Harry Potter TV series reportedly eyeing MCU actor for Hagrid after underwhelming debut as Hercules 

Robbie Coltrane and Brett Goldstein (image via Instagram/@harrypotter, @mrbrettgoldstein)
Robbie Coltrane and Brett Goldstein (image via Instagram/@harrypotter, @mrbrettgoldstein)

Harry Potter TV series is arguably one of the most anticipated TV shows in recent times. An adaptation projected to be true to the source, the series is already generating excitement although production begins only in summer 2025.

HBO has kept a tight lid on developments surrounding the series adapted from J.K. Rowling's immensely popular book franchise but the media is rife with reports and scoops. According to Deadline, HBO is eyeing Brett Goldstein of Ted Lasso fame to portray Hagrid on the show.

Brett Goldstein rose to prominence in the early 2020s for his work on the sports sitcom, Ted Lasso. Goldstein made a mark with his acumen for essaying a role that called for dramatic capability as well as comic timing. Thereafter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe signed him on a multi-year contract. Goldstein played Hercules, the son of Zeus, in MCU's 2022 release, Thor: Love and Thunder.

However, he failed to make a mark as Hercules. It has been two years since then and Marvel hasn't presented him with another film. It is fair to say that if Goldstein appears on the Harry Potter TV series, he would have more to gain than the HBO show would gain from his presence.


What would it mean for Brett Goldstein to join Harry Potter TV series as Hagrid?

In the absence of any official confirmation, speculations are rife regarding the casting of characters in the Harry Potter TV series. Amidst all this, Deadline recently addressed the rumour that Brett Goldstein might be in consideration for playing the character of Rubeus Hagrid. It is fair to say that notwithstanding his portrayal of Roy Kent on Ted Lasso, the character of Hagrid would offer Goldstein with a vast canvas to show his craft.

Goldstein has shown he can be hilarious on screen and also act out high drama when the situation demands. Comparisions are bound to crop up with Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the character in the Harry Potter films, but suffice to say that Goldstein might add a different dimension to the role.

As the upcoming series is expected to be an authentic adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise, the screen time could be mammoth and spread over several seasons. Therefore, if Goldstein is cast as Hagrid, it could prove to be one of the most important characters of his career.

It would be a big break because after Ted Lasso, Goldstein hasn't had much memorable screentime, with Marvel having almost forgotten him. He even took to becoming a writer and creator in the meanwhile because he wasn't getting many acting roles.


What's the latest buzz around the Harry Potter TV series?

The upcoming series was announced in April 2023, as a decade-long series that would be faithful to the source material. Author J.K. Rowling serves as Executive Producer of the HBO show, with Francesca Gardiner (Succession) donning the writer's hat.

Production of the series is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, with a possible release window sometime in 2027. Despite rumour mills working overtime regarding casting choices, HBO is yet to confirm any such scoop, instead stating:

"We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."
Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty