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A series of personal letters from the late Alan Rickman unveils that portraying a key role in the legendary Harry Potter series wasn't always smooth sailing. These letters, now part of an auction at the ABA Rare Book Fair in London, offer insight into Rickman's thoughts during his portrayal of Severus Snape across all eight films. The correspondence reveals that he faced challenges throughout the journey.
In one letter, Harry Potter producer David Heyman expressed gratitude for Rickman's role in making HP2 a success. 'I know you were sometimes frustrated, but please understand that you are a vital part of the films. You are exceptional,' Heyman wrote.
In another letter, Rickman shared his frustrations in a note titled Inside Snape’s Head, particularly regarding the direction of Snape’s character in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Although Rickman didn’t reveal specific details, he wrote, 'It feels as though David Yates has chosen to disregard this part, focusing more on teen audience appeal,' in reference to Yates' choices. These tensions seemed to have surfaced as early as the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, directed by Chris Columbus, who also directed the first movie.
The collection also includes more positive messages, such as one from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who praised Rickman for 'doing justice to my most complex character,' as well as a note from Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who played Harry Potter, thanking Rickman for his gifts and expressing his excitement about reading Catcher in the Rye.
As reported by Architectural Digest, the Rickman auction features 35 boxes filled with diaries, photographs, scripts, and other personal items, including notes from notable figures such as Prince Charles, Tony Blair, and Bill Clinton. The entire collection is estimated to be worth $1.2 million.
