London commuters had more than just traffic to contend with when cameras started rolling for the brand-new Harry Potter TV series.
The busy streets near London Bridge were transformed into a film set, with onlookers catching their first real glimpse of the highly anticipated HBO adaptation.
For fans, it was both exciting and a little eerie—especially with a curious detail about Hagrid that sparked a wave of online reactions.
A Fresh Cast Steps Into Iconic Roles
After months of speculation, the child stars finally confirmed in May are now stepping into the shoes of the legendary trio.
Eleven-year-old Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin is taking on the role of Harry Potter, joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The sight of Dominic in Harry’s trademark round glasses, a colorful rain jacket, wide-leg jeans, and a school rucksack gave fans their first taste of how the new generation will look on screen.
Nick Frost Transforms Into Hagrid
Comedy star Nick Frost, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is tackling the giant-hearted role of Rubeus Hagrid.
While Frost stands at 5ft 7in in real life, clever filming techniques—and even the use of a body double—help create Hagrid’s towering 11ft 6in presence.
Photos from Borough High Street show Frost sporting wild curls, a long beard, and heavy boots, perfectly capturing the spirit of the beloved gamekeeper.
The Curious Mask Detail
What really caught fans’ attention, however, was a strange mask Frost wore in some shots.
It had two black dots above the mouth, a giveaway that visual effects will later enhance Hagrid’s size and features.
Such tricks aren’t new to Hollywood, but seeing it in broad daylight on London’s streets gave spectators a rare peek at how movie magic is made.
Clips shared on TikTok even showed Frost’s double waiting near a Sainsbury’s, ready to step into the scene.
Iconic Locations Brought Back to Life
The capital turned into a wizarding playground as the cameras captured scenes outside a local pub, with fans noting that the Leaky Cauldron was being recreated.
Earlier in July, Nick Frost had also been spotted filming around Embankment, even descending into the London Underground while in full Hagrid gear.
These set pieces offered reassuring nods to the original series, reminding diehards of the magical world that captivated millions.
Mixed Reactions From Fans
As soon as the photos and videos hit social media, fan debates flared up.
Some were thrilled, praising the attention to detail and expressing relief that practical effects and prosthetics were being used to create Hagrid’s look, just as Robbie Coltrane’s version had.
Others, however, were skeptical—one fan bluntly commented that the first glimpse looked like “a bad version of Hagrid,” while another insisted Frost looked far better in these newer shots than in earlier leaked images.
What Comes Next for the Series?
With filming now well underway, excitement continues to build.
The HBO series, first announced in April 2023, is expected to reimagine J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world from the very beginning, season by season.
While opinions are split on how the cast and characters look so far, one thing is clear—this new chapter of Harry Potter is already making headlines long before its official release.
