HBO’s upcoming adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is steadily assembling its cast, and the latest name linked to the project is British actor-comedian Nick Frost. Reports suggest that Frost is close to securing the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts, originally played by Robbie Coltrane in the film franchise.
Although HBO has yet to officially confirm Frost’s casting, speculation has been growing, fuelled by a cryptic social media post from the actor. Fans took notice when Frost recently wrote, “It’s happening, it’s actually happening,” on Instagram, sparking theories about his involvement. Further fuelling the rumours, he has started following actors already associated with the project, including John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu.
Nick Frost’s rumoured casting as Hagrid has sparked major fan discussions onlineGetty Images
If finalised, Frost will join Lithgow, who is set to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, and Essiedu, reportedly in talks for the role of Severus Snape. Janet McTeer is also rumoured to be portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall.
HBO has addressed the swirling rumours but remains tight-lipped about casting details. In a statement, the network acknowledged the ongoing speculation, stating, “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”
Robbie Coltrane’s iconic portrayal of Hagrid set the bar highGetty Images
The Harry Potter series, which HBO plans to develop over the course of a decade, aims to provide a deeper and more faithful adaptation of the beloved books. The project is helmed by writer-showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, both known for their work on high-profile television dramas. HBO executive Casey Bloys has promised that the series will explore each book in greater depth than the films.
Frost’s potential casting as Hagrid has been met with excitement from fans, as he is well known for his work in British comedy. His collaborations with Simon Pegg in films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End have earned him a strong following. His experience in fantasy and action genres, including his role in Into the Badlands, makes him a strong contender for the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper.
Major casting updates for HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ reboot continue to make headlinesGetty Images
The HBO reboot is expected to begin filming in 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, where the original films were shot. With major roles being filled, fans eagerly await further casting announcements, including the selection of new actors to play Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.