Well, if we're talking about deconstructing superheroes outside of the Big Two, Marvelman, Zenith, Paradax, Marshal Law and Mystery Men were doing it in the comics in the 80s and 90s, and Mystery Men and The Specials were doing it in live action in the late 90s/early '00s too.

Weird. Right nationality, somewhat "husky" in physique, established comedic chops and dramatic pathos, and gives good beard. And some people *still* aren't happy with this casting choice.

I'm not unsympathetic to criticism of Essedieu or even Lithgow's casting, but Nick is in many respects Robbie's spiritual successor in the British comedy/acting firmament. I honestly can't think of a more appropriate casting choice other than maybe Tom Davis, and that's got a lot to do with his stature and his voice. I'm not sure if he's got Nick's range or his knack for dramatic pathos, however. Then there's the added drawbacks that A) he'd HAVE to wear a wig as he's bald on top and B) I suspect many people Stateside have no idea who he is. Nick, on the other hand, is a known name and quantity on both sides of the Atlantic.

As for being "the wrong size"... LOL. Do some people hereabouts think Robbie was as big as he's depicted on-screen? Or the dwarf and hobbit actors in LOTR as small as they appeared? SFX and perspective filming will size Nick's Hagrid up as right as ninepence.

Billie has been hired as she's now approximately 78% plastic and can be put, Auton - like, into storage for the potential ice age or two it'll take for the BBC to drum up enough money and interest to make another season of Doctor Who.