Harry Potter TV Series: See Nick Frost's Transformation into Hagrid

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Prepare to Be Spellbound by the First Look at HBO’s Harry Potter Series

Accio Nick Frost's Harry Potter transformation. 

The first look at the Shaun of the Dead actor as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming HBO series has been revealed, and he's almost unrecognizable in the photo of him as the lovable half-giant. 

For the snap of him in full costume, Nick rocked Hagrid's signature long, brown curly hair and matching beard while posing for the camera with a surprised expression on his face. To top off his ensemble, the 53-year-old sported a forest green overcoat, fingerless gloves, suspenders and a striped button-down shirt. 

And fans can expect to see this exact 'fit when the first season of the Harry Potter series debuts on TV screens in 2027. After all, HBO shared that the image was taken on set of the show, which kicked off production on July 14. 

"Everyone ready? ‘ere we go!" the streaming platform wrote on Instagram July 15 alongside Nick's epic transformation. "Nick Frost has walked his first day in the big boots of Hagrid on the set of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series."

And while this may have been the first look at Nick's Hagrid costume, it wasn't fans' first glimpse at the Harry Potter series. In fact, one day prior to unveiling the Hot Fuzz star's character, HBO shared an image of Dominic McLaughlin as the titular boy wizard. In the photo, the 11-year-old was dressed in Harry's signature glasses, robe and hairstyle.

Aidan Monaghan/HBO

As for the rest of the call sheet? The final looks for cast members like Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape) and Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall) have yet to be revealed. 

However, John has spoken out on what it means to him to be joining the magical world of Hogwarts at this point in his career. 

Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images

“It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid," the 79-year-old said in a Feb. 26 interview with ScreenRant. "But I’m very excited.”

For a full look at the cast in the upcoming Harry Potter series, read on.

Warner Bros. Pictures/Asia Werbel

Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander

In July 2025, it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser would be opening the doors to Ollivanders, taking over the role of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the late, great John Hurt.

Murray Close/Getty Images; Courtesy Rory Wilmot

Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom

Young actor Rory Wilmot is set to star as fan favorite Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom, who was previously played by Matthew Lewis.

Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection; Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images

Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch

British actress Louise Brealey will take over from Zoe Wanamaker as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch flying instructor. Brealey is perhaps best known for her roles in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches and Hulu's Such Brave Girls.

Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy Amos Kitson

Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley

Harry's cousin Dudley will be played by newcomer Amos Kitson. Harry Melling portrayed the young Dursley in the original movies.

Warner Bros./Newsmakers; Aidan Monaghan/HBO

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin & Alastair Stout as Hermione, Harry & Ron

Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will step into the Gryffindor robes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The trio takes over from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played the roles in the film franchise from 2000 to 2010.

"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 Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the executive producers of the TV adaptation. "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."

Murray Close/Getty Images; HBO Max/Warner Bros.

Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy

The iconic Slytherin will be played by rising star Lox Pratt. He takes over from Tom Felton, who recently announced he will be heading to Broadway to take on the adult version of Draco in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy

In June 2025, HBO announced that Ripley actor Johnny Flynn would be taking on the role of Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy. The White Lotus star Jason Isaacs portrayed Lucius in the movie series and he took to Instagram to congratulate his successor: "Thrilled to be passing the keys to Malfoy Manor to @johnnyflynnmusic, a monstrously talented renaissance man."

Warner Bros. Pictures; Dave Benett/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA

Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley

Katherine Parkinson, who won a BAFTA award for her performance in British sitcom The IT Crowd, will star in the TV adaptation as the Weasley matriarch. The role was previously played by Mamma Mia! actress Julie Walters.

Maxppp/Warner Bros. via ZUMA Press; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

In March 2025, Variety reported that comedian Nick Frost was nearing a deal to play half-giant Hagrid. Frost was launched to fame for his roles alongside Simon Pegg in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Hagrid was played in the original films by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022.

Murray Close/ Getty Images; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

In December 2024, it was reported that Emmy-nominated British actor Paapa Essiedu was in talks to play Professor Snape, who was memorably portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the movies. Essiedu is a rising star of stage and screen, perhaps most recognized for his role in the HBO drama I May Destroy You.

Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Veteran actor John Lithgow will star as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the HBO series. His extensive list of credits includes Conclave, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown. Lithgow also boasts an impressive list of awards, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.

“It was not an easy decision,” Lithgow told ScreenRant while confirming his casting in February 2025, “because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited... I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Joe Maher/Getty Images

Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley

BAFTA-winner Daniel Rigby will step into the shoes of Harry's uncle in the HBO Max series. "Thrilled to be playing the world’s worst muggle, Uncle Vernon," Rigby posted on Instagram. The role was previously played by Richard Griffiths, who died in 2013.

Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com; Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley

British actress Bel Powley will follow in Fiona Shaw's footsteps and take on the role of Aunt Petunia. Powley's screen credits include The Morning Show, A Small Light and Masters of the Air.

Murray Close/ Getty Images; Kate Green/Getty Images

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

British actress Janet McTeer is set to play Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor and Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress. McTeer's career spans back decades and includes roles in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. The legendary Dame Maggie Smith took on the role in the film franchise.

Globe Photos/ZUMA Wire; Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

In April 2025, HBO announced that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be stepping into the boots of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, taking over the role played by David Bradley in the films. Whitehouse is well known for his comedy work in the UK, and (fun fact!) he also appeared as Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Warner Bros. Pictures; HBO Max/Warner Bros.

Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni & Sienna Moosah as Seamus, Parvati & Lavender

A trio of youngsters will take on the supporting roles of Harry's schoolmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. Those characters were previously played by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury and Jessie Cave.

Warner Bros. Pictures; Lia Toby/Getty Images

Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge

In June 2025, it was reported that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel would be portraying the Minister of Magic. Robert Hardy, who died in 2017, played Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movies. 

KPA/United Archives via ZUMA Press Wire; James Veysey/Shutterstock

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Perhaps the least well-known actor of the new cast, theater actor Luke Thallon will portray Harry's first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Ian Hart previously portrayed Quirrell, who plays a memorable role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

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