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Before landing a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tim Roth appeared in several Quentin Tarantino films such asPulp FictionandReservoir Dogs. He was also famous for being labeled as one of the “Brit Pack,” a title given to young British actors who graced the screens in the early 90s.
But, before making his way intoThe Incredible HulkandShe-Hulkprojects, Tim Roth almost made it to theHarry Potterfranchise. He was offered the role of Severus Snape, a character famously portrayed by the late Alan Rickman.
RELATED:“I think the better man for the job did the job”: Marvel Star Tim Roth Doesn’t Regret Losing Fan-Favorite Harry Potter Role to Alan Rickman Despite Being Hated by His Kids For the Decision
Before Alan Rickman, Tim Roth Was The First Choice For Severus Snape
Rickman’s version has been celebrated byHarry Potterfans for his complex and ambiguous personality. The character appeared in all eight installments and is considered one of the best anti-heroes of all time. So, why did Tim Roth turn down the role?
Roth is years younger than Rickman and is more accurate to the character’s age. The actor expressed interest in the role but ultimately refused because he did not want to be typecast.
In an episode ofThere’s Something About Movies, Roth explained:
“I just thought, ‘I’ll be on every lunchbox or whatever it is. I’ll be known for that role.”
In aRedditpost, the actor responded to a question if he regrets his choice:
“It was very different from what I was planning to do with the character, and that’s OK. Do I regret it? I don’t know if I ever think about things that way. If I had done it, everything would have changed. That’s the nature of the randomness of life.”
That same year, he accepted a part in Tim Burton’sPlanet of the Apes. The Severus Snape role went to Alan Rickman. In fact, the latter was J.K. Rowling’s first choice for the character. Many fans believed that she wrote him with Rickman in mind.
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Alan Rickman Almost Quit Severus Snape Role Amid Sickness
Had Tim Roth accepted the role, it would have made a huge difference in the movie. Rickman played the part so well, and for a decade, fans loved his embodiment of the complexity of Snape.
Unfortunately, Rickman passed away five years after his last appearance in theHarry Potterfranchise. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2016, which left fans devastated. In his bookMadly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, which is a collection of the actor’s diary entries, he revealed his deepest sentiments. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005, and despite wanting to quitHarry Potter, Rickman kept the role. In a journal entry, he said:
“Finally, yes to HP 5. The sensation is neither up nor down. The argument that wins is the one that says: ‘See it through. It’s your story.”
It would be hard to imagine, especially for avidHarry Potterfans, another actor playing the role other than Alan Rickman. Although it is intriguing to witness Tim Roth’s version and take on the iconic anti-hero, no one could ever replace Rickman’s portrayal of Professor Severus Snape.
RELATED:“Do what I do. Absolutely f—king nothing”: Alan Rickman Gave Sagely Advice to Jason Isaacs During the Quidditch Scene in Harry Potter When He Was Absolutely Confused
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
