First Look at Hagrid’s Appearance in New Universal Orlando Ride

by · May 6, 2019

Universal Orlando Resort has already given us a sneak peek of the creatures that will be featured in the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride. Now we’ve been granted a look at the new, extremely realistic figure of Hagrid, as portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the films, that you will see on the ride.

 

 

Universal Orlando has stated that this is its “most life-like [sic] animated figure.” The figure, which took thousands of hours to create, has a motion profile of 24 different body movements and facial expressions. His costume was designed by the film’s wardrobe team, and his height is the same as Hagrid’s in the movie – 7 feet 6 inches.

To create this figure, a digital scan was taken of Robbie Coltrane’s mouth to create the figure’s teeth and the head was sculpted by hand. Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative, commented on the endeavor.

We worked tirelessly to make sure Hagrid’s full essence was captured with the utmost attention to detail for our guests to feel completely immersed in this all-new adventure.

Guests will witness Hagrid attempting to contain the Blast-Ended Skrewt, and he will guide riders through the forest as they encounter magical creatures. Coltrane recorded a brand-new script for this ride.

 

 

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open on June 13. We can’t wait to see this incredible figure in person!

Press Release

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS ITS MOST LIFE-LIKE ANIMATED FIGURE EVER, HAGRID, FEATURED IN ALL-NEW EXPERIENCE, HAGRID’S MAGICAL CREATURES MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE

Guests Will Encounter One of the Most Beloved Characters From the Harry Potter Film Series in a Whole New Way as Part of the Epic New Addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Orlando, Fla. (May 6, 2019) – Universal Orlando Resort has created its most life-like animated figure for the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – opening June 13. And it’s none other than Hogwarts gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor himself – Hagrid.

Guests will come face-to-face with Hagrid during their journey as his hyper-realistic animated figure tries to contain his beloved Blast-Ended Skrewt. The gentle half-giant will guide guests through their adventure into the Forbidden Forest as they encounter some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Hagrid’s animated figure are being brought to life by Universal Creative, the team responsible for creating Universal’s iconic rides and attractions. The team spent thousands of hours creating Hagrid’s animated figure with a level of detail that has never been done before, working alongside actor Robbie Coltrane - who portrays Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series – to develop the most advanced and realistic animated figure of its kind.

No details were spared when precisely replicating Hagrid for this new experience. Every detail about Hagrid is authentic to what has been featured in the Harry Potter film series – all the way down to his iconic pink umbrella.

  • The animated figure features an extensive motion profile of 24 different body movements and facial expressions,
    mimicking Robbie Coltrane’s exact motions as Hagrid from the Harry Potter film series
  • A digital scan of Robbie Coltrane’s mouth was used to create Hagrid’s teeth
  • Hagrid’s entire face was meticulously sculpted by hand
  • Hagrid’s costume was designed by the same team that created his on-screen wardrobe
  • Robbie Coltrane recorded a custom script for Hagrid in this new adventure
  • And the height of the animated figure is 7 feet 6 inches tall – exactly proportional to Hagrid in the Harry Potter film
    series.

“Hagrid is such an iconic character and an integral part of the Harry Potter franchise, so we were excited to develop a truly innovative and authentic animated figure to bring him to life for this experience,” said Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative. “We worked tirelessly to make sure Hagrid’s full essence was captured with the utmost attention to detail for our guests to feel completely immersed in this all-new adventure.”

When it opens on June 13, 2019, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will join the lineup of award-winning entertainment experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and bring an all-new adventure inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life. Guests will fly deep into the Forbidden Forest aboard magical motorbikes to brave the mysteries and thrills beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For more information on this new experience, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

About Wizarding World
More than two decades ago, a young Harry Potter was whisked onto Platform 93⁄4 at King’s Cross Station, and readers everywhere were swept along with him into a magical universe, created by J.K. Rowling. In the years since, the seven Harry Potter bestsellers have inspired eight blockbuster movies, an award-winning stage play, and, more recently, the start of the Fantastic Beasts five-film series. People of all ages have been enthralled by these extraordinary adventures, set within an
expanding universe, inspired by the vision of J.K. Rowling.

For today’s growing worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, the Wizarding World welcomes everyone to explore more of this magical universe — past, present and future. The Wizarding World also provides fans with an instant, trusted kite-mark of quality and authenticity.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

About Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is a unique vacation destination that is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family. For more than 25 years, Universal Orlando has been creating epic vacations for the entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and adventures.

Universal Orlando’s three theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay, are home to some of the world’s most exciting and innovative theme park experiences – including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando’s hotels are destinations unto themselves and include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal’s Aventura Hotel. Its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers immersive dining and entertainment for every member of the family.

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