Imagining Die Hard without Alan Rickman might be a stretch for aficionados of the film that has since become legendary. However, this almost became a reality, as the actor came close to declining the opportunity to play the antagonist, Hans Gruber. Initially, he found the notion of starring in an action-packed movie somewhat baffling.
Nevertheless, Rickman eventually agreed to the role and, in hindsight, found gratification in its subtly “revolutionary” perspective. Additionally, he offered a script alteration that ended up becoming a notable and memorable scene in Die Hard.
Alan Rickman Didn’t Like The Script Of Die Hard
In 2015, at a BAFTA Life in Pictures occasion dedicated to commemorating his career, Alan Rickman, who passed away in January 2016, shared his insights on Die Hard. He candidly revealed that the realm of film had been a fresh experience for him, acknowledging:
“I didn’t know anything about LA. I didn’t know anything about the film business … I’d never made a film before.”
Subsequent to receiving the script, the actor with a background in theater was far from pleased. His reaction upon reading it was along the lines of, “What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie.“
“Agents and people said: ‘Alan, you don’t understand, this doesn’t happen. You’ve only been in L.A. two days, and you’ve been asked to do this film,'” he recalled.
Despite his initial reservations about starring in an action film, Rickman eventually agreed to join the cast of Die Hard. He humorously referred to himself as a budget-friendly addition to the ensemble. Keep in mind that during that period, he was still a newcomer to the world of cinema. It would be 13 more years before he stepped into the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. In contrast, Bruce Willis, his fellow actor, reportedly earned a substantial $5 million for his part in Die Hard.
Alan Rickman Was Impressed By The Representation In The Film
In retrospect of the 1988 movie, Rickman realized that Die Hard transcended the boundaries of a mere action film. While it indeed featured explosions and daring feats, it also showcased a forward-thinking approach.
“Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent,” he said. “So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.”
In another part of his contemplation on Die Hard, Rickman revealed that he had experienced apprehension about handling a firearm. “If you look carefully, you’ll see me blinking,” he said. Nevertheless, as he grew accustomed to portraying his role, Rickman uncovered a new aspect of his own identity.
Die Hard is available for streaming on Hulu.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
