Casting Harry Potter TV Show Reboot
10. Hagrid - Brian William Henke
Rubeus Hagrid introduces Harry to the wizarding world. He is a father figure, in a way, although it might be better to call him the cool uncle with the Dragon eggs. Robbie Coltrane originated the character in the films though, at 6ft 4inches, Brad William Henke could just be the perfect person to step into those enormous shoes.
While his breakout role was as the sadistic prison guard in Orange is the New Black, it is his turn as Tom Cullen in CBS's new adaptation of the Stephen King novel The Stand that has placed him on our list. He has an air of huge niceness to him, something that is absolutely critical for playing the Gamekeeper of Hogwarts.
While his American accent is hardly a drawback, his stature is a definite plus. Hagrid needs to be physically imposing while emotionally open and warm. From what we have seen to date, Henke fits the mold. It should also help that he has a fantastic beard already, which by itself almost put him here on this list. Hagrid is not the easiest role to play, as there is the challenge of making him seem realistic, while still towering over everyone as a giant. He must have a slightly bonkers love for dangerous creatures, while still trying to protect them and give them teddy bears. He needs to be a child in a man's body. That, certainly, is something Henke can do.