Discover how Robin Williams, a big Harry Potter fan, desperately wanted to portray Hagrid or Lupin in the iconic movies but was rejected due to a ban on American actors. Learn about the reasons behind this decision and the impact it had.

Did Robin Williams nearly play Hagrid?

The late great Robin Williams wanted to be a part of the Harry Potter films and was up for playing the role of Hagrid. One of most loved actors of his generation, Williams was a household name for his starring roles in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook, Jumanji and Good Will Hunting.

Who did Robin Williams almost play in Harry Potter?

As reported by our friends at LADbible, Robin Williams was almost cast as beloved keeper of the keys Rubeus Hagrid. Best known for appearances in Aladdin, Jumanji, Hook, and Mrs. Doubtfire, Williams was a major household name but lost out on the role to actor Robbie Coltrane due to a rule set by author JK Rowling.

What actor was rejected for the role of Hagrid in Harry Potter?

Despite his desire to play the jovial gamekeeper and groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series, comedy legend Robin Williams wasn't even offered an audition by the film's makers — it was the biggest miscarriage of justice since they took Hagrid's wand.

Did Robin Williams want to be in Harry Potter?

According to Slash Film, Total Film and Insider, the late Robin Williams also wanted a part in the Harry Potter films. He had his eye on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts.

The Harry Potter Trio’s Final Message To Robbie Coltrane

Did Robin Williams audition for Hagrid?

the late Robin Williams applied to play Rubeus Hagrid in the movies but was rejected.

Who else tried out to be Harry Potter?

In a 2016 HuffPost interview, casting director Janet Hirshensom said that an American actor was tested for the role of Harry Potter, but only one. That was Liam Aiken, who had worked with "Sorcerer's Stone" director Christopher Columbus in 1998's "Stepmom."

Who was the first choice for Hagrid?

Robin Williams - Rubeus Hagrid

It led to him being the director's first choice for Rubeus Hagrid. But J K Rowling again insisted that all the cast had to be British actors and therefore vetoed Williams. The role was given to Robbie Coltrane who became an iconic character in the franchise.

Why was Hagrid played by two actors?

However, the VFX team often superimposed Coltrane's body into scenes with the help of a green screen to make Hagrid look larger than the characters next to him. For Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Columbus hired Martin Bayfield, a 6'10" former rugby player as the perfect body double for Hagrid.

Why was Hagrid banned?

After Hagrid was accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets, he was expelled and forbidden to do magic. His wand was also confiscated and snapped in half (the pieces were later reassembled and hidden in a pink umbrella, which never seems to be far from Hagrid).

Who did Johnny Depp play in Harry Potter?

John Christopher "Johnny" Depp II (born 9 June 1963) is an American actor, producer, and musician who portrayed a middle-aged Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Why did John Williams quit Harry Potter?

Williams was asked to return to score the film franchise's final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, but director David Yates said that "their schedules simply did not align", as he would have had to provide Williams with a rough cut of the film sooner than was possible.

Who is the boy wizard played by Daniel Radcliffe?

He rose to fame at age 12 when he began portraying Harry Potter in the film series of the same name. Radcliffe portrayed Potter in all eight films in the series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).

Who would play a good Hagrid?

Despite many believing that Hagrid was perfectly cast with Robbie Coltrane, Nick Frost has the potential to fully embody the half-giant's warm spirit.

Is Hagrid Harry's Godfather?

While Sirius is officially Harry's godfather and he does a lot to protect him, there are also many reasons why Hagrid was the better father figure in Harry's life.

Were Hagrid and Voldemort friends?

Indeed, while the books characterize Hagrid as a kind man who unintentionally endangers young schoolchildren because of his affinity for dangerous magical creatures, Hagrid might in fact be an evil spy, acting as a confidant to Voldemort for decades.

Why did Rupert Grint not go to Robbie Coltrane's funeral?

He told of how losing Coltrane was particularly tough and described him as a 'wonderful being', but admitted that he was absent from the funeral because 'I don't claim to know him outside work'.

Who played the body double for Hagrid?

As one of the country's most popular after dinner sports speakers Martin Bayfield entertains audiences with tales of his time as a rugby international as well as his previous career in the police force. Martin was the body double for Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

How big was Hagrid in real life?

In real life, I'm 6' 1" - each way pretty well, north and south and east and west, unfortunately.

Who was the second choice for Harry Potter?

Liam Aiken — Harry Potter

This instantly ruled out Aiken and that opened the door for British actor Daniel Radcliff to land the role that defined his career when he was barely 11 years old.

Who was the boy who was almost Harry Potter?

Maddog Runner Liam Aiken almost got—was apparently offered—the role, but Rowling insisting on a British actor. Based on filmography, he seems to be doing pretty well for himself though, and I couldn't find a memoir from him.

What did Hagrid take from 713?

At the beginning of the first book, Gringotts Vault 713, a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, which we later learn contains the Philosopher's Stone. Albus Dumbledore sends Hagrid to retrieve it while he escorts Harry to Diagon Alley.

Who almost played Ron Weasley?

Thomas Brodie-Sangster

The Love Actually child star auditioned for the role of Ron Weasley in the first Harry Potter movie. In an interview, he opened up about how hard it was to face the rejection and how not getting the part brought him feelings of anger and disappointment.

Who turned down the role of Snape?

Tim Roth was originally considered for the role of Snape, but ultimately turned it down, leading to Rickman being cast instead. Rickman's performance as Snape was exceptional, as he brought depth and complexity to the character that greatly impacted the series.

Who almost played Voldemort?

6 Rowan Atkinson Was Too Comedic To Play Voldemort

Bean. He also provided the voice for Zazu in Disney's The Lion King and played the titular role in the spy-comedy Johnny English film series, which was a parody of James Bond. Surprisingly, the comedic actor was among the front-runners for the role of Voldemort.