Rosie O’donnell As Molly Weasley
When J.K. Rowling was a guest on Rosie O’Donnell’s daytime talk show in 2000, O’Donnell admitted that she was a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and jokingly tried to get the author to pull some strings to cast her in the movies. O’Donnell claims to have actually called director Chris Columbus and offered to play Mrs. Weasley, matriarch of the giant, redheaded wizarding family. O’Donnell even said she’d do it for free, such was her love for Potter. She was rejected because she wasn’t English, according to her account of the story. Legendary British actress Julie Walters was cast, instead.
Why Robin Williams Was Turned Down For The Role Of Hagrid
When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone went into development in early 2000, the casting was the top priority. Chris Columbus was already on board to direct the debut installment of the franchise. At the time, Williams approached Columbus to play Hagrid since he was a major fan of the book series. Williams and Columbus previously collaborated on Mrs. Doubtfire, Nine Months, and Bicentennial Man so they knew each other well. Columbus, however, was unable to cast Williams in a part due to Rowling’s policy of only casting actors from the UK, specifically, those who identify as British and Irish. In fact, Coltrane was Rowling’s first pick from the start.
Due to Williams’ American nationality, he never wound up in a Harry Potter role. His acting career turned out just fine, appearing in dozens of films over the next decade and a half. The titles included Death to Smoochy, RV, Man of the Year, Happy Feet, August Rush, and the Night at the Museum trilogy. The beloved actor tragically passed away in 2014 after committing suicide. One of his posthumous releases included one last collaboration with Columbus who served as a producer on Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Release date: Apr 15, 2022
On The Harry Potter Red Carpet
Contrary to popular belief, Coltrane is not, himself, a half giant. The Harry Potter films used some visual trickery, special effects, and costuming to create the illusion that Hagrid was almost twice Coltrane’s actual size.
Years later, on one of the final Harry Potter red carpets, Hagrid and Dumbledore look pretty different out of their wizarding robes. Still, the smile is just as magical.
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Concerns Over Robbie Coltrane’s Health
Robbie Coltrane’s health has unfortunately been a cause for concern for years, which spiked in 2015 when the actor fell ill during a flight from London to Orlando, Fla. While being hospitalized overnight due to mysterious flu-like symptoms, he missed a Harry Potter convention at Universal Studios, which fueled tabloid fodder regarding his reported alcohol problems. His rep emphatically denied the lingering hearsay at the time, but the Scotsman himself has never publicly addressed the health-related incident.
Over the next year, Coltrane’s health issues sadly worsened with his ongoing battles with diabetes and osteoarthritis. In 2012, he told The Guardian that he needed to lose weight in order to undergo surgery on his knee to alleviate severe pain associated with his condition. While promoting National Treasure four years later, he was spotted walking with a cane. “I’m in constant pain all day,” Coltrane said at the time, reportedly revealing that he was nearing his target weight goal . “I had an exploratory operation and they discovered I had no cartilage left in one of my knees. It’s completely disintegrated.”
Flash forward to March 2019, when Coltrane shocked fans while appearing in a wheelchair at a Harry Potter event. With a source telling The Sun that the Hagrid actor’s “constant pain” had “left him unable to walk without any assistance,” an optimistic Coltrane reassured fans that was “due a new knee” and would be “leaping around like an elf” following the operation.
Harry Potter: The Actor Who Almost Played Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane memorably played Rubeus Hagrid in every installment of the Harry Potter film series, but another famous actor fought for the role.
Actor Robbie Coltrane portrayed the gentle giant, Rubeus Hagrid, in the Harry Potter film series, but another popular actor lobbied for the role. Coltrane played the character in all eight movie adaptations based on the book series by J.K. Rowling however, another well-known actor was vying for the role when the franchise was in early development.
Hagrid played an integral role in the Harry Potter series, introducing the young boy wizard to the wizarding world in the first installment. The half-human and half-giant served as the gamekeeper for the grounds of Hogwarts and was later promoted as the professor for Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid remained a key ally of Harry, as well as Ron and Hermione, throughout the tumultuous events that surrounded Lord Voldemort‘s return. By the end of the series, it was unearthed that Hagrid was a member of the Order of the Phoenix and participated in the Battle of Hogwarts.
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Tom Felton Enjoyed His Time Playing Draco Malfoy
In an interview with Daily Mail, Tom Felton said, “I’m endlessly proud and affectionate of young Draco, so any chance to reprise that role would be great.” We would love it if he and the rest of the cast were able to come back together to reprise their roles in Harry Potter for a new additional film!
The Hagrid Line That Would Have Changed The Harry Potter Movies
One of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series might not be such a friendly giant after all.
Considering that J.K. Rowling’s original series of novels spanned thousands of pages, it was always going to an extraordinarily difficult task to adapt the Harry Potter novels into a film series, but ultimately, with the full strength of Warner Bros. behind them, a group of talented British directors assembled established actors and newcomers alike to create the magical, beloved Harry Potter movies. Naturally, some of the smaller moments from the books didn’t end up making it into the movies… and for some of those tiny moments, that might be for the best.
If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, you’re definitely familiar with Rubeus Hagrid , the lovable Hogwarts groundskeeper who befriends Harry before he even arrives at school. A sort of father figure to Harry , Hagrid is revealed as a half-giant in the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which immediately casts a pall over his reputation, despite the fact that, unlike other giants, Hagrid is as gentle as can be.
However, one of Hagrid’s throwaway lines in the fourth novel raises some serious questions about his core beliefs. If you haven’t read the Harry Potter books, here’s the one Hagrid line that could have changed the films in a big way.
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Franz Ferdinand As The Weird Sisters
According to Harry Potter lore, the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire takes place in 1994, right at the peak of rock’s “Britpop era.” And while real-life teens got to jam out to Blur, Pulp, Oasis, and Radiohead, fictional wizards and witches were into The Weird Sisters. For the band’s appearance in the 2005 movie adaption of Goblet of Fire, producers reportedly asked one of the hottest British bands of that year: Franz Ferdinand. But the band in full backed out, prompting producers to assemble a real-life Britpop supergroup featuring members of Pulp and Radiohead.
Hagrid Had A Hard Childhood
Hagrid is another character in the Harry Potter series who had a hard childhood. When he was three years old, his mother, the giantess Fridwulfa, returned to her giant colony, leaving him alone to be raised by his father. Despite their size differences, he had a strong bond with his wizard father Hagrid even used to put his father on the top of his dresser when he was annoyed with him. However, his father, sadly, passed away when Hagrid was in his second year of Hogwarts.
Tiny little bloke, my dad was. By the time I was six I could lift him up an put him on top o the dresser if he annoyed me. Used ter make him laugh … Hagrids deep voice broke. Madame Maxime was listening, motionless, apparently staring at the silvery fountain. Dad raised me … but he died, o course, jus after I started school. Sorta had ter make me own way after that.Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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Robin Williams As Hagrid
The late Robin Williams reportedly missed out on a chance to play kindly giant gamekeeper Hagrid because he, too, was American. “There were a couple of parts I would have wanted to play, but there was a ban on American actors,” Williams told the New York Post in 2001. Robbie Coltrane, an acclaimed British actor, ably filled Hagrid’s enormous shoes instead.
Film And Television Career
Since retirement, Bayfield has worked as a , an , and has appeared in all of the playing the , as ‘s body and stunt double. ” rel=”nofollow”> Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as a young ). Continuing the acting theme, he also played a in ‘s , the sequel to the 2010 movie . Bayfield also played “Rugby Player 1” in an episode of the series .
In his broadcasting career, Bayfield has presented the and coverage on UK Channel and worked as a rugby correspondent on . He also served as a presenter for ‘s coverage of the and , as well as presenting ITV’s Guinness Premiership highlights. From 2012-2016, he co-presented BBC’s with . From 23 August 2018 Martin took part in Celebrity Masterchef of which he reached the final three shown on BBC one on 28 September 2018.
In 2013, BT Sport acquired the exclusive rights to the Aviva Premiership. Bayfield moved to the new channel and he now works as a presenter, and pitchside reporter.
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How Tall Is Hagrid In The Books The Movies & In Real Life
Rubeus Hagrid is one of the infamous characters of the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. Introduced in the book Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Hagrid is half-human and half-giant. He is the keeper of keys of Hogwarts which makes him a very important character in both the movie series and the books.
Being a warm, loyal, and friendly character, Hagrid is surely an unforgettable part of the Harry Potter books and movies series.
Early Life And Career
Born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on March 30, 1950, comic actor Robbie Coltrane has enjoyed great success on the big screen and on television, with the popular British television series Cracker and the Harry Potter film series. The son of a teacher and a doctor, he first started performing as a student at Glenalmond College. While he liked acting, Coltrane decided to follow his passion for art. He attended the Glasgow School of Art, where he focused mainly on drawing and painting.
After completing his schooling, Coltrane turned first to improvisational stand-up. He took the stage name “Robbie Coltrane,” choosing his last name as a tribute to the jazz legend John Coltrane. The portly actor later branched out in acting. He became known for such television shows as Alfresco and Tutti Frutti. He also made cameo performances in such films as Mona Lisa and Henry V .
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Jk Rowling As Lily Potter
Rowling is not an actress. She’s a writer, probably best known as the author behind the successful Harry Potter series of fantasy novels for children. Producers of the films wanted her to have a cameo in the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. As she’s the “mother” of the Harry Potter world, she was asked to play Harry Potter the character’s mother, Lily, in the heartbreaking “Mirror of Erised” scene. That’s when Harry, orphaned as a baby, sees his parents for the first time thanks to the magical mirror. Rowling turned it down because she was “not cut out to be an actress because she’d mess up somehow.”
Why Robin Williams Wasn’t Allowed To Audition For Hagrid In The Harry Potter Movies
Robin Williams was one of the most beloved actors of his generation. His fans were heartbroken to learn of his death by suicide in August 2014 . Many imagined all the different roles the actor may have still had in him, mourning not just what was, but what could have been.
There was a particular role, however, that many did not know Williams coveted that of equally-beloved “Harry Potter” character Rubeus Hagrid. Apparently, Williams reached out to the film’s director, Chris Columbus, about taking on the role. It was during the summer of 2000, just as Columbus was getting ready to cast the film’s leads.
“Robin had called because he really wanted to be in the movie,” casting director Janet Hirshenson told The Huffington Post.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK .
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The Character Of Hagrid Was Based On A Real Biker
In Harry Potter: Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey, according to Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, the character was modelled on a real biker. Coltrane said that J.K. Rowling told him that Hagrid was based on a Hells Angel she knew in the West Country. He was just huge and terrifying, Coltrane recalled Rowling telling him. And then he would sit down and talk about his garden and how his petunias had been very bad that year.
Believe It Or Not Hagrid Was Made Much Smaller For The Movies
Obviously, Hagrid is huge even in the films. However, when going back and reading his initial description in the books, its clear that he was shrunken down considerably to fit the movie screens. In the words of J.K. Rowling, Hagrid had hands the size of trash can lids. His height is also noted at 11 1/2 feet tall.
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Haley Joel Osment As Harry
It was Rowling’s power over the production that caused no less than Steven Spielberg to back out of helming the initial Harry Potter film. One of the most successful filmmakers of all time , he walked away after a “creative clash” with Rowling, reportedly over Spielberg’s choice for the role of Harry: Haley Joel Osment, who at the time was the hottest young star in Hollywood having just earned an Oscar nomination for The Sixth Sense.
Hagrid Actor Robbie Coltrane Defends J
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: making of Hagrid. On the set of the latest Harry Potter film. The scene with Hagrid
- Height Hagrid Actor. Sometimes we have questions about: How tall is hagrid actor? At the moment, 09.01.2020, we have next information/answer: 1,81m.**It was submitted by Rebe Wehrly, 39 years old. Job: . From Valley Head, West Virginia. 1,77m.***It was submitted by Olvan, 46 years old. From Massies Mill, Virginia. Profiles.
- Hagrid und die Riesen. Hagrids Begeisterung für gefährliche Bestien wird im Dezember 1994 öffentlich von der Reporterin Rita Kimmkorn mit dem Vorurteil erklärt, als Halbriese habe Hagrid die Natur aller Riesen: Er sei eben primitiv, brutal und freue sich, wenn andere in Gefahr gerieten. Solche Vorurteile gegen Riesen sind in der magischen Gesellschaft weit verbreitet
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The Ride Has Some Exciting Features
According to some unofficial photos of the ride, the track has no tall hills like Mako at Seaworld or upside-down loops like Hollywoods Rip Ride Rockit. However, that doesnt mean that it isnt going to be VERY exciting. The roller coaster will have multiple launches and stops, unusual movements and section where riders will be traveling BACKWARDS at 50mph. Hagrid himself, actor Robbie Coltrane, was at the media launch in London and he revealed a brand new secret about Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure the ride will have an 18ft elevator-style drop, maybe like Disneys Tower of Terror? The park has also planted 1000 real trees to replicate the Forbidden Forest and make it feel lifelike. One of the big suspicions on gossip sites is that Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will also include a water surprise feature. I dont know about you, but this is starting to sound absolutely epic.
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Ian Mckellen As Professor Dumbledore
Richard Harris portrayed the Hogwarts headmaster in the first two Harry Potter films but couldn’t continue to play the role due to the unfortunate circumstance of his own death in 2002. As the movies had to be tightly adapted from the books, killing off Dumbledore wasn’t an option, so producers recast the role. Michael Gambon eventually took over as Dumbledore, but filmmakers first approached Ian McKellen. At the time, McKellen had just completed filming three Lord of the Rings movies, in which he played a powerful wizard with a long-white beard, and he didn’t want to do it again.
Part of the reason stemmed from the fact that McKellen didn’t think it would be right for him to take over a role from Harris. Not long before his death, he’d publicly criticized McKellen, and fellow acting legend Derek Jacobi, calling them “technically brilliant…but underneath they are hollow, because their lives are hollow.”
“I couldn’t take over the part from an actor who I know disapproved of me,” McKellen explained.
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