Discover the Secrets of Hagrid at Warner Bros. Studio Tour!

Have you ever wanted to discover how the production team behind the Harry Potter films brought Hagrid to life on screen? This Easter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour reveals the colossal efforts taken by producers, costume designers, and the special effects teams to create Hogwarts’s famous groundskeeper.

From March 25 to April 17, 2016, fans visiting the Studio Tour in Leavesden will be able to see the costumes worn by Harry’s gargantuan guardian and find out how exactly they turned 6’1″ Robbie Coltrane into the half-giant! During production, two costumes were created for Hagrid, one worn by Coltrane and the other made 25% larger and used by 6’10” England rugby star Martin Bayfield, who appeared as Hagrid in scenes where he needed to appear larger than the setting around him.

In order to exaggerate Bayfield’s already significant frame, his suit was adapted to increase his size.  As well as his complete costume, a deconstructed version will be featured at the Studio Tour showing the techniques used to create the gigantic character. As Bayfield had to wear the outfit for extended periods, a special cooling system was incorporated to help him cope with the heat. Tubes with cold water running through them were stitched into the fabric to bring down the temperature.

In addition to seeing the various costumes, filmmaking experts from Nick Dudman’s team will be working in the Creature Effects department. As we all know, one of the early encounters that Harry has with Hagrid is a trip to the vaults of Gringotts, and the team will be demonstrating the techniques used to create the prosthetic masks worn by goblins at the wizarding bank.

Be sure to check out the Studio Tour website for more information on its upcoming events. Are you planning on taking a trip there soon? Let us know in the comments.