Emma Thompson Reveals Alan Rickman’s Most Iconic Role Haunted Him
Emma Thompson opened up about Alan Rickman’s struggle with being typecast as a villain, sharing how his unforgettable turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves brought unexpected challenges to his career.
Alan Rickman ’s career is filled with unforgettable characters who often stood in the way of the story’s hero. Yet, as Emma Thompson recently shared, Rickman himself wasn’t always thrilled about being cast as the bad guy. In a conversation with GQ, Thompson reflected on her time working alongside Rickman, especially recalling his role as Colonel Brandon in the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. She remembered how much it meant to him to finally play a character with a good heart.
“Alan Rickman, God rest him, he was so happy to be playing someone heroic and nice,”
she said.
“Because he was so fed up with people wanting him to be the Sheriff of Nottingham.”
Rickman’s portrayal of the Sheriff in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, released in 1991, stands among his most celebrated performances, right alongside his turns as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. His over-the-top villainy in Robin Hood—threatening to cut out Kevin Costner ’s heart with a spoon and even canceling Christmas —earned him a BAFTA nomination and cemented his reputation as a master of the villainous role.
But Rickman’s talents went far beyond playing antagonists. Audiences also saw his softer side in roles like Colonel Brandon, the devoted boyfriend in Truly, Madly, Deeply, the angelic Metatron in Dogma, and the earnest Alexander Dane (Dr. Lazarus) in Galaxy Quest. These performances showcased his range and his ability to bring depth and warmth to every character he played.
While moviegoers may have flocked to see him as the ultimate villain, Rickman’s legacy is defined by his ability to captivate, whether he was playing a hero or a foe. No matter the role, his performances always left a lasting impression.