Harry Potter nearly cast Robin Williams as Hagrid but couldn't due to J.K Rowling's big rule

It’s been revealed that Robin Williams was almost cast as Hagrid in the original Harry Potter films, but Robbie Coltrane was eventually handed the role as author JK Rowling had a very big rule that couldn’t be broken during the casting process.

The Harry Potter films are still so instantly recognisable that I’m yet to get my head around the idea of the HBO reboot. In case you missed it, a TV Harry Potter reboot is in the works at HBO. The decade-long project will feature an all new cast with roughly one season attributed to each book. Is Harry Potter old enough to qualify for a reboot? That’s certainly a debate. I’m particularly curious to see the show’s approach to set and graphic design. The Potter films carved out such an identifiable aesthetic. Are people going to buy into a redesigned Great Hall or a redesigned Gryyfindor crest even? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime though, it’s been revealed that Robin Williams almost joined the franchise.

Take a look at the teaser trailer for the Harry Potter TV reboot below.

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.

Apparently, Williams was really keen on joining the cast but director of Philosopher's Stone Chris Columbus had to turn the star down as he was American. Casting director Janet Hirshenson previously told The Huffington Post, “Robin [Williams] had called [Chris Columbus] because he really wanted to be in the movie, but it was a British-only edict, and once he said no to Robin, he wasn’t going to say yes to anybody else, that’s for sure."

Apparently, Williams also expressed interest in playing Remus Lupin but was turned down for the same reason. Williams would’ve been an asset to the cast, but there’s no denying that the end result was stellar too.

Verne Troyer is the only American Potter cast member. He physically portrayed Griphook in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You won’t hear his voice though. The character was voiced by Warwick Davis.