Harry Potter fans floored as 'Snape' was nearly played by very different actor
Harry Potter could have had a very different actor portraying the sinister Severus Snape had casting choices changed slightly, with fans saying the actor who missed out would have "crushed" the role
Harry Potter could have had a very different actor portraying the sinister Severus Snape had casting choices changed slightly, with fans saying the actor who missed out would have "crushed" the roleFilm fans were left wondering if another actor would have 'crushed' the role as Severus Snape (
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures.)
The much-loved and critically acclaimed Harry Potter film franchise had another actor in mind for the role of Severus Snape.
Legendary actor Alan Rickman portrayed the character in the eight film instalments and became a beloved on-screen staple for the series, though producers had another veteran British star in mind for the role. Rickman, who was already established for his works in Die Hard and Michael Collins, landed the part and was author J.K. Rowling's first choice for Snape.
Now fans are realising the series could have had a very different portrayal of Snape, and many are saying he would have "crushed it" in the role. Some even suggested their portrayal could better that of Rickman's work.
A post to the r/TodayILearned subreddit reads: "Today I learned that Tim Roth was offered the role of Snape before Alan Rickman. Do you think he could've pulled it off?"
Fans were split on whether Roth, known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs and Meantime, could have pulled off the role. One wrote: "Tim Roth is a fantastic actor and I have no doubt he would have crushed it as Snape."
Another wrote: "There is no doubt that the late Alan Rickman did a fabulous job, seriously I can't imagine any other person portraying Snape, but Tim Roth was several years younger than the late Alan Rickman, who would have been more accurate to the original character."
A third wrote: "Yes, I think Tim Roth would’ve been a great Snape. Not better than Rickman’s, his portrayal of Snape was immaculate, but different and still great.
"Roth has done other roles with Snape’s dark and gloomy disposition, and he’s closer to book Snape in both age and appearance, so he’d have that going for him."
But some fans say Rickman was perfectly cast, and Roth could have fit into the series in a separate role. Though David Thewlis was said to have done a "fantastic" job as Remus Lupin, fans suggested Roth as a likely replacement for the role.
They wrote: "I love Tim Roth, but I would have actually cast him as Lupin over Snape.
"I didn't like the actor they used as Lupin at all. I can see that he would do a great job as Snape, but I would rather see him as Lupin just because I don't think that role was done justice. Man, he's too old for any of that generation at this point, so can't hope for the new show."
Another wrote: "Oh man. I really like David Thewlis as Lupin. I think he brings a softness that Roth doesn’t really have but Lupin needs. Roth is great at hard edges and intimidation. His Snape probably would have been closer to book Snape in my opinion."