Rupert Grint Admits Alan Rickman's Snape Performance Terrified Him
The Ron Weasley actor reveals how Alan Rickman's convincing portrayal of Professor Snape left him genuinely frightened on set, sharing a memorable story about an embarrassing drawing incident.
With HBO's Harry Potter series on the horizon, fans are reflecting on the original film franchise and its remarkable casting choices. From Daniel Radcliffe's Harry to Robbie Coltrane's Hagrid, each actor seemed perfectly suited for their role. However, Alan Rickman's portrayal of Professor Snape remains particularly memorable for how completely he embodied the character.
The Die Hard veteran brought such authenticity to Snape that he made the fictional character feel real, impressing audiences worldwide. His performance was so convincing that it even left his young co-stars feeling uneasy during filming. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, recently shared his memories of working alongside Rickman and how the actor's commitment to the role genuinely intimidated him.
A Frightening Encounter Behind the Scenes
While Grint has generally spoken positively about his time filming the magical series, one particular incident with Rickman still stands out as truly nerve-wracking. In a YouTube interview, the actor recalled how Rickman's dedication to staying in character affected the atmosphere on set, even when cameras weren't rolling.
During the production of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Grint shared an amusing yet terrifying experience from a Potions class scene. While filming, he decided to pass time by sketching a rather unflattering cartoon of Rickman. What he didn't realize was that the actor was standing directly behind him, silently observing the unflattering artwork being created.
"I drew this rather unpretty picture of Alan Rickman, and as I was drawing it Alan Rickman was standing right behind me, and I was so scared," Grint remembered. The moment left the young actor mortified and even more intimidated by Rickman's presence on set.
An Unexpected Keepsake
Years later, the story took an endearing turn when Rickman revealed what happened to that embarrassing sketch. Rather than being offended by the unflattering portrayal, the veteran actor actually kept the drawing and asked Grint to autograph it. "I made him sign it, and I have it in my possession. And I'm very fond of it," Rickman shared, showing his good humor about the incident.
This anecdote perfectly captures how deeply Rickman remained in character throughout filming, creating an atmosphere that left lasting impressions on his fellow cast members. His ability to maintain Snape's intimidating presence even between takes demonstrates the level of commitment he brought to the role.
Setting an Impossible Standard
Rickman's exceptional performance as Severus Snape, while widely celebrated as one of the franchise's greatest casting decisions, now presents a significant challenge for HBO's upcoming reboot. The actor brought unmatched depth, mystery, and quiet menace to the character, making Snape both feared and beloved by audiences.
This legendary portrayal has created an almost impossible standard for any future actor taking on the role. The network's decision to cast Paapa Essiedu as the new Snape has shifted focus away from comparisons with Rickman's performance to debates about race-swapping the character, despite HBO's promises to remain faithful to the source material.