Alan Rickman’s Surprising Journey From Rejecting to Embracing Die Hard

When Alan Rickman first got his hands on the script for Die Hard, his reaction was anything but enthusiastic. At a BAFTA event, he remembered his initial response:

“What the hell is this? I’m not doing an action movie. ”

That first impression was blunt, and he was far from sold on the idea of joining a big-budget action flick.

Die Hard, released on July 22, 1988, was directed by John McTiernan and starred Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, and Bonnie Bedelia. The film quickly became a box office hit, raking in $143 million worldwide and earning an 8.2/10 rating on IMDb, along with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced by 20th Century Fox, it ’s now considered a classic in the action genre. But beneath the surface, there was more to the story than just explosions and shootouts.

What Made Rickman Rethink Die Hard

Rickman’s change of heart came from something he noticed in the script that set Die Hard apart from other action movies of its time. He was struck by how the film portrayed its Black characters. In an era when Hollywood often relegated them to minor or stereotypical roles, Die Hard took a different approach. 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 appreciated that these characters, whether heroes or villains, were given depth and intelligence. They weren’t just there for comic relief or background noise—they played real roles in the story’s outcome. For Rickman, this subtle but meaningful representation showed that the film understood the importance of subtext, without making a big show of being progressive.

Theater Roots Shaped Hans Gruber

Though new to Hollywood, Rickman brought a strong theater background to the set. He was used to questioning creative choices and offering his own ideas. When it came to his character, Hans Gruber, Rickman suggested that a tailored suit would be more fitting than military gear. At first, producer Joel Silver wasn’t thrilled with the suggestion, telling Rickman,

“Get the hell out of here, you’ll wear what you’re told.”

But soon after, Rickman received a revised script that reflected his input.

Rickman later said that his experience in theater paid off, allowing him to bring something extra to the role. He didn’t just play the villain—he elevated the character, making Hans Gruber one of the most memorable antagonists in movie history. Rickman himself once remarked that it

“showed it pays to have a little bit of theatre training.”

Legacy and Where to Watch

Rickman’s performance in Die Hard remains a standout, and his influence can still be felt in the way the film is remembered today. For those wanting to revisit his iconic role, Die Hard is currently available to stream on Prime Video in the United States.