First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in Harry Potter HBO TV series

Times

9 hours ago

Filming is under way on the Harry Potter TV series and today the first picture has been released of the British actor and comedian Nick Frost as the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid. Frost, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role originally played by Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter is the bestselling book franchise and spawned an eight-movie series that grossed almost $8 billion at the global box office. But with almost 15 years since the last film starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint was released, the magical world of the original stories is about to arrive on our screens again in the shape of an ambitious HBO streaming series set to run across a decade.
All seven books will be adapted at a budget reported to be greater than House of the Dragon's $200 million per series, so Potter fans are likely to be in for a treat when the new series is finally released.
Here's everything we know so far about the programme.
What is the new Harry Potter series about?
The new series is described as a faithful adaptation of the original seven books that make up the Harry Potter series. Each season will bring Harry Potter and his magical adventures to a new audience.
Has the show started shooting?
Yes. HBO announced that production began on the series on 14 July 2025.
When is Harry Potter released?
The show is being made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden near Watford. It's the same place where the original film series was made between 2001 and 2011, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2.
The first season of the new Harry Potter series is expected to hit our screens sometime in 2027, although no official date has yet been given.
How can I watch in the UK/US?
In both the UK and the US, the series will be released exclusively on HBO Max's streaming platform.
Max is yet to launch in the UK, but is expected in 2026. It will be available as a new standalone streaming platform, but also as part of Sky packages for satellite customers used to seeing HBO shows on the channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max and Sky Comedy.
• John Lithgow on the Dumbledore backlash: 'I wonder how JK Rowling copes'
Which books are being adapted?
Early reports had each season of the series focusing on one book in the Harry Potter series, which consists of seven novels. The books in the Harry Potter series are:
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
How many seasons are there?
It was originally expected that each season would tackle one book, but the chief of HBO, Casey Bloys, said the project could run for 'ten consecutive years'. The later books are more expansive, particularly the final novel, Deathly Hallows, which was split into two parts for the film adaptation.
Is JK Rowling involved?
Yes, the author of the original books will serve as executive producer on the show. At a press conference, Bloys mentioned that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director'. He has also disregarded comments about Rowling's off-screen reputation. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we're going to get into,' he said. 'Our priority is what's on screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.'
Who is behind the show?
Francesca Gardiner, who previously worked on Succession and Killing Eve, was chosen to be the showrunner after producing a pilot script and being interviewed by Rowling. Mark Mylod, best known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the wizarding drama as well as serve as executive producer.
Are the original cast involved?
It is unclear whether some or any of the original cast will return for the series. 'It seems to me that they are wanting to make a fresh series,' Daniel Radcliffe, who originally played the wizarding star, told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, 'which it feels like it'd be distracting to have old, haggard Harry also entering from stage left.'
Who is in the cast?
The Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the titular role — at 11 years old, he's the same age as Daniel Radcliffe when he first brought Harry Potter to life in 2001.
Arabella Stanton, also 11, will play Hermione Granger and has previously starred in the West End production of Matilda the Musical.
Completing the trio, Ron Weasley will be played by Alastair Stout, whose only acting credit thus far is a brief appearance in a Jersey Royal potatoes advert.
John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, having recently appeared in the papal thriller Conclave and as Roald Dahl in Giant in the West End.
Janet McTeer, the 63-year-old Oscar-nominated actress, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally played by Maggie Smith.
The actor and comedian Nick Frost, best known for his leading roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role of the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, the role originally taken by Robbie Coltrane.
First brought to life by Alan Rickman, the misanthropic potions professor Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu, whose career has spanned Shakespearean theatre to the contemporary hit series I May Destroy You.
Luke Thallon, best known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, will portray Quirinus Quirrell, Hogwarts' skittish but sinister Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
The comedian and presenter Paul Whitehouse will play the bad-tempered caretaker Argus Filch.
Katherine Parkinson, whose comedy performances in The IT Crowd earned her two Baftas, will play Ron's protective mother, Molly Weasley.
The franchise's infamous blond-haired Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, will be portrayed by Lox Pratt, who will star in the forthcoming BBC drama Lord of the Flies adaptation. Johnny Flynn, who starred as David Bowie in the hit musical drama Stardust, takes on the role of Draco's arrogant father, Lucius.
The emerging child actors Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni and Sienna Moosah will play Hogwarts students Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, respectively.
Harry's cruel guardians, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, will be portrayed by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby. Powley rose to fame on CBBC's spy series MI High, and has since taken on roles including Princess Margaret and Claire Clairmont, stepsister of novelist Mary Shelley. Rigby is best known for his leading role as Eric Morecambe in the 2011 drama Eric and Ernie.
Bertie Carvel, whose credits have spanned Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical to Tony Blair in The Crown, will play the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge.
It has also been announced that Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will be Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey plays Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
Who is rumoured to be joining the cast?
One key character who remains to be cast is the Dark Lord himself, Voldermort, played by Ralph Fiennes in the original film series.
Names rumoured for the role include Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, House of the Dragon 's Rhys Ifans (who played Xenophilius Lovegood in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), Oscar-winner Christian Bale and former Doctor Who lead and House of the Dragon actor Matt Smith.