Robbie Coltrane Joked About Wanting To Play A Pimp In A Coen Brothers Movie After Harry Potter
"Harry Potter" is a bonafide global phenomenon. Though the franchise had humble beginnings with the release of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," it has since gone on to expand in an unprecedented manner. Today the franchise boasts merchandise, studio tours, and even theme parks, not to mention the bevy of movies and video games based on the series (via Vox).
Of course, much of this success and popularity can be attributed to the Wizarding World behind the "Harry Potter" series and the many lovable characters that populate it. Among the most lovable of all, though, is the bearded giant Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). Though the character boasts incredible strength and a hefty frame, these aspects of his appearance are tempered by his gentle disposition and endless well of kindness. In fact, Hagrid is so well-liked that Coltrane once joked that he might need to play some more lurid and scandalous types just to balance out the overwhelming wholesomeness of the character.
Coltrane joked about balancing out his family-friendly image
Sitting down for an interview all the way back in 2001, Robbie Coltrane compared playing Hagrid to being a part of classic family films like "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" or "Mary Poppins," remarking on how generations of kids would see you as a part of their childhoods if you were in a movie like that. Obviously, he got his chance for that kind of recognition and more as Hagrid in the "Harry Potter" films.
"I just want a Coen Brothers movie where I play a pimp now. Forget all this good," Coltrane joked. "A sleaze bag with a big ring and a gold chain." Actors regularly worry about being pigeonholed or typecast based on an iconic or memorable role, and it's likely that this is what Coltrane was afraid of with regard to Hagrid here. Though being typecast can be highly lucrative for actors, it can also be creatively stagnant and lead to missing out on other roles.
Though Coltrane has sadly passed, his role as Hagrid will no doubt live on in generations of youngsters who watch the "Harry Potter" films to come, meaning his dream of being a part of children's imaginations and hearts has undoubtedly come true.