Nick Frost and Paul Whitehouse join Harry Potter TV series
Nick Frost and Paul Whitehouse have joined the upcoming Harry Potter television series.
Frost takes one of the main roles in the adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novels, playing half-giant and lumbering Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the series for US channel HBO Max, previously portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the hugely successful film saga.
And Whitehouse was today announced in the supporting role of the wizarding school's curmudgeonly caretaker Argus Filch, taking over from David Bradley.
The British comedy actors join an ensemble headed by Third Rock From The Sun star John Lithgow as the kindly headmaster Albus Dumbledore, fast rising British actor Paapa Essiedu as scheming Professor Severus Snape, Oscar nominee Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, with Luke Thallon as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrel.
Details of the young actors playing the three main roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are still to be announced. The identity of the series' principal villain, Lord Voldemort, is also yet to be disclosed.
"We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life," said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer of the series, and Mark Mylod (Shooting Stars, The Stand Up Show), director of multiple episodes and executive producer.
Lithgow has previously confirmed he'd accepted the role, telling US entertainment website Variety: "It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid. But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87-years-old at the wrap party, but I've said yes."
HBO's plan is to adapt each of Rowling's seven novels into a single series of television. Last year it said that it expected to begin filming in mid-2025 and that 32,000 children had auditioned for the young roles, with a team viewing between 500 and 1,000 auditions per day.
HBO Max content has tended to be broadcast by Sky in the UK. But the Harry Potter series is seen as integral to HBO Max establishing itself in this country once it launches here next year.