Robbie Coltrane passed away at the age of 72 on Friday. The Scottish actor was best known for portraying Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. A half-human half-giant, Hagrid was a kind, friendly and compassionate man who was a major character in the series.
However, not many people know that someone else might have donned the shoes of Hagrid. Things would have been different if we take a look. Let’s find out who was the actor who might have been the Hagrid we all know and love.
The Actor Who Almost Became Hagrid
Robbie is a name synonymous with the role of Rubeus Hagrid in all the films in the ‘Harry Potter‘ franchise. However, during its initial development, there was an actor who came close to bagging the role.
Robin Williams was the actor who wanted to play Hagrid in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. Williams approached director Chris Columbus for the role since he was a big fan of the books.
The two had previously worked on films like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Nine Months’, and ‘Bicentennial Man.’ However, he couldn’t get the role because of a policy by J. K. Rowling.
Rowling had insisted to have an all-British cast for the film (with some Scottish actors), as she had written in her books. But, Williams was an American citizen and hence he couldn’t get the film.
Cast Of ‘Harry Potter’ Pays Tribute To Robbie Coltrane
Daniel Radcliffe issued a statement after the death of Coltrane. “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” he said.
He continued, “I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”
Emma Watson also wrote on Instagram: “Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had, but most of all, he was deeply caring and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult.
“Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I’ll do it in your name and memory. Know how much I adore and admire you. I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs, and your hugs. You made us a family. Know you were that to us,” she added.
Read More: Why Did Daniel Radcliffe Want To Kill Harry Potter?
