Movies

Did Alan Rickman Really Roll His Eyes at This Tragic Harry Potter Death?

Did Alan Rickman Really Roll His Eyes at This Tragic Harry Potter Death?
Image credit: Legion-Media

The Harry Potter franchise has been a beloved series by many for years, and one character that has always stood out is Professor Snape, portrayed excellently by the late Alan Rickman.

When the Severus Snape actor died in 2016, not only Harry Potter fans were saddened by his passing, but the whole world.

Six years after his death, parts of his diaries have been published under the title Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries.

In it, the actor who has already been known for his frankness, surprises with his honesty even further.

The actor did not mince his words about the Harry Potter franchise, or more specifically, the death scene of Dumbledore in 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Rickman believed that the scene was "oddly lacking in drama," which is somewhat ironic considering the scene saw one of the protagonists dying.

Rickman basically argued that the film had been overpopulated with characters, which made it impossible for viewers to be truly invested in all of them.

Dumbledore is killed by Rickman's character when he gets too close to Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton ).

Snape gave a vow to Draco's mother to protect her son and should have actually reinforced this motive with the words "I have given my word. I have sworn it".

Apparently, a whole issue arose around this line of dialogue. Rickman found it misleading and reductive and got the line removed from the film.

The final cut was made only by Snape's "Avada Kedavra" that brought upon the demise of Dumbledore.

The scene was not only about Dumbledore dying. It was also the point of no return for Snape and Draco Malfoy. In the high-octane ride that was the sixth Harry Potter movie the scene stands out, as it does in the books.

While it's truly fascinating to read Rickman's thoughts on the franchise, it makes sense perhaps to take his words with a grain of salt.

The Harry Potter series is beloved because it has depth, heart and has genuinely stood the test of time. And Dumbledore's death scene will haunt Harry Potter fans forever.