Things are moving along nicely for the Harry Potter series. While HBO and Max are keeping this ambitious project, which is expected to span around ten years, the rumors are multiplying regarding the cast of this new adaptation of the adventures of the little wizard with glasses. It must be said that the film saga could boast of having summoned solid artisans and that many long-time fans believe that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are inseparable from Harry, Ron and Hermione. Warner Bros. is therefore expected to deliver; it really has no room for error with its leading trio. While the identity of those who will take over remains a mystery, things are moving on the faculty side.
A few weeks ago, John Lithgow confirmed after months of rumors that he had been offered the role of Dumbledore. The American actor succeeds Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, the former of whom played him in the first two films before his death. The latter appeared in the third installment and donned the immense wizard's robes until the conclusion with Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It is also rumored that Papaa Essiedu is close to closing a deal to play Severus Snape, while Janet McTeer is being considered for Professor McGonagall. Deadline has just learned that an actor could soon be added to the cast. According to reports from the American media, Nick Frost has been approached to play Hagrid. He is reportedly about to sign his contract.
The adorable giant
Nick Frost has a solid reputation in both cinema and on the small screen. Along with his sidekicks Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, he helped create some of the most iconic British comedies of the early 2000s. From Shaun of the Dead to Hot Fuzz and The World's End, his reputation is well established. However, he will trade his appearance as a good-natured loser for that of a touching half-giant who accompanies the heroes in their schooling. A choice that makes sense, as Nick Frost's good nature is evident. Let's remember that Frost has some experience in entertainment for young viewers; he will be starring in Dragons later this year.
Critics will say that he doesn't have the stature of Hagrid, at meter 70, but let's remember that Robbie Coltrane was only 1 meter 80. His gigantism was immortalized in Columbus, as with the directors who followed him, thanks to animatronics during wide shots. and framing tips for close-ups. Nothing insurmountable for the teams of this series, whose budget nevertheless remains a mystery.
What we know about the project
Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series finally seems to be making major progress. After the arrival of showrunner Francisca Gardiner and director and producer Mark Mylod in 2024, the project is on the right track. HBO and Max hope to be able to broadcast the first season as early as the end of 2026, or even early 2027, according to the latest information. With such a schedule, and given the significant post-production work required for productions of this type, we can hope that filming will begin in 2025.
As a reminder, the Harry Potter series should benefit from a decade-long run and have as many seasons as the saga has books. The creator and screenwriter will have the opportunity to explore aspects of the plot that were overlooked in the cinema, as the format does not allow for exhaustiveness. This should be the case for the character Peeves, a mischievous spirit who was simply abandoned by Chris Columbus in 2001, or Hermione's Elf Liberation Aid Society.
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