Moviefone Editorial

Tag: robbie-coltrane

  • Nick Frost in Negotiations to Play ‘Harry Potter’s Hagrid

    (Left) Nick Frost in 'Shaun of the Dead'. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' series. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (Left) Nick Frost in ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Preview:

    • Nick Frost is close to a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series.
    • He’d join John Lithgow, who is confirmed as playing Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.
    • The show aims to adapt the books across the next several years.

    Like the giant, moving chess totems in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ the pieces are falling into place casting-wise for the new HBO TV series adaptation the iconic fantasy novels.

    While the only person truly confirmed so far is John Lithgow, who will be Albus Dumbledore, the benevolent yet mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, there is word that both Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are close to their own deals as fellow Hogwarts educators Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape respectively, now Deadline is reporting that Nick Frost is the latest person in negotiations.

    Assuming his own deal lands, Frost will be playing Rubeus Hagrid, the kindly half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts who becomes a firm friend for Harry and co.

    In the movies, Hagrid was played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who sadly died in 2022.

    HBO, somewhat naturally, is sticking to its blanket refusal to confirm anything:

    “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.”

    As for the main trio, the company has conducted a huge search for young actors who will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but we’ve yet to learn who has landed the key roles.

    Related Article: John Lithgow is Reportedly Nearing a Deal to be Dumbledore in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series

    Where else have we seen Nick Frost?

    Nick Frost in 'Shaun of the Dead'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Nick Frost in ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Frost rose to notice in UK TV series ‘Spaced,’ in which he appeared alongside Simon Pegg and Jessica Stephenson.

    The show, which was directed by Edgar Wright, led to the three ‘Cornetto Trilogy’ movies, ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ ‘Hot Fuzz’ and ‘The World’s End,’ co-written by Pegg and Wright and all helmed by Wright.

    Frost and Pegg, friends for decades, have also collaborated on the likes of ‘Paul’ and Prime Video series ‘Truth Seekers.’

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    His solo movie credits included ‘Attack the Block’ ‘Snow White and the Huntsman,’ ‘Cuban Fury’ and ‘Fighting with My Family.’

    On TV, he’s recently been heard as the voice of SM 33 in Disney+ series ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.

    Upcoming for Frost? Playing Gobber in the live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ in theaters on June 13th.

    What’s the story of the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?

    (L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.

    Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:

    “The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

    The series will be written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, who scored the job after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right showrunner. Mark Mylod is executive producing and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.

    Who else has been rumored for the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?

    Oscar® nominee Cillian Murphy arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Oscar® nominee Cillian Murphy arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    John Lithgow’s ‘Conclave’ co-star Ralph Fiennes –– who was the villainous Voldemort in four of the seven ‘Potter’ movies –– suggesting someone who could take over that character (even though he’s said he’d be willing to return if asked).

    Following speculation of ‘Oppenheimer’ Oscar winner Cillian Murphy taking it on, Fiennes was asked on TV show ‘Watch What Happens Live’ about the possibility. This is what he said:

    “Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”

    We’d add at this point that The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have poured cold water on the idea of Murphy even being considered right now. Which is not to say he isn’t, but that no one wants to talk yet.

    The biggest issue for getting more famous –– and therefore busier –– actors involved is the commitment issue; those taking part would likely be contracted for a good 10 years or so. But we can imagine HBO conjuring hefty cash offers to name stars to entice them.

    What about the J.K. Rowling issue?

    (L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.' Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    ‘Potter’ creator and original novelist Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.

    This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:

    “Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”

    Fiennes (yes, him again) weighed in on the issue when talking to The New York Times in 2022:

    “J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”

    When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?

    HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.

    (L to R) Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.' Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Harry Potter’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Robbie Coltrane Dies at 72

    Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'
    Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.’

    Robbie Coltrane, a beloved actor and comedian who became world famous for his portrayal of half-giant/half-wizard Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ movie franchise, has died. He was 72.

    Coltrane’s career was full of an eclectic batch of roles, spanning comedy and drama, and he earned many fans for some very different characters.

    Born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Glasgow, Scotland the son of a doctor and teacher, he initially pursued art as a potential career. After graduating from Glasgow Art School, he continued his studies in art at Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh.

    But when his efforts to become an artist didn’t work out, Coltrane switched to stand-up comedy in Edinburgh clubs. As part of the new path, changed his last name in honor of the jazz legend John Coltrane and began looking for work as an actor in London.

    Early appearances included tiny roles in movies such as ‘Flash Gordon’ and ‘Death Watch’, ‘Krull’ and ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation’. More memorable movie parts include ‘Nuns on the Run’, ‘Absolute Beginners’, ‘From Hell’, ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ and Pixar’s ‘Brave’.

    Before his movie career truly got going however, Coltrane paid his dues on British TV, making guest appearances in shows such as ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘Minder’ before his first breakout in 1987 miniseries ‘Tutti Frutti’.

    Robbie Coltrane as Paul Finchley in the British TV series 'National Treasure.'
    Robbie Coltrane as Paul Finchley in the British TV series ‘National Treasure.’

    He became known as a man who could switch seamlessly between comedy and drama, working on series including ‘Blackadder’, ‘A Kick Up the Eighties’, ‘The Comic Strip’ and ‘Alfresco’.

    Perhaps his biggest role on television was that of Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, a hard-drinking, cynical, smart (and smart-mouthed) psychologist who consulted with the police and had a gift for solving crimes in ‘Cracker’. Jimmy McGovern’s series ran for 25 episodes between 1993 and 2006.

    That performance (for which the actor won a BAFTA) helped boost his profile once more, and he played Russian mobster Valentin Zukovsky in two Bond movies, ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’.

    And then there was Hagrid. Cast by director Chris Columbus and the team for the adaptation of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ as the hulking half-wizard, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, he became a firm fan favorite, and recalled the job as one that will stand the test of time.

    “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children,” he said during the 20th anniversary special on HBO Max this year. “So you could be watching it in 50 years’ time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes.”

    Coltrane, who received an OBE in 2006, had been ill for the last couple of years and died at a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. He’s survived by two children and will be sadly missed.

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