‘Harry Potter‘ introduced fans to plenty of unforgettable characters, but one cast member managed to leave just as much of an impression behind the scenes. Years after the films wrapped, several of the franchise’s young stars admitted they genuinely felt intimidated by Alan Rickman while filming.
Ironically, the actor who brought Severus Snape to life scared his young co-stars almost as much as he scared Hogwarts students on screen. However, the real story behind those first impressions paints a very different picture.
Alan Rickman Had One Habit That Completely Intimidated The Young ‘Harry Potter’ Cast
With his deep voice, serious demeanor, and commanding presence, Alan Rickman was easily the most intimidating person on the ‘Harry Potter’ set. But most importantly, the late actor had a habit of staying in character. That resulted in countless hilarious stories from the young cast about just how nervous they were around him.
Related: Alan Rickman Had To Keep Biggest ‘Harry Potter’ Secret Hidden For Nearly A Decade
The Chosen One himself, Daniel Radcliffe, once admitted: “Even hearing that voice, you forget quite how low it was until it echoes through you. I was so intimidated by him for the first three movies. I was terrified by him and was like, ‘This guy hates me.'”
Unfortunately, even his favorite Slytherin was not immune. Tom Felton once revealed that it took him six years just to say, “Good morning, Alan.” But his most daunting and equally hilarious memory came when Rickman once snapped at him, “I was told in no uncertain terms by Alan Rickman, ‘Don’t step on my f—ing cloak.’” While at the time he was giggling, Felton soon realised, “His cloak’s attached around his neck — I nearly killed the poor man!”
Then there was Rupert Grint, who found himself in an awkward spot while doodling a rather unflattering sketch of Rickman during a Potions class scene. Soon, however, he realised that the actor himself was standing right behind him.
Behind Snape’s Black Cloak Was The Cast’s Biggest Supporter
Despite his fearsome reputation on set, Rickman quickly became one of the young cast’s biggest supporters. Time and again, his co-stars have spoken about how generous, encouraging, and mentor-like he was behind the scenes.
In Case You Missed It: Alan Rickman And Michael Gambon’s ‘Harry Potter’ Set Prank Left Daniel Radcliffe Red-Faced In Front Of His Crush
Daniel Radcliffe eventually discovered that the actor had quite a mischievous side, though the experience wasn’t very pleasant for him. During one scene in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, where he was sleeping in a sleeping bag among the students, Rickman secretly hid a fart machine inside the bag, leaving Radcliffe red-faced in front of everyone.
His warmth extended far beyond jokes and his fellow cast members. Evanna Lynch once recalled how Rickman would regularly invite groups of children to visit the set. Seeing the actor in his flowing black robes surrounded by laughing kids became one of her favourite memories.
Even Rupert Grint’s embarrassing drawing had a surprisingly wholesome ending. Instead of getting offended, Rickman asked Grint to sign it and kept it with him. These stories always remind us how the man behind Severus Snape had the amazing ability to intimidate an entire cast with a single look but was also able to win everyone over with his warm nature.
You Might Also Like To Read: Top 10 ‘Harry Potter’ Characters the Movies Did Not Adapt Well
