Alan Rickman’s Surprising Turnaround on Die Hard Role
Alan Rickman nearly turned down Die Hard after reading the script, but a closer look changed his mind. Discover what made him reconsider and how his theatre roots shaped the film.
Alan Rickman’s first reaction to the Die Hard script was anything but enthusiastic. At a BAFTA gathering, he didn’t mince words about his initial impression:
“What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie.”
It’s fair to say he wasn’t exactly keen on the idea at first glance.
Die Hard, released in July 1988 and directed by John McTiernan, starred Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, and Bonnie Bedelia. The film scored an 8.2/10 on IMDb and a hefty 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, raking in $143 million worldwide for 20th Century Fox. But beneath the surface of this action-packed blockbuster, Rickman spotted something that set it apart from the usual fare.
Spotting Something Different in Die Hard
What made Rickman reconsider? It wasn’t the explosions or the shootouts. Instead, he noticed how the film handled its Black characters. At a time when most action flicks relegated them to background roles or tired stereotypes, Die Hard quietly did the opposite. Rickman pointed out,
“Every single black character in that film is positive and highly intelligent. So, 28 years ago, that’s quite revolutionary, and quietly so.”
He observed that these characters, even those on the wrong side of the law, were portrayed with depth and intelligence. They weren’t just there for a laugh or to fill space—they actually mattered to the story. For Rickman, this subtle approach showed the film understood the power of what’s left unsaid, without making a song and dance about being progressive.
Theatre Instincts on a Hollywood Set
Though new to the film industry, Rickman brought his stage experience to the table. He played Hans Gruber and quickly suggested that the character would be more convincing in a sharp suit rather than military gear. This didn’t go down well with producer Joel Silver, who snapped,
“Get the hell out of here, you’ll wear what you’re told.”
But not long after, Rickman received a revised script, showing his input hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Rickman later remarked that it
“showed it pays to have a little bit of theatre training.”
His background meant he wasn’t afraid to question choices or offer up new ideas, and it’s clear he brought something extra to the role of Hans Gruber.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Rickman’s performance in Die Hard is still talked about today, not just for the villainy but for the nuance he brought to the character. The film is now streaming on Prime Video in the US, giving a new generation of punters the chance to see what all the fuss is about.
This article first appeared on FandomWire.