The late actor’s personal diaries Alan Rickman will be published shortly and among his writings are his thoughts on the Harry Potter franchisee. titled Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, the book contains the writings from Rickman’s diaries that he kept over the course of 25 years. During this period, the actor had collected 27 diaries, all of which were compiled into one book.
Of course Rickman is running out of time in the Harry Potter film series in which he memorably played the role of Severus Snape. An excerpt from the book has been released in a new article by the guard that reveals that the actor considered running away from the franchise during his battle with prostate cancer, which resulted in his prostate being removed in 2006. Just weeks after his release from the hospital, Rickman wrote a diary entry noting his decision. to stay on board as Snape.
“Finally, yes to HP 5. The sensation is neither up nor down. The argument that wins is the argument that says, ‘See through it. It’s your story’”
Rickman returned for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix along with his three additional sequels before ending his run in the role in 2011. For a 2008 entry on his return to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceRickman also wrote:
‘HP 6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Day one. Thank goodness I was able to put the jacket on without any visible strain on the seams.’
Alan Rickman Shared His Thoughts On Snape’s Demise
In 2009, Rickman also wrote about his return in the last two films in the series, both chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He touches on working with the director and producers, along with some concerns he had about what to expect for Snape.
HP 6. NEW YORK. Party at the Natural History Museum. The desire to eat and even more to drink is matched only by the need to hit the three Davids on the head [Harry Potter producers David Heyman and David Barron, and director David Yates] against the nearest wall. I get the character development and the spiffing effects (dazzling), but where’s the story????”
Rickman also explained how he was thinking more about Snape’s death after he got home from the shoot and his significant other Rima Horton, who he would marry in 2012, pointed out something that gave him a different perspective.
Cold, wet, drafty, but the crew seems miles away, so Ralph and I can just go ahead and make our way to the scene. David Y stubborn as always about V[oldemort] kill me with a spell. (Impossible to understand, not least the ensuing reader anger.) Great collaboration with Ralph though. Direct and true and inventive and free. Back home and Rima (narrative brainbox) says ‘He can’t kill you with a spell – the only one that would is Avada Kedavra and it kills instantly – you wouldn’t be able to finish the scene.’ … The death of Snape. Almost 10 years later. At least it’s only two actors… David is vulnerable and endearing when excited. And he’s at this scene. It’s the absolute example of what can happen when a few actors pick up a scene from the page and work with the story, the space and each other. Stuart Craig’s boathouse [set] gave it something ironic and eternal. As I said to David at one point, it’s all a bit epic and Japanese.”
Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman goes on sale on October 18, 2022.