HBO is now working hard to round out the main cast of its highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot. With John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu confirmed to play Professors Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape, respectively, the latest name to emerge is British actor-comedian Nick Frost.
Known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, the 52-year-old star is reportedly nearing a deal to portray the iconic half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
While this excites fans, several other actors also seem well-suited to become the modern Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.
With that in mind, here are the stars who could be the next Hagrid, originally played by the late Robbie Coltrane.
Nick Frost
Frost appears to be a natural choice to portray Hagrid, thanks to his great humor and warmth.
The character has become a cornerstone of the Harry Potter series, being Hogwarts’ gatekeeper and a father figure to Harry.
Hagrid embodies kindness, loyalty, and clumsiness that Frost can bring to life with his unique flair.
Frost first fueled speculations with his cryptic post on Instagram on March 20.
“What a bloody lovely day! It’s happening, it’s actually happening. Stay cool,” he captioned his photo.
While HBO has yet to confirm his casting, he is said to be nearing the finalization of the deal.
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” the network said in a statement. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Brett Goldstein
Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein is rumored to be the first choice to star as Hagrid.
However, fans cannot help but contradict the assumption, expressing their dissatisfaction over the choice.
Many say Goldstein is not the right fit for the part. But with his gruff yet lovable demeanor, it was no surprise that he was eyed to play the role.
Anyhow, as he is now linked to other projects, like Apple TV’s Shrinking Season 3, the rumors have died away.
Jack Black
Redditor mrs_gymcaster sees Jack Black as an excellent choice to play Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot.
Known for his comedic prowess and iconic roles in School of Rock and Jumanji, Black’s energetic and warm performances make him a perfect fit.
In fact, he is one of the fan-favorite candidates for Hagrid, with a MyCast user suggesting his casting in April 2024.
It also cannot be denied that he got the looks. If this happens, one Reddit user believes Harry Potter will become more “watchable.”
Brendan Fraser
If there’s one actor who seems like the perfect choice for Hagrid, it’s Brendan Fraser.
The Mummy star is a seasoned industry veteran who recently captured hearts with his Oscar-winning performance in The Whale.
His portrayal of the reclusive and ailing English teacher, Charlie, earned him widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations, winning the Academy Award, Critics’ Choice Award, and SAG Award for Best Actor.
With his lovable personality and exceptional acting skills, Fraser could be an ideal Hagrid for the reboot.
David Harbour
Another popular fan-casting choice is David Harbour. Best known for his role as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, the American actor is celebrated for his humorous and charismatic performances.
While he can be sarcastic or dismissive, his deadpan humor, sharp wit, and endearing awkwardness have made him a fan favorite.
Many consider Harbour’s potential portrayal of Hagrid to be “perfect casting.” With his rugged charm and ability to balance humor with gravitas, it is easy to see why he remains a top choice.
Sure, no one can replace Coltrane and the magic he brought on-screen when he played the role of Hagrid from 2001 to 2011, with the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Though it will be hard to fill his shoes, fans hope the next actor to take his mantle can do justice to the beloved character.
