Potter glasses with a clapperboard in his hands. Everything we know about Harry Potter TV series The Harry Potter TV series was announced by HBO in 2023. Initially skeptical over the idea, the fans got on board and showed excitement over the upcoming show. The new series will be led by the showrunner Francesca Gardiner, and Mark Mylod of Succession will take the director's chair. According to the media reports, all of J.K. Rowling 's seven books will be adapted into different seasons. The filming for the first season is underway, and the cast is expected to wrap up the production by the end of Spring 2026. As for the cast members, the three lead actors will be joined by John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost. Additional cast members were also announced on Monday, and the names include Rory Wilmot, Amos Kitson, Louise Brealey and Anton Lesser. Meanwhile, the author of the best-selling books, J.K. Rowling, opened up about the show. Taking to her social media, the writer penned, 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO 'Harry Potter' series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!' The Harry Potter TV series will make its debut on the digital screens in 2027.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Nick Frost on following Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid in Harry Potter reboot: 'I'm never going to try and be Robbie'
British actor Nick Frost is reflecting on the weight of a truly magical challenge — stepping into the role of Rubeus Hagrid, a character so memorably portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane. As HBO gears up for its decade-spanning Harry Potter reboot, which plans to adapt one book per season, Frost is preparing for the unique responsibility of bringing Hogwarts' gentle half-giant to life for a new generation. In an interview with Collider, the 53-year-old actor opened up about what it means to inherit such an iconic role — and how he's approaching it with both reverence and individuality. A post shared by Hindustan Times (@hindustantimes) 'You get cast because you're going to bring something to that,' Nick explained. 'While I'm really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie [Coltrane]'s amazing performance, I'm never going to try and be Robbie. 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,' he added. For Nick, the emotional layers of Hagrid — the lovable mix of fierce protector and childlike innocence — offer a rich canvas to work with. '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,' he said. Despite the inevitable comparisons to Robbie's beloved portrayal, Nick seems undeterred. His focus lies in honoring the spirit of the character while exploring the finer details — the 'minutia' — that a longer-form adaptation allows. Filming the series won't be a casual commitment, either. As Nick noted, each season could stretch close to a year. 'Ten or eleven months a season,' he shared — a serious time investment, but one he's clearly ready for. 'I'm just so excited to get going. I've gone in to do head sculpts and have your hand stand and stuff, and they say, 'Oh, have a look at this.' And you're like, 'Wow. That's the coolest thing.' I love films. I've loved cinema my whole life, so to be part of that universe now and that they're showing me, like, a dancing mushroom, it's like, 'That is so cool!'' he added. Production on the HBO series is expected to kick off this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The cast also includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow steps into the role of Dumbledore, with Paapa Essiedu taking on Snape and Janet McTeer portraying McGonagall.
NZ Herald
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
HBO's Harry Potter reboot cast: Everything you need to know
Who's playing Harry, Ron, and Hermione? More than 32,000 children responded to a public casting call to play the world's three most famous young wizards last year in the hope of landing the role of a lifetime. Producers whittled down the audition tapes and then ran workshops and screen tests. The lucky trio have been confirmed as Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton playing Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. All are described as being screen newcomers, though McLaughlin is in Gifted, a yet-to-be-aired CBBC series based on Marilyn Kaye's children's novels about kids with superpowers. Stanton has previously appeared in the stage musicals Matilda and Starlight Express, while Stout's agent (which says he does a 'northern' accent) credits him with appearing in an Albert Bartlett potato advert. These are the most important casting decisions, as McLaughlin, Stanton, and Stout will be expected to carry the show and deal with huge public scrutiny for years. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the Harry Potter show-runners, said of the trio: 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron'. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.' Who is in the cast? Like the films, the series is sure to be a Who's Who of A-list talent, with budgets that dwarf almost everything else on TV. The first performer to confirm their participation was the Conclave star John Lithgow, cast as Hogwarts' headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow, 79, said that he did not expect to be asked to follow in the footsteps of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law (who all played Dumbledore in the Wizarding World films). 'Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid,' he said in February. 'But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes.' HBO has officially revealed its first batch of stars to populate the new Hogwarts. I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu has been cast as potions master Severus Snape, while Ozark's Janet McTeer is to play deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall, a role that was made famous by the late Dame Maggie Smith and previously linked with Sharon Horgan and Rachel Weisz. Other stars confirmed to have signed up are Shaun of the Dead's Nick Frost succeeding Robbie Coltrane as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, while the role of cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch is filled by comic performer Paul Whitehouse. We also have our first villain. Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone who is later revealed to be under the control of the evil Lord Voldemort, will be portrayed by Luke Thallon. The 29-year-old is best known as a stage actor. Who will play Voldemort himself in later series is being kept under wraps, but those said to be in the frame include Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. The confirmed Harry Potter cast so far: John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore) Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall) Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape) Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid) Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch) Luke Thallon (Quirinus Quirrell) How will the series be different from the films? HBO boss Casey Bloys has said that the series will be a 'very, very specifically British 1990s production'. The series is being overseen by Gardiner and Mylod, Brits who are both alumni of HBO's Succession. One need only look at their track record to know that the series will not merely be a rehash of the films. Gardiner worked on the TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials; while Mylod's hits include Game of Thrones and The Menu, a Ralph Fiennes horror satirising fine dining. It is expected that the series will be darker than the films, with HBO looking for a slightly older viewership than the pre-teens who were the primary target of the cinematic pictures. Friends of Gardiner – who wrote her master's thesis on the importance of darkness in kids' stories and has spoken of her dislike for patronising children – say that she wants to bring a grittier, 'Wednesday/Tim Burton vibe' to the series. Perhaps most notably, the characters will be the same age as they are in the books, with each series presumably following the school year. That means, for instance, that Snape (played by the inimitable Alan Rickman in the films) will be in his early 30s on the small screen. Essiedu is 34; Rickman, by contrast, was 55 when the first film was released. The exception is Dumbledore, who lived to the ripe old age of 115. Lithgow is unlikely to want to be working in his 12th decade. Is JK Rowling involved? Despite selling more than 600 million Harry Potter books and amassing a fortune of almost £1 billion (according to the Sunday Times Rich List), Rowling has become a polarising character in recent years for her public contributions to the transgender debate. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we're going to get into,' Bloys said at an investor presentation in April 2023. 'Our priority is what's on the screen.' The 59-year-old author is key to the whole series: she serves as its executive producer and will have the final say on all the casting choices. Rowling praised HBO for 'preserving the integrity' of her books and said that the new adaptation will 'allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series'. Will the original stars return? Probably not. Many of the original cast members – including Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson – have criticised Rowling's trans views, while others (including Gambon and Rickman) have died. Jason Isaacs, who played the villainous Lucius Malfoy in the films, was asked about whether he would mount a comeback to the Wizarding World at the premiere of The White Lotus in February. 'I'm hoping to come back as Hermione,' he said, not entirely seriously. 'I sent my audition tape in and I've yet to hear. But they have my number.' When will the series be broadcast? Filming at the Warner Bros studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, is not scheduled to start until the summer, so it is unlikely that it will hit our screens before 2027.
