Alan Rickman’s posthumously published diary revealed his true feelings about his Harry Potter co-stars, including critical views about Maggie Smith.

Playing the role of the most misunderstood character in the Harry Potter films—Severus Snape, Alan Rickman has been an integral part of the franchise. However, since his demise and the posthumous publication of his diary, it’s been made clear that the actor wasn’t quite fond of his association with the franchise. At least not initially.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape | image: Warner Bros.

However, one thing that has escaped fans’ notice is how he felt about some of his older castmates. According to excerpts from his diary, Alan Rickman had blatantly mocked the iconic star Maggie Smith, alongside several other veteran actors who shared the screen with him in the Harry Potter films.

Alan Rickman’s Diary Revealed His Candid Opinions About Maggie Smith

The magical world of Harry Potter has always been fascinating for fans, who have often wondered about their favorite characters during leisure. Particularly the grim character of Severus Snape, the master of Legilimency, has intrigued fans through generations regarding his thoughts and body language.

But it’s through the actor behind Severus Snape, Alan Rickman’s diary, that we uncovered what actually went behind the scenes in the actor’s mind. Well, apparently, the posthumously published diary entries of Rickman, shared by The Guardian revealed his true feelings about the franchise, as well as his views on some of his fellow actors.

Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman | image: Warner Bros.

While we all have been aware of Alan Rickman’s initial reservations about his role as Severus Snape, one thing that shocked even the house ghosts of Hogwarts was his complex feelings about his co-star, particularly Maggie Smith. Known for his distinctive voice and brooding presence, Rickman’s diary revealed how the actor had a critical take on Maggie Smith.

In his diary, Alan Rickman is quoted making berated remarks about Maggie Smith, who has garnered widespread acclaim for not just Harry Potter, but several other critically renowned films. According to his diary excerpt, Smith, who played the formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall, was called “glorified extras”.

Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall | image: Warner Bros.

There could be a new agency called Glorified Extras. It would include Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Robert Hardy, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Frances de la Tour, never mind the kids. 

It seems Alan Rickman just went too deep into his brooding Harry Potter character and simply channeled Severus Snape through his diary entries. Meanwhile, although the actor refrained from making any criticizing remarks about the child actors in this part of his diary, elsewhere Rickman can be found quoting his contempt for the younger stars.

Alan Rickman’s Surprising Views on His Young Harry Potter Co-Stars

Willing to quit the Harry Potter franchise in 2002, the Die Hard actor had harbored sharp observations about Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. Although the trio were merely children when they joined the magical franchise, Alan Rickman had revealed his critical and perhaps even cynical perspectives about each of them.

Criticizing Emma Watson and Rupert Grint for their respective performances, Alan Rickman had written in his diary how he believed that Daniel Radcliffe would never find success as an actor following their series. Well, he should have left the job of peeking into the future to Professor Trelawney, cause Radcliffe most certainly became one of the most celebrated actors of this generation.

These kids need directing. They don’t know their lines and Emma’s diction is this side of Albania at times.

Corridor with Dan Radcliffe. He’s so concentrated now. Serious and focused — but with a sense of fun. I still don’t think he’s really an actor but he will undoubtedly direct/produce. 

Rickman as Severus Snape with Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe | image: Warner Bros.

Alan Rickman’s candid notes suggested that the actor had strong opinions about his colleagues, which he did not always hide. The diary entries provided a rare peek into the behind-the-scenes atmosphere of the Harry Potter films through Rickman’s eyes, showing that even within the magical world of Hogwarts, not everything was as harmonious for him, as it appeared on screen.

The Harry Potter films are currently available to watch on Max.