Translated Robbie Coltrane Interview

Winky from PotterWorldOnline has translated a Robbie Coltrane interview from 7 Extra, a magazine from Belgium – click through to the site if you’re interested in scans of the magazine.
Q: How do you judge the evolution of the Trio: Daniel, Emma and Rupert?

A: When we saw each other for the third film, I was stupefied by their transformation. They aren’t “kids” anymore. They’re more mature, calm. They put gel in their hair. This is funny.

Thanks, Winky!

NOTE: As always, remember that tone and exact wording don’t always come through with translated interviews. The “( )” are where we made educated guesses at word edits.

Q> Is there an evolution in the character of Hagrid?

A> Yes. He becomes a teacher and he has more responsibilities. Despite some mischance, he takes up the challenge very well. For this movie, I had to wear a striped fur coat. It was splendid, even if it made me feel like (I was in a hot desert).

Q> Despite all the little troubles, you didn’t hesitate to continue the journey?

A> Well the first time, I did it for my children. If I wouldn’t have done it, they (never would have forgiven me). And I had the intuition that it’d be something huge, and if I didn’t accept it, I would have miss my chance at the gold watch. The real fun is to play with young actors like Daniel and Emma. Well, it would be easier for me to play Hagrid without a beard and the morning make up task, but, as for the rest, all is real fun, so I don’t complain… too much!
The thing is to not fall in a sort of routine, (to keep cool). The books really help to renew me.. In every case, there is no way I (would) give up my part to another.

Q> How do you judge the evolution of the Trio: Daniel, Emma and Rupert?

A> This is huge. I’ve known them three years. I saw them growing up. (On) the first set, they were still children. The boys couldn’t stop (making their noises). All three of them. They couldn’t stay calm. All of this has stopped suddenly. When we saw each other for the third film, I was stupefied by their transformation. They aren’t “kids” anymore. They’re more mature, calm. They put gel in their hair. This is funny.

Q> Do the Harry Potter fans recognize you in the street?

A> Their parents do. Some of them point their finger at me and tell their children “See the man at the deep-frozen fishes counter? It’s Hagrid!” And then the children (recognize me). And if they continue: “If you want it, I can introduce you to him, but promise me to clean your room when we will go back home.” Ah, those adults!

Q> Can you explain the success of Harry Potter?

A> For me, in Harry Potter there’s all the ingredients that the youngest like. They love to be frightened when there’ll be a happy ending. Those stories talk about everything that concern children: friendship, loyalty, relations with parents. And when you start reading one of those books, you cannot stop…

Q> What makes Hagrid so popular?

A> His beauty! No seriously, I think it’s because he reminds you of the “kind uncle face”. The children like him as a confidante, because he doesn’t represent the authority. He’s funny and tolerant. Which kid doesn’t dream of having a friend who can hide a (dragon?)?