Nick Frost is stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter as he takes on the beloved role of Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming television adaptation of the series.
Best known for his role in Shaun of the Dead, the actor, 53, is preparing to bring his own version of the gentle half-giant to life, nearly three years after Robbie Coltrane, who originally portrayed Hagrid in the films, passed away at age 72.
While Frost acknowledges the impact of Coltrane’s portrayal, he’s clear about his approach to the role.
“You get cast because you're going to bring something to that. While I'm really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie's amazing performance, I'm never going to try and be Robbie,” he told Collider.
“I'm going to try to do something, not 'different' — I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter — but within that, there's scope for minutia.”
Frost, who has spent time reading the original books, shared that his interpretation of Hagrid leans into the character’s emotional depth.
“A lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child,” is how he described the gamekeeper, adding that he hopes to reflect those qualities in his performance.
Unlike the original films, the new series format gives Frost the opportunity to explore more layers of Hagrid’s personality.
“He's funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike,” he said. “That's what I'm planning on doing.”
As production ramps up, Frost has already begun going through head sculpts and other special effects preparations. A longtime fan of cinema, he said the experience of working on a set like this one is especially exciting.
