Nick Frost has admitted that 'some people won't like' his performance as Rubeus Hagrid in the new Harry Potter TV series. The actor, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will succeed the late Robbie Coltrane in the role of Hagrid, Harry's giant wizard friend, in the series of TV adaptations of JK Rowling's bestsellers. The series launches on HBO on Christmas Day, and has been beset by intrigue and controversy since its announcement.
In a new interview, Frost said that he had attempted to honour Coltrane's performance in the role while adding his own flavour to it. 'I've tried to take what Robbie did and honour that ... but also I've got eight hours here each series, while Robbie had two and a half – there has to be a bit more to him,' Frost told The Times. 'So: he's from Bristol. He's nice, a bit quiet.'
Frost added that he drew in part from his uncle, named Emy, who 'never grew up' after being diagnosed with scarlet fever as a child in the 1950s. He also said that he drew inspiration from Michael Clarke Duncan's 'huge, violent but childlike' character in the Stephen King adaptation The Green Mile. 'Some people won't like it,' Frost said. 'They'll go, 'Not my Hagrid.' And that is all right.'
Frost previously spoke about joining the world of Harry Potter when asked for comment on Rowling, who has repeatedly come under fire for various comments about gender ideology. Many, including stars of the Potter film adaptations, have accused her of transphobia. While John Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, called the backlash to his casting 'odd', Frost said that he understood the blowback but reiterated that he did not agree with Rowling's views.