Robin Williams, despite all that he has contributed to the film and comedy world before his passing in 2014, had let his interest in being a part of Harry Potter known since 2001, when the films were first starting to be filmed. However, not even Williams was exempt from the harsh casting conditions that were placed on Harry Potter in its early stages due to the British talent only rule being placed on the films.

In a recent Huffington Post interview, it was admitted by casting director JanetHirshenson that in 2001, Robin Williams made a call to Chris Columbus, who was in charge of directing the films about wanting to play the lovable character Hagrid.

“[Robin Williams] really wanted to be in the movie, but it was a British-only edict,” Hirshenson said. “And once [Columbus] said no to Robin, he wasn’t going to say yes to anybody else, that’s for sure. It couldn’t be.”

Columbus was so intent on keeping the films to British talent only that even Williams got knocked back. Once you say no to him, you definitely can’t accept anyone else for the role, as Hirshenson points out. Luckily, Columbus found someone that was ideal for the role that we know and love today, and that man was Robbie Coltrane.

I can’t imagine Robin Williams playing the role of Hagrid. I’m not entirely sure he’d have the beard for it. Not to mention the motorcycle skills as Hagrid races down Privet Drive for the first time. However Harry Potter fans, don’t despair! Did you know that you can buy the house that’s featured in the movies? I didn’t.

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is currently airing in cinemas if you’re keen to venture into the Harry Potter world.