Latest news with #HotFuzz
Sky News AU
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Harry Potter reboot star Nick Frost fails to mention J.K. Rowling during new interview in which he revealed the 'only people' whose approval he sought for iconic role
New Harry Potter star Nick Frost has revealed the "only people" whose approval he sought before taking on an iconic role in the TV series - but notably failed to mention controversial author J.K. Rowling. Frost will play beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper Hagrid in the upcoming HBO adaptation of Rowling's seven-volume fantasy series into a long-form TV show, which is set to start filming in the UK in less than a month. The actor and comedian said he was a huge fan of the late Robbie Coltrane, who originally played Hagrid in the films from 2001 to 2011. Frost said he never knew the legendary actor, but his best mate Danny did. And he was elated when Coltrane's children called Danny with their resounding approval of him taking over their father's most famous role. 'I loved the fact he was massive and angry, and that's how he began, as a kind of people's poet in a way,' Frost said over Zoom in London, according to NewsCorp's entertainment journalist James Wigney on Friday. 'And I love that working-class element he brought to everything he did. I had never met him, but my best friend Danny knows his family very well. 'And apparently, his kids phoned my mate Danny to say, 'We are so happy that Nick got the role of Hagrid and that Dad was a really big fan of his'. Frost said Coltrane's family were the "only people" he felt he had to "really impress" in the Harry Potter world, and that "job is done" now. The actor will join a star-studded ensemble, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape in the awaited series revamp. Dominic McLaughlin has been cast for the titular role of Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermoine Granger. Frost's failure to mention Rowling is notable after some of the new stars, including Lithgow and Essiedu, recently expressed opposition to the author's views. However, he previously disagreed with the 59-year-old's opinions in an interview with The Observer. 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine, they just don't align in any way, shape or form,' the Hot Fuzz actor told the publication recently. Asked if he fears the conversation about Rowling could overshadow the new show, Frost said he hoped it would serve as an educational tool. 'I don't know,' he said. 'But maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.' Last November, HBO chief Casey Bloys said Rowling's views have not "affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff'. A spokesperson for the network added the author "has a right to express her personal views" and the new series will "only benefit from her involvement." Rowling recently celebrated the ruling that only biological women meet the definition of a woman under equality laws in a landmark case. She has previously mocked the phrase "people who menstruate", said women's rights and "lived reality" would be "erased" if "sex isn't real", and called a list of trans women "men, every last one of them".
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's chaotic new action comedy movie looks perfect for 'Hot Fuzz' fans — watch the trailer now
Netflix's upcoming action-comedy looks like it's perfect for fans of buddy comedy hits like "Hot Fuzz" or "Bad Boys." And, in a summer where rival streaming service Prime Video has already released "Deep Cover" and is still to drop "Heads of State" and "The Pickup," it's good to see Netflix will have it's own chaotic watch, too. The new movie in question is "Almost Cops," a Dutch original comedy directed by Gonzalo Fernández Carmona which sees reckless ex-detective Jack (Werner Kolf) being demoted to work alongside Ramon (Jandino Asporaat), a dedicated community officer who wants nothing more than to keep the streets of Rotterdam safe and clean. Now, that might not sound like a recipe for a wild action comedy, but if you've watched the footage above, you'll know that's not true. The "Almost Cops" trailer descends into chaos when the pair agree to wade into Rotterdam's criminal underworld, and to search for the man who killed Ramon's brother. From there on, the trailer's a montage of wild action as they and the rest of Ramon's team become, as the trailer puts it, "Delightfully Deranged Officers," getting involved in brawls, chases and some slow-mo silliness. If the "Almost Cops" trailer has you excited to see what chaos is in store, you've only got a few more weeks to wait before you can watch it; "Almost Cops" comes to Netflix on Friday, July 11, 2025. Netflix has already released a full plot synopsis for the upcoming release. It reads: "In "Almost Cops," Ramon (Jandino Asporaat), a dedicated special investigating officer determined to make his Rotterdam neighbourhood safer is forced to work with Jack (Werner Kolf), a reckless ex-detective temporarily demoted to Ramon's team after an incident. "While these opposites must work together, they eventually discover they have more in common than they expected: the loss of a loved one who was murdered. As Ramon and Jack become a dream team, they do everything they can to track down the perpetrator, revealing unexpected secrets and getting ever closer to the truth." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In addition to Asporaat and Kolf, "Almost Cops" also stars Mark Rietman, Florence Vos Weeda, Juliette van Ardenne, Ferdi Stofmeel, Teun Kuilboer, Daniël Kolf, Victoria Koblenko, Romana Vrede, Yannick Jozefzoon, Nazmiye Oral, Rian Gerritsen, Phi Nguyen, Richard Groenendijk and Steef Cuijpers. Can't wait for "Almost Cops" to arrive? Need something else to stream while you wait? Check out our round-up of the best Netflix comedies or our overall list of the best Netflix movies for tons more streaming recommendations for more laughs and movie night picks.
Pink Villa
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did Nick Frost Agree With JK Rowling's Problematic Opinions? Actor Responds Post-Harry Potter Casting Backlash
Nick Frost, who is set to play Hagrid in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, has spoken out about the backlash he received for working on the project alongside author J.K. Rowling. In a new interview with The Observer, the actor made it clear that his views on trans rights are not in line with Rowling's. J.K. Rowling, who created the Harry Potter universe, has faced ongoing criticism in recent years over her comments on gender identity, which many consider anti-trans. Despite this, she remains closely involved with the HBO reboot as an executive producer. HBO chief Casey Bloys previously confirmed that Rowling was very involved in the process of choosing the creative team. Nick Frost, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, said he had to disable comments on his Instagram post announcing his casting due to the strong reactions from trans rights activists. 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine,' Frost told The Observer. 'They just don't align in any way, shape, or form.' Here's what Nick Frost said about the backlash When asked if he was concerned the debate over Rowling's views might overshadow the new Harry Potter series, Frost replied, 'I don't know. But maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.' Frost's comments come as the Harry Potter reboot prepares to begin production. The series, which aims to retell the story of the original books with a new cast, has already drawn attention due to Rowling's involvement. What about other Harry Potter stars? Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, recently shared a different perspective. Speaking to Variety at the Tony Awards in New York, Felton said the controversy surrounding Rowling hasn't changed how he feels about the franchise. 'The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world, here I am in New York, and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than 'Potter,'' Felton said. 'And she's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful.' As the new Harry Potter series moves forward, the debate around Rowling's public statements and involvement continues to stir reactions from both fans and cast members. While Frost is clear that his beliefs don't match Rowling's, others in the Harry Potter universe remain appreciative of her work.
ITV News
05-06-2025
- ITV News
'Less glamorous than Hot Fuzz': bodycam footage shows Essex officers chasing prolific thief
Bodycam footage shows police chasing Scott Butcher Bodycam footage has been released showing police scaling garden fences to chase down a prolific thief. Scott Butcher fled the rear of a house in Colchester, Essex, where he was staying without the owner's permission, on 28 March after police surrounded the property. The 38-year-old had been identified as the culprit in 11 separate thefts, ten at Co-op stores and one at the Asda store in Shrub End Road. Butcher, of no fixed address, stole cleaning products, meat and sweets, with the highest-value theft worth £230. He was in breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order put in place in September 2023, stopping him from entering any Co-op store in Essex. Officers from the Colchester Local Policing Team managed to catch him and he was arrested before being charged with 11 counts of theft and 10 breaches of his CBO. He was sentenced to eight months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court. Sgt Dean Young said: "It's a little less glamorous and executed with a little less flair than you see in films like Hot Fuzz, but we won't let gates or garden fences get in the way of catching criminals. "I know we can't be everywhere at all times, but I'd like to urge our businesses and residents to feel confident in making reports to us about theft and associated anti-social behaviour."
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Nick Frost addresses taking over iconic role in controversial Harry Potter series
Nick Frost has spoken out about his casting as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which has been plagued with controversy over author JK Rowling's anti-trans views Nick Frost has shared his aspirations to portray the beloved character Hagrid in the anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation. The esteemed actor from Hot Fuzz, 53, is set to step into the shoes of Robbie Coltrane, who memorably depicted the amiable giant and Keeper of Keys throughout the film series. Nick will join an illustrious cast including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall. Luke Thallon is slated to bring Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell to life, whereas comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse will depict Squib janitor Argus Filch. The coveted lead roles have been awarded to Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Staunton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Controversy surrounds the TV series, which has seen some Potter enthusiasts threatening to shun the HBO adaptation due to author JK Rowling's contentious views on transgender issues. While initially remaining out of the discussion surrounding the show by restricting comments following his Instagram announcement, Nick has since addressed his involvement more openly. In conversation with Collider, he expressed: "You get cast because you're going to bring something to that. While I'm really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie's amazing performance, I'm never going to try and be Robbie." Offering insight into his approach to the role, he added: "I'm going to try and do something, not 'different,' I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia. I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. "I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can't wait. He's funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike. That's what I'm planning on doing." When Nick first announced his role as Hagrid on social media, he faced backlash from fans who criticised Rowling's views, which have been labelled as transphobic. Several original cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, David Tennant and Emma Watson, have publicly disagreed with Rowling, leading to disappointment among Nick's fans about his involvement in the franchise. "Actor Nick Frost is currently getting destroyed on his Instagram for willingly joining the cast of JK Rowling's new Harry Potter TV show reboot and tacitly supporting her irredeemable bigotry. It's so bad he disabled comments on a post holding up a Harry Potter book. Not great," one person had written on X. "Honestly, I am shocked by him. I genuinely had more faith in him," another said. While further details of the series are still under wraps, HBO's chief content officer earlier this year emphasised that the TV show is "not secretly being infused" with any views when discussing Rowling's beliefs. In the wake of the massive controversy, which has seen Rowling lose a significant number of fans, Casey Bloys stated: "The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years." During an appearance on The Town podcast, when questioned about his concerns regarding her opinions, he elaborated: "We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC. "It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. "Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter." The Harry Potter TV series is expected to air in 2027.
