Alan Rickman Almost Walked Away From Die Hard Role
The legendary actor's first reaction to the Die Hard script was brutal rejection. But something unexpected in the screenplay made him completely change his mind about the action blockbuster.
Alan Rickman's first impression of the Die Hard screenplay was harsh. The British actor didn't mince words when he encountered what would become his most famous villain role. At a BAFTA gathering, Rickman shared his blunt initial response: "What the hell is this? I'm not doing an action movie."
The 1988 blockbuster seemed like standard Hollywood fare on first glance. Director John McTiernan was crafting what appeared to be another shoot-em-up thriller starring Bruce Willis. The film would eventually earn $143 mn worldwide and score a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. But Rickman saw something deeper beneath the surface explosions.
Progressive Casting Caught Rickman's Attention
What changed Rickman's mind wasn't the action sequences or star power. The actor noticed how Die Hard handled its Black characters differently than other films of that era. Most action movies relegated minority actors to throwaway roles or tired stereotypes.
Die Hard broke that mold quietly. "Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent," Rickman explained years later. "So, 28 years ago, that's quite revolutionary, and quietly so."
The film's Black characters weren't comic relief. They drove plot points and displayed intelligence throughout. This thoughtful approach convinced Rickman the script had substance beyond typical action movie formulas.
Theater Training Shaped Hans Gruber
Rickman brought stage experience to his first major film role. He questioned costume choices and suggested Hans Gruber wear tailored suits instead of military gear. The actor believed elegant clothing would make his villain more menacing.
Producer Joel Silver initially resisted Rickman's input. "Get the hell out of here, you'll wear what you're told," Silver reportedly told the newcomer. But the production team reconsidered. Script revisions incorporated some of Rickman's suggestions.
"It showed it pays to have a little bit of theatre training," Rickman reflected. His theatrical background helped him elevate Hans Gruber beyond a standard movie bad guy. The character became sophisticated and calculating rather than just another gun-toting antagonist.
Rickman's instincts proved correct. Hans Gruber became one of cinema's most memorable villains, launching the actor's Hollywood career and setting a new standard for action movie antagonists.