“No more Harry Potter,” wrote Alan Rickman in his diary. He didn’t give up for one reason

Alan Rickman, known for his role as Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” series, has been struggling with the idea of ​​leaving the production for years. His private diaries, published after his death, shed light on the actor’s inner dilemmas regarding his involvement in the film saga. One of the main reasons that kept him playing the iconic role was the information he received from JK Rowling years ago.

Reasons for considering leaving

Rickman repeatedly considered giving up the role of Snape. As an experienced theater and film actor he felt that his character was treated superficially by the series’ directors, which made it difficult for him to fully convey Severus’ complexity. In his opinion, constant changes of directors and different artistic visions meant that Snape’s character was flattened and not always understood in a way that would suit him. In one of his letters to David Heyman, the film’s producer, Rickman expressed his concern, writing that he “felt like I was on a never-ending journey.” Very depiction of the character of Snape in the sixth part of the film adventures: “It’s as if David Yates decided that it wasn’t important,” Rickman wrote after the premiere of “Half-Blood Prince”, expressing his disappointment in the lack of depth in Snape’s portrayal.

JK Rowling’s words kept the actor committed to the role of Snape

The defining moment that influenced his decision to stay in the series was meeting JK Rowling. The author of the series shared with him a secret about Snape that was not yet publicly known – his love for Lily, Harry’s mother. “One little piece of information from JK Rowling from 7 years ago – Snape loved Lily – was a piece I could hold on to,” Rickman recalled.

Fighting the Disease

Doubts about continuing to participate in the series were further deepened by his health. In 2005, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which further influenced his desire to leave. “I don’t remember anything except being high on painkillers in the recovery room. Attentive, caring people,” he wrote in his diary in 2006, describing his post-surgery experience. When the actor’s health allowed him to return to work, Rickman decided to continue his role. His determination to stay on the project was strongly linked to his sense of responsibility to the characters and fans of the series. “I finally said ‘yes’ to the 5th part of ‘Harry Potter’. The argument that convinced me was the words: ‘Look at it. It’s your story’,” he wrote in his diary.

The legacy of Alan Rickman

Ultimately, the decision to stay in the “Harry Potter” series allowed Rickman to create one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinematography. Despite internal struggles and health challenges, his interpretation of Severus Snape left an unforgettable impression in the hearts of viewers around the world. Rickman not only contributed to the success of the films, but also secured his era.