We were all once six years old and sat in front of the television watching Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with every magical second of the film blowing our minds. The Harry Potter franchise needs no introduction — it’s a sacred religion — given how long it’s been around. Boasting a plethora of characters who have grown beloved over the years, choosing a favorite can be tricky. However, the one character who can undoubtedly be deemed unanimously cherished is the giant, friendly half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane. With his endearing accent and genuine warmth, watching him on screen was a true delight — especially when the plot took some somber turns.
Based on the critically acclaimed novels by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is the story of how an eleven-year-old orphan (Daniel Radcliffe) discovers that he is a wizard as he is invited to enroll at the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spread across eight glorious movies, fan-favorite character Hagrid has been a loyal confidant to the novice wizard every step of the way. Although Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the film, passed away on October 14, 2022, his performance as the kind and compassionate half-giant will always stay fresh in the hearts of all Potterheads. Let’s take a look at why Rubeus Hagrid was so much more than just the gamekeeper at Hogwarts.
Robbie Coltrane’s Role as Hagrid Has Forever Felt Like a Big Warm Hug
Right from Hagrid’s first interaction with Harry — homemade birthday cake in tow — he was quick to win hearts. Albeit a terrifying first impression when he shockingly knocks down a door, the moment he opens his mouth to speak, viewers can sense that he would be one of those characters who will forever feel like a warm hug. Perpetually acting as a beam of sunshine in Harry’s life, Hagrid was the father figure he never had.
Right from the day the half-giant stepped into his life bearing what can only be termed the most life-changing news, their bond strengthened through each film. Not to mention the fact that he was the one who gifted Harry — what would’ve possibly been his first gift — his pet owl, Hedwig. The softie of a half-giant is also responsible for enlightening Harry about his deceased parents. For an orphan like Harry, Hagrid was always present to be his shoulder to cry on or run to for bear hugs. Rubeus Hagrid didn’t just consume the screen; he also paved his way into viewers’ hearts.
He Was Part of All Eight Harry Potter Films
From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone all the way to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, it’s no surprise that Hagrid was a part of all eight Harry Potter films. A character who’s always got the backs of the ones dear to him, providing solutions in times of distress, standing up for his friends when no one else believed them, or even being wrongfully imprisoned, the cuddly half-giant left no stones unturned.
Of course, one must remember his weirdly cool pets, like the three-headed dog and the hippogriff, which added dynamic playfulness to the screenplay. Hagrid plays an underrated but very crucial role in all the films, as he relays solid advice to the golden trio of Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) more times than once! As Harry once said, “There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.”
Rubeus Hagrid Was Selfless and Always Wanted the Best for Every Character
A being with the purest of souls with the most sincere intentions, people like Hagrid are hard to find in this day and age. Time and time again, he has proved his loyalty by being the most reliable friend one could ask for. Be it as a parental figure in Harry’s life or even as Dumbledore’s (Michael Gambon & Richard Harris ) errand boy. He is truly a character who would go above and beyond for the greater good of all those around him. Apart from his giant comforting hugs, viewers felt their hearts get full as they lauded his ability to be sensitive and not shy away from being vulnerable to shed tears in moments of angst — the men of today need to take notes.
One of Hagrid’s most infinitely endearing qualities is his acceptance of different people and perspectives, as he’s always game to listen with an open mind. Additionally, one cannot be quick to forget the heart-wrenching scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, where they witness Hagrid carry Harry’s allegedly deceased limp body out of the Forbidden Forest during the Battle of Hogwarts. Though J.K.Rowling had called it a symbolic moment, considering the fact that it was the half-giant who had carried Harry to the Dursley’s when he was just a baby, viewers couldn’t help but shed tears as Hagrid sobbed in denial like a crestfallen father.
Watch Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone on Prime Video
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