Harry Potter fans spread major theory after Hagrid reboot casting is ‘revealed’

Hagrid is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise (Picture: Murray Close/ Getty Images)

Harry Potter fans have revealed an audacious theory that an iconic comedy duo could potentially be reunited in the new TV series.

In April 2023 it was announced that a reboot of the fantasy book series about the world-famous boy wizard was in the works at HBO.

Since then, speculation has grown over which acting legends will be cast in the beloved roles, as well as the new young actors who will play Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Now, it has been rumoured that British actor-comedian Nick Frost is nearing a deal to play the iconic role of half-giant Rubeus Hagrid originally portrayed by Robbie Coltrane, with the casting claim prompting fans to suggest a major theory for the upcoming adaptation.

As HBO continues to put together a cast for the series, it’s been claimed by Deadline that Frost is close to joining the likes of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu, who are in negotiations to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape respectively.

However, fans of the book series believe Frost’s comedy sidekick Simon Pegg could also potentially be cast alongside him, considering their many collaborations in the past.

Nick Frost could potentially play Hagrid (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage)

While HBO continues to keep a tight lip over castings, comments about Frost joining the show started to circulate online last week.

Reddit fans highlighted a cryptic post by Frost on March 20, which said: ‘It’s happening, it’s actually happening’, and also noticed that he had followed rumoured cast members Lithgow and Essiedu.

But fans were also quick to suggest that Pegg – who has starred alongside Frost in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul and The World’s End – should be cast alongside him.

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Commenting on Reddit, L0ch_ness_monster said: ‘If Nick Frost is in this, then they need to find a role for his BFF Simon Pegg. He could be Filch.’

Desperate_Ad_9219 added: ‘He could be Arthur Weasley. He’s a goofy actor, but I have seen him play serious as well. So he can do both.’

Proof_Surround3856 echoed this, saying: ‘Exactly! He’d be perfect and actually portray him as the sweet yet protective patriarch of the Weasleys.’

Frost’s Shaun of the Dead co-star Simon Pegg could also star in the Harry Potter TV series (Picture: Universal Studios)

A_man_potato also wrote: ‘Simon Pegg played Phineas Black in Hogwarts Legacy. Not a big role, but I’d be happy to see him return to play his portrait. 

‘And given that I believe WB is on record saying they want HL to tie into the show, I’d hazard a guess they’re thinking the same.’

HBO declined to comment on the casting speculation, but said in a statement reported by Deadline: ‘We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.’

Hagrid is Hogwarts’ friendly groundskeeper who eventually becomes the Care of Magical Creatures professor.

In all eight Harry Potter films, Coltrane – who passed away in 2022 – played the beloved figure.

After starring in the AMC action drama series Badlands, Frost will next be seen in the live-action remake How to Train Your Dragon in June.