How One Harry Potter Star Knew the Final Twist While Others Were Kept in the Dark

Even in the magical world of Harry Potter, some secrets were kept tighter than others. While most of the cast had no idea what would happen to their characters, one actor was always one step ahead.

During the 20th anniversary special Return to Hogwarts, Daniel Radcliffe revealed that the late Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, was the only cast member with the “inside line.”

At the time, J.K. Rowling was still writing the later books, so the actors often learned about their characters’ fates at the same time as the rest of the world. Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, admitted he sometimes felt lost. “I wish I’d had the whole picture,” Oldman told Radcliffe, explaining that neither the actors nor the directors really knew where the story was going.

Rickman, however, had approached Rowling early on because he wanted to understand Snape’s true motivations. She gave him a tiny but crucial piece of information: the word Always. This secret allowed Rickman to give Snape a layer of mystery that even the directors couldn’t fully understand at the time.

Radcliffe recalled how director Chris Columbus would often ask Rickman why he said a line a certain way or made a particular choice. Rickman would just reply, “I’ll tell you later.” Fans only understood the meaning once the final book was released, revealing that Snape’s actions were all tied to his secret love for Lily Potter.

Rickman’s performance has left a lasting legacy, but the actors who worked with him have also stayed busy. Daniel Radcliffe recently returned to Broadway with the solo play Every Brilliant Thing. He’s also been opening up about life as a dad, joking that he’s become “a total emotional wreck” since his son was born.

Gary Oldman has had a busy year. He won the AACTA International Award for Best Actor for his role as Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses. Oldman has hinted that retirement might be near after the series ends. He’s also set to return to the London stage this May to direct and star in a new production of Krapp’s Last Tape.

Meanwhile, the wizarding world is preparing for a new generation. HBO confirmed a new Harry Potter series aiming for an early 2027 release, with Dominic McLaughlin cast as the new Harry. The show is expected to follow the books more closely than ever.

Still, no one will likely ever match the mystery Alan Rickman brought to Snape. His subtle choices and secret knowledge made the character unforgettable, and fans continue to celebrate his performance more than a decade later.

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