First image of Nick Frost as Hagrid in Harry Potter TV series released

By Jenny Garnsworthy, PA

The first image of actor Nick Frost in character as Hagrid has been revealed as filming of the new Harry Potter TV series gets under way.

Production of the new HBO TV show version of the popular fantasy novels is taking place at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Watford, Hertfordshire.

On Tuesday, HBO released the image of Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, complete with long, wild mane of wavy brown hair and beard. He is wearing a long, dark green coat, with a dark green stripy shirt just visible underneath.

Frost, who is best known for British comedy films Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead, is playing the role of the friendly groundskeeper in the series, who was played by the late Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane in the films.

It comes after HBO announced yesterday that young actor Rory Wilmot will perform the role of Harry’s school friend Neville Longbottom, while Amos Kitson has been cast as his cousin Dudley Dursley.

Meanwhile, Sherlock actress Louise Brealey is to play Hogwarts Quidditch coach Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Game Of Thrones star Anton Lesser will be wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.

Those previously announced include award-winning US actor John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore, Welsh comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse as caretaker Argus Filch, and Rivals actress Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

Each season of the show will be a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, from author and executive producer JK Rowling.

It follows the popular film adaptations that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as the protagonists.

The series is set to hit TV screens in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max.