Nick Frost, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is under fire after celebrating his casting as Hagrid in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot. The 53-year-old British actor shared the news with nearly a million followers on Instagram, posting a selfie with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
He wrote, “You’re a wizard, Harry!!! Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid…Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down,” referencing the late Robbie Coltrane, who originated the role. But the celebration was short-lived. Frost has now disabled comments on the post after a wave of backlash, largely due to J.K. Rowling’s continued involvement as executive producer.
Rowling has been widely criticized by LGBTQ communities for her persistent anti-trans rhetoric. Most recently, she dismissed International Asexuality Day as “fake oppression” day. Critics have flooded Frost’s other posts with messages of disappointment. One wrote, “You always were an artist I highly admired… You might lose a lot of fans with that decision.” Another added: “You’ve lost the respect of millions.”
While some fans applauded HBO’s casting choices—like John Lithgow as gay headmaster Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape—many expressed disappointment that beloved actors chose to be part of a Rowling-led production. Frost’s decision is particularly striking given his next major role—starring alongside trans comedian Jordan Gray in Transaction, an ITV sitcom centered on trans experiences.Despite the criticism, HBO has said Rowling’s involvement “hasn’t impacted casting,” and the series will begin airing in 2026. Each of Rowling’s seven novels will be adapted into its own season over a planned ten-year run.
