Nick Frost reveals he's been targeted by trans activists as he prepares to work with JK Rowling after accepting role of Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series
The actor, 53, will star as the legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper in the much-anticipated show, which is set to begin filming this summer.
However after sharing the exciting announcement on Instagram, Nick revealed he was forced to turn off the comments on the post due to being swamped with criticism for collaborating with JK Rowling.
The famous author, who is also serving as an executive producer of the new series, has become a vocal presence in the transgender debate.
Distancing himself from Rowling's trans views, Nick told the Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine. They just don't align in any way, shape of form.'
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Rowling has been vocal on the subject of trans people for several years; in 2018, a spokesperson explained that her 'like' of a tweet calling trans women 'men in dresses' had been a 'middle-aged moment'.
And following the Supreme Court judgement on April 17, Rowling has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'.
Despite turning off interaction with fans, the publication asked Nick if he believes the debate may overshadow the new series.
He added: ' I don't know but maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away because if makes it easier maybe we should educate ourselves.'
In his announcement post, the actor posed with a classic copy of the first book in JK Rowling's series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
He is set to play the role that was made famous by veteran actor Robbie Coltrane in the original film series, before his death in 2022.
Nick captioned his post: 'You're a wizard, Harry!!!
'Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won't let you down.'
Elsewhere, critics of the Harry Potter author criticised her role as an executive producer on the show because of her views on transgender issues. HBO chiefs later defended her role, saying Rowling had a 'right to express her personal views'.
In a move that's sent shockwaves of excitement across the fandom, Hollywood heavyweight John Lithgow has been announced as the new Albus Dumbledore.
Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman.
The casting, which was officially announced earlier this month, forms part of HBO's hotly anticipated reboot of J.K. Rowling 's seven-book series – a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films.
Fans say this could be the most exciting reboot yet, with many calling the casting 'perfectly magical' and praising the diverse, inclusive approach taken by producers.
Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: '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.'
Executive producer and director Mark Mylod added: 'We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.'
The new series is aims to 'lead a new generation of fandom' and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years.
It will be executive produced by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair and David Heyman.
Back in 2023, the Mail's Alison Boshoff revealed how Rowling would personally approve all of the key castings in the forthcoming series.
The author previously said: 'Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me.
'And I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation, which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.'
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